Skin Infections in Children

Skin infections in children can cause painful, itchy rashes or asymptomatic bumps. Most skin infections are caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. These infections can be spread from person to person through contact with an infected person or object (such as a toy), or through sharing things like towels or clothing.

This is a bacterial infection that causes crusted oozing patches to appear on the skin. Impetigo patches can be contagious and spread between close contacts.

This is a bacterial infection that causes tiny red bumps to appear around hair follicles. It can be caused by improper shaving techniques, tight clothing, and certain medications.

This is a viral infection that causes small raised spots to appear on the skin. Once infected, your child can easily spread molluscum to their close contacts, or to different areas of their own body. Molluscum is often seen in children who have underlying eczema where the impaired skin barrier allows the viral infection to spread easily.

These are caused by a virus known as human papillomavirus. Warts are most commonly found on the hands, feet and face of children. These can spread to other people via skin to skin contact, or spread when the child picks at their warts.

If you have concerns that your child has a skin infection, do see a good dermatologist to have the infection assessed and treated appropriately.