Scabies (Parasitic Skin Infection)

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childhood infections, Children Skin Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, Laser Clinic Singapore, parasitic skin infections, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Scabies, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic

Scabies

Scabies is caused by the scabies mite (a parasite). It causes intense itch which can be worse at night. Scabies commonly affects the hands, wrists and fingers. It can also affect the elbows, armpits, nipples and buttocks. In males, the genitalia are often affected.

How do you get scabies?

The parasite burrows into the skin of infected patients. It is transmitted by close person-to person contact, and by sharing same bed or clothing. The whole family can be affected as scabies is quite infectious.

How is scabies treated?

The mite can be killed by the use of effective medication like Benzyl Benzoate Emulsion, Malathion or Permethrin.  Attention should be paid to the specific instruction on how the medication should be applied.

Why does it itch even after treatment?

You may still itch for some days to weeks after correct treatment. This is because of the development of a hypersensitive reaction of your body to the dead mite. Your doctor will prescribe anti- itch medication and steroid creams. Do not apply excessive amounts of the anti- scabies medication.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

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Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome (Bacterial Infection)

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Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome

This is a very serious skin infection and requires immediate medical attention. Staphylococcus Scalded Skin Syndrome is potentially fatal and requires treatment with intra-venous antibiotics. It presents as red blistering skin with fever and typically affects children less than 5 years old, especially neonates.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Impetigo ( Bacterial Infection )

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Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection commonly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pyogenes. It is contagious can spread via skin to skin contact. It may complicate eczema or insect bites. It presents as yellow crust on the skin. It should be treated with antibiotics. In some patients, the bacteria are carried in their noses and it is important to apply antibiotic cream to the insides of the nose to eradicate the bacteria.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Molluscum Contagiosum (Viral Infection )

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Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is another common skin infection seen in children. It is caused by the pox virus and involves the outer layers of the skin causing tiny white bumps. The center of the bumps may have a depression filled with a whitish material. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious and can transmit to other areas of the body or to other children. It can spread via skin to skin contact and sharing of clothes and towels. It is advisable to avoid swimming if your child has molluscum contagiosum. Infants and toddlers are more susceptible to getting molluscum. Usually it causes no harm.

Treatment

Treatment of molluscum includes pricking the white bumps, freezing it with liquid nitrogen, or applying a medicated cream (imiquimod). Left untreated, molluscum may last for 2-3 years. It clears when immunity to the virus develops.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Viral Warts ( Viral Infection )

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childhood infections, children infections, Children Skin Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, Laser Clinic Singapore, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic, viral infections, viral warts

Viral warts

Viral warts are by far the most common skin infections, seen in both adults and children. They are caused by the human papilloma virus. They can grow on any part of the body including the fingers and toes. Warts have a rough surface on which tiny, dark dots can often be seen. On pressure areas like the palms or soles, they appear flat. Warts on the soles can be painful when standing or walking. Warts on the genitalia are usually sexually acquired.

Wartsare harmless skin growth and can never turn cancerous. However, they can be a nuisance. Warts are contagious and can spread from 1 child to another or from 1 part of the body to another.

We don’t know why some people get warts and others don’t. There is no way to prevent warts.

Treatment

There is no perfect treatment for warts. Current treatment consists of destroying the outer layer of skin where the wart grows on. This can be done by surgery (including laser), electrocautery (destroying with a weak electric current), by freezing (with liquid nitrogen) or with chemicals like salicylic acid. The treatment to be used depends on the location and size of warts. Sometimes new warts will form while existing ones are being destroyed.

Despite treatment, some warts occasionally fail to disappear. Warts may return weeks or months after being removed. Do not be worried if the wart recurs; just consult your dermatologist for further treatment.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Childhood Eczema

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childhood birthmarks, Children Skin Dermatologist, Chilhood Eczema, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, Laser Clinic Singapore, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is the most common skin condition among Singaporean children. It affects about 20% (1 in 5) of school-going children in Singapore. For reasons that are not completely understood, eczema occurs more commonly in urbanized and wealthy countries. It can cause significant distress to both the child and the care-giver. It is not easy to take care of a child with eczema as this condition can last for many years and takes great effort on the part of the care-givers.

