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]

Treatment

Viral warts

Treatment
Salicylic acid
Cryotherapy
Other treatments

Impetigo

Impetigo contagiosa
Bullous impetigo
Treatment
Oral antibiotics
Topical antiseptics

Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)

Treatment

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Molluscum contagiosum is not always benign

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