Condition Lookup

Diaper rash

Specialty: Pediatrics

Symptoms:
redness and inflammation in the diaper area; tender skin; itching or discomfort; scaly or bumpy patches; blistering or open sores in severe cases

Root Cause:
Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled diapers, friction, or irritation from diaper materials or wipes. May also involve fungal (Candida) or bacterial infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on physical examination of the affected area and a review of the child’s symptoms and diapering habits.

Treatment:
Frequent diaper changes, use of barrier creams (e.g., zinc oxide or petroleum jelly), air-drying the area, and avoiding irritants. Antifungal or antibiotic creams may be prescribed for infections.

Medications:
Barrier creams (e.g., zinc oxide or petroleum jelly); antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole , miconazole ) for fungal infections; mild corticosteroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone ) for inflammation in severe cases. Antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin ) may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very common, particularly in infants and toddlers wearing diapers; affects up to 25% of infants at some point.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged diaper use, infrequent diaper changes, sensitive skin, diarrhea, antibiotic use (affecting normal skin flora), or recent introduction of new foods.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper care; symptoms usually resolve within a few days of treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary bacterial or fungal infections if left untreated.

Molluscum contagiosum

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Miscellaneous Conditions

Sub-category: Skin Conditions

Symptoms:
small, firm, raised bumps on the skin; bumps with a central dimple; itching or redness around the bumps; possible inflammation or infection in scratched lesions

Root Cause:
Caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus) spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, contaminated objects, or water (e.g., swimming pools).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions during a physical examination; biopsy may be performed in atypical cases.

Treatment:
Often self-limiting, resolving without treatment within 6-12 months. Physical removal (cryotherapy, curettage) or topical treatments (e.g., salicylic acid, tretinoin) may speed up resolution.

Medications:
Topical agents such as salicylic acid, potassium hydroxide, or tretinoin for lesion removal; antiviral creams like imiquimod or cidofovir in rare severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in children under 10 years; more prevalent in tropical climates or crowded settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close physical contact, shared towels or toys, atopic dermatitis, or swimming in pools.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally resolves spontaneously without scarring, though treatment may help in persistent cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary bacterial infection if lesions are scratched or irritated; scarring may occur after removal or healing.

Erythema multiforme

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Miscellaneous Conditions

Sub-category: Skin Conditions

Symptoms:
target-like red lesions with central clearing; rash often on hands, feet, or face; itching or burning; possible fever or fatigue in severe cases

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction, often triggered by infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus) or medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation of target lesions; history of recent infections or medications; biopsy in uncertain cases.

Treatment:
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., antiviral therapy for herpes); symptomatic relief with antihistamines or corticosteroids. Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care.

Medications:
Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir ) if herpes-related; corticosteroids (oral or topical) to reduce inflammation; antihistamines for itching. Severe cases may require immunosuppressive therapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in children and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent herpes simplex virus infection, other viral infections (e.g., Mycoplasma pneumoniae), or use of medications like sulfa drugs, NSAIDs, or anticonvulsants.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually resolves within 2-4 weeks; recurrences are common if the underlying trigger is not addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to severe forms like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis; secondary skin infections.