BMJ  2004;329:95-99 (10 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7457.95

Clinical review

Common skin infections in children

¹ Department of Dermatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Introduction

Most children will have a skin infection at some time. Skin infections are a common reason for consultation in primary care and in dermatology practice.^1-3 We review four common skin infections in children and describe their epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment, focusing on treatments with best evidence.

Sources and selection criteria

We searched Medline and the Cochrane Library using the terms "molluscum," "warts," "impetigo," and "tinea." We included randomised trials, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign, self limiting viral infection of the skin. It generally affects children and is caused by a human specific poxvirus. Infection is rare in children under 1 year of age and typically occurs in the 2-5 year age group.⁴ Although the prevalence of molluscum contagiosum is not known, one of six Dutch children have visited their doctor for the condition.⁵

Infection follows autoinoculation or contact with affected people.⁶ The incubation period is from two weeks . . . [Full text of this article]

Viral warts

Impetigo

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    StumbleUpon    Technorati    What's this?

Relevant Articles

Scabies: diagnosis and treatment

Graham Johnston and Mike Sladden
BMJ 2005 331: 619-622. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

More common skin infections in children

Michael J Sladden and Graham A Johnston
BMJ 2005 330: 1194-1198. [Extract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Molluscum contagiosum is not always benign

Richard M Redmond
BMJ 2004 329: 403. [Extract] [Full Text]

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Lio, P A (2007). What's missing from this picture? An approach to alopecia in children. EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 92: 193-198 [Full text]  
• Nield, L. S., Keri, J. E., Kamat, D. (2006). Alopecia in the General Pediatric Clinic: Who to Treat, Who to Refer. CLIN PEDIATR 45: 605-612  
• Johnston, G., Sladden, M. (2005). Scabies: diagnosis and treatment. BMJ 331: 619-622 [Full text]  
• Sladden, M. J, Johnston, G. A (2005). More common skin infections in children. BMJ 330: 1194-1198 [Full text]  
• Redmond, R. M (2004). Molluscum contagiosum is not always benign. BMJ 329: 403-403 [Full text]  

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Molluscum contagiosum is not always benign

Richard M Redmond
bmj.com, 15 Jul 2004 [Full text]

Online poll

Find out more >>