Some Rash Diseases Can Be Dangerous in Children

<p>Different types of bacteria and viruses infect children in various ways and cause skin rashes. These rashes are various and are grouped under the heading 'Rash Diseases'. The most well-known rash diseases are measles, rubella, scarlet fever and chickenpox, but there are also erythema infectiosum and roseola infantum, <span class="markcm0xdoc1c" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">some of which</span>can lead to the termination of vital functions.</p> <p><b>Scarlet fever :</b> Scarlet fever is caused by respiratory infection with beta-hemolytic bacteria. The incubation period is between 1 and 7 days. After the incubation period of 12 to 24 hours with head, throat and abdominal pain, a red, pinhead-sized rash appears on the skin. The patient's face is red, the area around the mouth is pale and the tonsils are swollen. As the disease progresses, the tongue becomes covered with red spots. The rashes caused by this disease, which causes weakness and loss of appetite in children, begin to peel off within five or six days and this peeling can last for weeks. When scarlet fever, for which there is no vaccine, is treated, it usually resolves quickly. If treatment is delayed, the toxins produced by the bacteria can lead to serious health problems such as inflammation of the kidney tissue, inflammation of the heart muscle and valves and inflammation of the joints.</p> <p><b>Measles (Rubeola):</b> The oldest known childhood disease. It usually occurs in babies older than six months. Measles, which is caused by a respiratory virus, is most common in spring and winter, causing outbreaks every few years in countries where vaccination is not practiced. People who get measles once are immune for life. The first symptoms of measles are high fever, swollen neck lymph nodes, eye inflammation, catarrhal cough and fear of light. With the onset of the rash, the temperature rises considerably. The mortality rate from measles is around 3%. The most common complications are otitis media, pneumonia and diarrhea. In the long term, the disease can cause behavioral changes, seizures, visual impairment and loss of consciousness, leading to death. The most effective prevention method against the disease, which can be treated with plenty of fluids, rest and painkillers, is vaccination.</p> <p><b>Rubella (German measles): </b>Rubella, which usually occurs in spring and winter, is caused by the "Rubella" virus. This virus is transmitted by inhalation, contact and through the placenta to the baby. It is characterized by headache, mild fever, weakness and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. A few days after these complaints, rashes start and spread throughout the body within a day. Congenital rubella is the most serious complication of the disease. It occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy and is characterized by congenital abnormalities. To prevent this, contact between rubella patients and pregnant women should be avoided. The disease, which can be prevented by vaccination, is treated with plenty of fluids, antipyretics and rest.</p> <p><b>Chickenpox :</b> Chickenpox, caused by the Varicella zoster virus, can be seen at any age and usually occurs in school-age people. Like other rash diseases, its incidence increases in spring and winter. It is a highly contagious disease. Chickenpox rashes can also appear on the scalp, inside the mouth and eyes, starting from the trunk. The rash is accompanied by high fever. In healthy children, the disease can be short and mild, but <span class="markcm0xdoc1c" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">in some</span>it can be more severe, causing pneumonia, secondary bacterial skin infections and inflammation of the brain tissue. Even if children who have chickenpox become immune to the disease, their immune system may be suppressed in later life, leading to shingles.</p> <p><b>Erythema infectiosum : </b>A disease caused by a virus called Parvovirus B19. It is most common in children between 15 years of age in the spring. Symptoms include mild fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose and upper respiratory tract infection. After two or three days of these symptoms, asymmetrical itchy rashes appear on the cheeks. Once the rash appears, the contagiousness ends. There is no specific treatment, in addition to the treatment methods used in other rash diseases such as rest, antipyretics and painkillers, bathing and protection from excessive heat are also helpful practices.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Updated: 09.03.2022, 09:00</p> <p>This content has been published with the approval of Atakent Health Group Medical Editorial Board. The content published on the page is prepared with scientific data at the time of registration and is for informational purposes only. There is no content on curative health care. Please consult your physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.</p>