DERMATOLOGY

Atopic dermatitis is a very common condition in childhood. It is often associated with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. It has a chronic course, with periods of crisis and calm. Skin lesions show varying degrees of redness and scaling. Itching is also variable.

The atopic patient has an anomalous skin reactivity. This is due to genetic factors, immunological and non-immune mechanisms. In these people, skin dryness is a constant factor due to less natural skin protection. Some precautions, such as avoiding hot baths and excessive use of soap, help control the disease, or the frequent use of moisturizers as well.


With an advancing age, there is a tendency for improvement and even resolution of the atopy condition. But atopic dermatitis can persist into adulthood in some cases. Monitoring these patients is very important, as there are ways to control acute crises and, by instituting the correct treatment, reduce the number, intensity and duration of these crises.

Diaper dermatitis is a very common condition in early childhood. It is caused by the contact of urine and feces retained by the diapers on the baby's skin.

This dermatitis causes skin irritation, with maceration and sweat retention. The condition is often aggravated by the use of irritating oils, soaps and ointments. There is also a risk of the appearance of secondary bacterial and/or fungal infection.

To prevent diaper dermatitis, it is important to change diapers frequently, without allowing urine and feces to accumulate. In addition, dermatological evaluation is essential to confirm and develope an associated bacterial and/or fungal infection, and to decide the best type of treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease caused by a parapoxvirus that most commonly affects children, but it is not serious. It only affects the skin and, exceptionally, the mucous membranes. It is transmitted by individual contact, indicating it´s contagious abilities. The treatment, which consists of removing the lesions mechanically or chemically, can be done in the doctor's surgery.

Common warts, popularly known as fish eyes, are the most common type of wart. They are caused by many different strains of HPV. Its transmission occurs by direct contact or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

The lesion has a hardened appearance and it is possible to observe black dots on its surface, leading to a characteristic appearance. It can occur in any area of the body, but is most commonly found on hands and feet, and spreads by scratching and trauma. Therefore, it must be handled properly.

It is the most common vascular tumor in childhood (occurrence of 10-12% in children up to one year of age). It can be present at birth or appear in the child's first year of life. In general, they are single lesions that appear like violet nodules and spontaneously regress. However, all cases must be evaluated to verify the need for early treatment.