Boo-Boos, Bruises and Bumps

Common Skin Problems in Children

By Crystal Patriarche

You can tell a lot about a child by looking at their appendages arms, elbows, legs and knees. The arms and legs are like canvases mapped out by various bruises, scrapes, bumps, bites and rashes. Of course, every mother can tell you a story behind each precious mark, each dramatic boo-boo.

But sometimes it's hard to distinguish between a bite, a rash, an allergic reaction or an ongoing skin problem that needs attention.

The most common skin problems in children are bug bites, scrapes, bruises and diaper rash in young children. Eczema and skin infections due to bacteria, viruses and fungi are also quite common, according to Dr. Mary Stone at the University of Iowa Division of Dermatology.

"Insect bites usually appear in clusters or rows of three," says Dr. Ronald Glick, an osteopathic physician in Mesa, Ariz. "Think breakfast, lunch and dinner."

According to Dr. Glick, spider bites are the most common, as well as bites from mosquitoes and fleas. "Fleas can live in carpet for three months," he says.

Children are more likely to get bigger reactions to bug bites than adults and because they spend more time playing outdoors, they are more likely to get bitten, according to Dr. Stone.

Insect bites are painful, itchy, red and swollen bumps that can be treated with medicated creams, cool baths and antihistamines to relieve pain and itching.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a very common, chronic or long-lasting disease that affects the skin. "Atopic" refers to diseases that are hereditary (run in families) and often occur together, like asthma and allergies. "Dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin.

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