Home | | Paediatrics | Paediatrics: Red scaly rashes

Chapter: Paediatrics: Dermatology

Paediatrics: Red scaly rashes

Psoriasis affects 1–2% of the population. One third develops the disease before age 20.

Red scaly rashes

 

Psoriasis

 

Psoriasis affects 1–2% of the population. One third develops the disease before age 20. It is an immune mediated disorder of T cells. There is a strong genetic component in childhood psoriasis, however, environmental factors such as infection (streptococcal and HIV), stress, smoking (pustular psoriasis) and drugs (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, thiazides, lithium, interferon and antimalarials) also play a role.

 

Presentation

 

   Red, well-demarcated plaques with overlying silvery scale.

   Classically affects elbows, knees, and scalp.

   However, facial (40%) and napkin (25%) psoriasis is a common presentation in children.

   The clinical appearance may be site-modified in the scalp (concretions), genital area (glazed), palms and sole (pustules).

   Variant presentations include guttate (small plaque), annular (ring-like), pustular and erythrodermic (>90% skin affected).

   Common nail signs include pitting, onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed) and subungual hyperkeratosis (distal thickening).

   Psoriatic arthropathy may develop.

 

Treatment

 

General measures

 

   Soap avoidance.

 

   Moisturize immediately after bath/shower.

 

   Provide emotional support (very important).

 

   Remove any precipitating triggers.

 

Specific measures

 

   Topical steroids

 

   Topical tar and salicylic acid creams

 

   Topical calcipotriol (vitamin D derivative)

 

   Those patients that do not respond to topical therapy and general measures may be referred to a dermatologist for consideration of phototherapy and systemic agents (acitretin, cyclosporin, methotrexate and biologics).

 

Prognosis 

May be life-long or spontaneously remit.

Contact dermatitis

 

Irritant contact dermatitis

 

In children irritant contact dermatitis due to urine, faeces and friction in the napkin area is common. It spares the folds, favours convexities and there may be s Candida infection. Frequent nappy changes, drying after bathing and use of a barrier cream may help to prevent this. Hydrocortisone cream in combination with an antifungal cream are the treatment of choice.

 

Allergic contact dermatitis

 

Allergic contact dermatitis (delayed type IV hypersensitivity) less common; often occurs in older children. Strong reactions often cause an acute blis-tering and weeping eczema. Common allergens include nickel (earrings), colophony (sticking plasters), topical medicaments (topical neomycin and preservatives), some henna tattoos, plants (e.g. poison ivy) and rubber. Treatment is allergen withdrawal and topical steroids.

 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

 

Pityriasis rosea

 

Self-limiting condition common between ages 1 and 6yrs. Cause Probably s reaction to viral infections. Presentation

 

·Distinctive initial truncal (usually) oval, red, scaly ‘herald patch’ (2–5cm diameter).

Several days later generalized smaller scaly, yellowish-pink patches develop over trunk and proximal limbs.

 

Characteristic ‘Christmas tree’ distribution common. Patches follow lines parallel to ribs.

 

·Pruritus, malaise, lymphadenopathy may occur.

 

Treatment 

Reassurance. Antipruritics may be required.

 

Prognosis 

Resolves after 4–6wks usually, but may persist for several months.

 

Tinea infections

 

Study Material, Lecturing Notes, Assignment, Reference, Wiki description explanation, brief detail
Paediatrics: Dermatology : Paediatrics: Red scaly rashes |


Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant

Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.