About the bumps on the body in children
Skin rashes (bumps on the body, in common terms) include irritations, acne, birthmarks, papules, pustules, macules, etc. These bumps can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, dermatitis, allergies or other pathologies.
Most of these eruptions are self-limiting (they pass by themselves in a maximum of 14 days) and do not require treatment; in rarer cases, they may appear in the context of low immunity and may require treatment for a good cure and the elimination of the risk of aggravation of the pathology that led to the appearance of these bumps in children.
What are the causes of bumps on the body
Rashes in children have countless causes, starting with contact, allergic, viral, up to systemic, autoimmune causes. Among the most common causes of bumps on the body in children are:
- dermatitis: is the general term that describes inflammation of the skin. This is evidenced by the appearance of red bumps on the skin, along with itching (pruritus) and dry skin. Dermatitis can appear at any age of the child, in several situations, the most common being diaper irritation, eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis;
- viral infections: a wide range of viruses can cause rashes: measles, rubella, measles, chickenpox, molluscum contagiosum, roseola infantum and hand-foot-mouth disease;
- chicken pox: causes, at first, the appearance of bumps on the face, chest and back, later evolving on the whole body. The bumps turn into very annoying eruptions (itching), form fluid, then crusts;
- measles: the onset resembles that of chicken pox, starting at the level of the head and continuing to the rest of the body. The bumps are red, flat and, during the course of the disease, other white bumps may appear on top of the already existing red ones;
- Rubella: looks very similar to measles, with red and pink bumps that start on the face and neck and progress all over the body. It can be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough or stuffy nose;
- molluscum contagiosum: it is the virus that causes a mild rash, but which is often very unpleasant for the child. Pimples are like bumps on the child’s skin, often pink or pearly white, painless, but can remain present for several months, even years;
- hand-foot-mouth disease: produces red bumps on the mouth, palms and soles. The rash can develop into blisters or bumps on the skin, which can be very painful. It is generally self-limiting and resolves on its own within 7-14 days;
- impetigo: infection caused by Group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. It is common in children between the ages of two and five, but can occur at any age. Impetigo can be recognized by the red blisters or honey-colored (yellowish) crusts that appear, most frequently, around the child’s mouth and nose;
- urticaria: rash characterized by small, pinkish-red bumps that cause itching on the skin. It can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, stress or even cold temperatures;
- warts: caused by papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes hard rashes on the skin, predominantly on the hands and fingers, but can appear anywhere. The immune system can fight this infection very well, and the bumps will disappear on their own;
- the most common during adolescence is puberty acne: it is characterized by small white-pink bumps predominantly on the forehead, cheeks and chin. It can be caused by a diet rich in chocolate, processed food, alcohol consumption or hormonal background. It generally disappears after the age of 18.
What are the risk factors associated with body bumps?
Rashes in children are generally self-limiting and not life-threatening. Most of them are classified as “childhood diseases” and represent a stage that a child goes through when they are young and that will protect them throughout their lives.
Risk factors for the appearance of bumps on the body can be taken into account:
- community, going to kindergarten, contact with sick children;
- allergies to food, medicines, dust or mites;
- stress;
- autoimmune diseases;
- viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
What are the symptoms associated with the appearance of bumps on the body
Symptoms differ depending on the underlying cause of the bumps. These, predominantly, are minor and pass by themselves in a maximum of 14 days. The most common symptoms are:
- pink-red or white body bumps;
- fluid blisters;
- pruritus (itching);
- dry skin;
- fever;
- cough;
- general bad/altered condition.
What are the diagnostic methods?
When you notice the appearance of bumps on your child’s body, it is recommended to go with him for a check-up. The pediatrician can make a correct diagnosis.
Generally, no further investigations are needed for a diagnosis. However, if the child’s condition worsens, the doctor may recommend:
- Blood Tests;
- identification of the pathogen;
- chest x-ray;
- abdominal ecography.
What are the treatment options?
In most cases, treatment is not necessary as the bumps heal on their own within a maximum of 14 days.
If fever occurs, antithermics can be used. In addition, in the case of itchy bumps, topical solutions can be used to relieve itching. In the case of allergies, it is preferable to avoid the factors that lead to the appearance of bumps as much as possible.
Optimum hydration of the child during that period is very important. In addition, in case of a contagious disease, it is recommended that the little one stay at home, not be taken to the community for at least ten days.
What are the methods of prevention?
There are no specific preventive measures against the appearance of bumps on the body in children. Some of these may be:
- limiting contact with possible foods/medicines that can cause allergic reactions;
- avoiding contact with people who have cold symptoms or skin rashes;
- maintaining an environment as clean as possible;
- adequate nutrition and hydration to maintain the child’s immunity.
Bibliography:
- “Common Skin Conditions & Rashes in Children: Causes & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 2022,
- “Contact Dermatitis – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org
- “Impetigo – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2022, www.mayoclinic.org
