Dermatological Pediatric Foot Disorders
A dermatological pediatric foot disorder is a skin disorder of a child's foot. There are many types of disorders that can be caused by a multitude of factors such as bacteria, fungus and a deficient immune system. Exactly how you treat a child's dermatological foot disorder depends on these factors.
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Types
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The types of dermatological pediatric foot disorders include rosacea, athlete's foot, psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. Impetigo is another skin disorder that affects children and can occur anywhere on the body, although it most often occurs around the nose, mouth, hands and forearms.
Causes
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Impetigo is caused by the infection of one of two bacteria: staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus. It most often enters the body when an existing skin complication, such as eczema or poison oak rash, is irritated. The cause of eczema depends on what type of eczema is present (atopic, discoid), but is often linked to hereditary factors, such as hay fever or asthma. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection of the feet, known as tinea pedis. Psoriasis is caused by deficiency in the immune system.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms rely primarily on the type of foot disorder. For example, psoriasis is marked by patches of red, inflamed skin with silvery scales. These patches are typically sore and may itch. Foot eczema causes circular lesions that itch and may weep fluid (a disorder known as discoid eczema). Patches of whitened skin that occur from a loss of melanin may indicate vitiligo. Symptoms may be as simple as blistering, crusting or oozing of the skin caused by athlete's foot.
Treatment
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Treatment for dermatological pediatric foot disorders generally involves some form of topical emollient, steroid, cream or ointment. Light therapy involving things like lasers and alternative medicines have also been used to treat the skin. Antibacterial and anti-fungal ointments and soaps are available to treat disorders like impetigo and athlete's foot. Consult a doctor or physician if you are unsure about which treatment is best.
Prevention/Solution
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Diligent hand washing will help keep contagious disorders like impetigo and athlete's foot controlled. Do not allow the child to share clothes, especially socks, if he has a dermatological foot disorder. Do not give the child wool socks or socks made from synthetic material, as these can irritate symptoms. Call a doctor if a rash persists longer than a few weeks or does not abate with treatment.
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