Mycosis or skin fungus in children: symptoms and treatment

Mycosis or skin fungus in children: symptoms and treatment.

The most common mycoses are thrush, diaper rash caused by fungi and ringworms. They mainly affect the mouth, feet and scalp. Fungal infections are treated with antifungal ointments or a medicine by mouth in the case of the scalp that inhibit the growth of fungi. They are more frequent in the summer. The most common mycoses that can occur in babies are thrush, diaper rash and ringworm.

How does mycosis manifest itself in children?

The signs of infection are different depending on the affected area of the body.
The baby's MUGHETTO manifests itself with a whitish patina adhering to the tongue or palate which, if detached, leaves a reddened area.

NAPPY DERMATITIS of mycotic origin presents with red plaques and vesicles in the groin or around the anus. Keep in mind that diaper rash is often not caused by fungus, but by simple irritation from contact with urine and feces. (Read the article on the topic Diaper rash)

TIGNE are easily recognized because they cause annular lesions, that is ring-shaped, with the raised and reddened edge and the lighter center, which gradually expand and can cause itching. If they affect the scalp, they cause patchy hair loss.
The mycosis of the nail appears as an opacification of the nail plate which also appears distorted and yellowed. It is very rare in children.

How are mycoses in babies treated?

In most cases it is sufficient to apply an antifungal ointment on the affected skin , which inhibits the growth of fungi: "Generally a topical therapy with imidazole derivatives is effective , but in the folds it is very useful to add brushing with eosin " says the dermatologist. The duration of the treatment is quite long - even three weeks - especially when it comes to ringworms.

As for thrush, oral mucosal drugs can be used, which are not absorbed by the infant. But avoid the do-it-yourself, you need to consult the pediatrician.

For scalp ringworms, on the other hand, treatment with an antifungal by mouth is necessary: generally, griseofulvin is used, an effective drug well tolerated by children, which must be used for at least 3 weeks.

If the mycosis affects the nails, a topical therapy based on antifungal enamels is always tried in children, to be used for at least 3 months.

Is it true that mycoses are more frequent in summer?

In summer, mycoses are more frequent, because the hot-humid climate favors the proliferation of these microorganisms, but also because summer clothing leaves the skin more exposed and children's outdoor activities spread infections more easily among individuals.

Are there any rules for preventing mycosis?

For thrush and mycotic diaper rash, the only useful prevention rule is to not abuse antibiotics. In fact, antibiotics cause an imbalance in the intestinal bacterial flora. The child in that situation will get infections more easily.

For ringworms, the prevention rules are: avoid contact with stray animals (even puppies) and with subjects affected by ringworm. "To avoid contagion, if a child or an adult discovers that they have mycosis, they must treat the affected areas of the body and then cover them with plasters or bandages, avoiding contact with other people," says the dermatologist.

Finally, as a general rule, avoid the use of common objects, such as towels or clothing, and keep the baby's skin dry, especially in the folds.