Most children show signs of eczema before they are 7 years old. Some outgrow their eczema in their teenage years. Many of these children also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma apart from sensitive skin. This is known as the atopic triad. Their family members may also suffer from these conditions as it tends to run in families.

The heat and humidity in Singapore does aggravate eczema as do harsh soaps. It will be advisable to use gentle soap in children with eczema and it is important not to over-wash them.

Many parents are adverse to the idea of applying steroids as they think steroids can cause severe side effects. In fact, steroids can help alleviate eczema and is an important part of eczema treatment. The important thing is to use steroid in the correct strength, in the correct amount, in the correct place and for a correct length of time. Problems arise when potent steroids are used for too long a period. It is important to see a dermatologist who will advise you on which steroid to use in which part of the body and for how long. It is also important to tail down the potency of the steroids once the rash is better.

Another method I find very useful is known as the wet wraps therapy. This involves applying a layer of wet cloth to the skin after the application of topical steroid and moisturizer. I only recommend this for areas of the skin that are more serious. The cloth should be left in contact with the skin for at least 90 minutes. This regime can be repeated daily for 5-7 days and will lead to improvement in the skin condition.

With the correct understanding and treatment, even the most severe eczema can get better and affected child will have a better quality of life.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Mongolian Spots

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Mongolian Spots

This is a very common pigmentary disorder that affects most Asian babies. It occurs less commonly in Caucasian babies. It appears as greenish pigmentation usually on the back and buttocks. The pigmentation normally lightens as the child grows up. However, in some cases, the pigmentation may persist into adulthood. Mongolian spots can be lightened by the use of a laser. The laser therapy is safe and well- tolerated. Again, many sessions may be required to give good cosmetic outcome.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Nevus of Ota

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Nevus of Ota

This is a common pigmentary condition that presents with a brownish grey patch on the face. It usually affects both upper cheeks. The pigmentation can affect the eyes as well.

The discoloration can be treated with a laser that lightens the pigmentation. Many treatment sessions will be required. It is a very safe treatment and most children will only require an application of an anaesthetic cream before laser.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Port-wine stain

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childhood birthmarks, Children Skin Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, Laser Clinic Singapore, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Port-wine stain, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic

Port-wine stain

Unlike haemangiomas, port-wine stains are present at birth. They appear as red patches and are commonly found on the face. Unlike haemangiomas, they do not get smaller with time. In fact, they can increase in size, thickness and nodularity with time. Laser treatment in early childhood is therefore advisable.

The Pulsed-Dye Laser can be used to treat port-wine stains and it destroys superficial blood vessels without damaging surrounding structures. It may take several sessions to complete the treatment. It is a very safe treatment and gives very good results. It is well- tolerated and most children will only require an application of an anaesthetic cream before the laser.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg

Haemangioma of infancy

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childhood birthmarks, Children Skin Dermatologist, Dr Lynn Chiam, Family Skin Clinic, haemangioma, Haemangioma of infancy, Laser Clinic Singapore, Pediatric Skin Singapore, Singapore Dermatologist, Skin Laser Clinic

Haemangioma of infancy

Haemangioma of infancy is also more commonly known as “strawberry haemangioma” in view of its juicy red appearance.  It can affect up to 10% of infants.

Haemangioma of infancy may not be present at birth and most are prominent only a few weeks after birth. It then undergoes a period of rapid growth, followed by a “plateau” phase where it remains stable and undergoes an “involution” phase where it slowly begins to shrink in size after many years.

Although not all haemangioma require treatment, it is important to know that in 40% of cases, there may still be residual scarring even after the haemangioma has completely involuted on its own.

There are treatments available for haemangioma of infancy. They include oral medication such as propranolol (which belongs to a group of medicine known as Beta-blockers), topical timolol (also a class of beta-blockers) and laser, known as the Pulsed-Dye Laser. This is a very safe treatment and is well- tolerated.

It can take many sessions of treatment with the pulsed-dye laser but this treatment can give very satisfactory cosmetic results.

To know MORE TREATMENTS offered by Dr Lynn Chiam, please visit: www.childrenadultskin.com.sg