Babies & Kids Glossary

Allergy (skin) : It presents several signs: redness, swelling, itching. This is a reaction to an allergen that should be identified in order to treat it quickly.

Angioma : It is a red or purplish spot caused by dilated blood vessels. Port-wine stains and hemangiomas (benign tumors of the vessels) are the most common.

Atopy : It is a term that refers to a predisposition to developing allergies, often associated with atopic eczema. A predisposition that is often hereditary.

Boil : It is a deep, necrotizing skin infection of the pilosebaceous follicle caused by bacteria. In a child, it may appear as a red area (or simple pimple) and then it grows larger, evolving into a white-headed lesion containing pus that becomes painful. Medication may be necessary for treatment.

Cold sores (Or wildfire) : It is a common mild infection caused by a virus and characterized by a blistering rash (cold sores) on the lips and around the mouth. It usually disappears after a week if you avoid scratching it so as not to spread it to other areas of the face.

Cutis marmorata (Or marbled skin) : It is a normal physiological response of the baby's skin to the cold. It is a dysfunction originating from an immature neurological and vascular system of the baby. Physiologically, it is an alternation of constriction and dilation of the baby's blood vessels. It is observed mainly at the level of the extremities (hands and feet) and the trunk. It appears as red mesh on the baby's skin. It normally disappears a few days or weeks after their appearance.

Dermatophytosis (Or ringworms) : These are fungal infections of the skin caused by different dermophyte fungi (ringworms) that live on dead tissues of the skin, hair and nails (keratins). They are called Ringworm in English (ringworm, ie: be careful ringworms are not worms but fungi) because of the appearance of the patches on the skin that have ring shapes following the infection. It causes a rash or scaly patches that itch. They are usually treated with an antifungal cream or ointment. Unlike candidiasis, these fungal infections cannot infect internal organs or the blood.

Diaper rash (Or diaper dermatitis) : It is a dermatitis of the skin of the seat due to irritation of the skin on an area subjected to the humidity of urine, the acidity of stools and the friction of diapers and clothing. It can be present from the 3rd week of life but it is especially between 6 and 12 months that its frequency increases when baby begins to acquire the sitting position. It is this sitting position which accentuates the friction between the diaper and the baby's skin. The buttocks are bright red and the erythema draws like a W which covers the buttocks, the inside of the thighs and the pubis.

Dyschromia : It is a common dermatological condition that results in the presence of lighter or darker spots on the skin.

Dyshidrosis (Or simple palmoplantar or bullous eczema ) : This is a particular type of eczema that only affects the hands and feet. It presents as redness, intense itching or the formation of small fluid-filled blisters on the hands, feet or fingers. The itching is often intense, causing lesions. Less common in children, treatment varies depending on the severity of the symptoms. Heat, excessive sweating, dermatophyte infection, atopy and stress are the causes of this dyshidrosis.

Eczema (Or atopic dermatitis) : It is a chronic condition that evolves through cycles alternating inflammatory flare-ups and periods of remission. It begins in the first few months of life and is characterized by dry skin, red patches, itching, thickening of the skin and scratch marks. This requires drug treatment and measures to relieve the baby and child.

Epidemic megalerythema (Or 5th disease) : It is a contagious and benign viral infection that mainly affects children between 5 and 10 years of age. It is caused by parvovirus B19. Characterized by a mottled or raised red papule rash on the body and redness in the cheeks. Erythema infectiosum disappears spontaneously. Therefore, treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms.

Erysipelas : It is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. In children, this condition is less common but may be caused by an injury, insect bite, or other skin entry point. It presents as a red, warm, swollen, well-demarcated plaque with a distinct border and significant tenderness of the affected area. Treatment is necessary for cure.

Erythroderma in infants : It is a severe inflammation that causes redness over most of the baby's skin surface. Different dermatitis (atopic, contact allergy, seborrheic) can cause erythroderma. Psoriasis, lichen planus, ichthyosis, Sézary syndrome and certain side effects of medication can also be the cause. However, it can develop spontaneously in some people without any particular history. Erythroderma can appear suddenly or progress slowly. Initially, the entire skin surface becomes red and shiny. Then, the skin gradually becomes scaly, thickens and sometimes becomes covered in crusts, before eventually peeling off. The person may feel itchy and the skin may be painful.

Folliculitis : It is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, which can occur at any age, including children. Caused mainly by bacteria, sometimes fungi or viruses. It produces small red bumps that can be itchy or painful. Folliculitis usually goes away without treatment.

Fordyce spots : These are visible sebaceous glands on the skin appearing as small white or yellowish dots of 1 to 3 mm, generally located on the lips, mouth, external genitalia and digestive tract. They are common, benign and generally do not require any treatment.

Gibert's pityriasis rosea : It is a benign and transient dermatosis that can also affect children for whom the disease differs from adults by the location of the spots, these tending to appear rather under the armpits or in the groin. Generally, the condition does not give rise to possible complications. The spots and associated symptoms generally disappear after 12 weeks.

Hand-foot-mouth disease : It is a benign viral condition caused by several viruses. Contagious, common in children under 5 years old, it is characterized by the appearance of small vesicles in the mouth, on the palms of the hands, on the soles of the feet as well as on the buttocks. It usually heals within 1 week after treatment.

Head lice : Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp, where they lay their eggs. They do not transmit disease and are not a sign of uncleanliness. Head lice are easily spread, especially between people who are in close contact. They are most common in school-aged children and those who attend daycare settings.

Heat rash : These are benign skin rashes caused by blocked sweat glands. They often appear in hot or humid climates, or when the baby is overly covered.

Ichthyosis : It is a desquamation and exfoliation of the skin that progresses from a mild but bothersome dryness to a particularly serious disease. Ichthyosis can also be a sign of a systemic disease. Treatment includes emollients and sometimes oral retinoids. Ichthyosis differs from simple xerosis (dry skin) in its association with a disorder (Hansen's disease, hypothyroidism, lymphoma, HIV, multiple myeloma), in its heritability and in its severity. Hereditary ichthyoses, which are characterized by an excessive accumulation of scales on the surface of the skin, are classified according to clinical and genetic criteria. Regardless of its origin, ichthyosis results in an alteration of the epidermal barrier function and moisturizing agents must be applied after bathing. Regular use of soaps containing chlorhexidine limits bacterial proliferation but worsens the dryness of the skin.

Impetigo : This is a common skin infection in children under 5 years old caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus. It is characterized by the presence of small clusters of circular red spots, which are often covered with a thin yellowish crust. Although not very dangerous, this disease is nevertheless very contagious. Although benign in most cases, impetigo must nevertheless be treated to prevent its spread.

Infantile acropustulosis : It is a condition more common in males and infants of African origin. Itchy vesico-pustules appear on the palms and soles of the feet, and can also affect the backs of the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, and scalp. The eruptions usually last between 7 and 14 days, recurring every 3 to 5 weeks. Over time, there is a decrease in frequency and severity, eventually disappearing completely by the age of 3 years.

Infantile hemangioma : This corresponds to an abnormal development of blood vessels at the skin level, benign, it is qualified as the most frequent vascular tumor of the infant. It looks like a spot or a red ball measuring a few millimeters to several centimeters which appears a few days or a few weeks after birth and affects nearly 5 to 10% of children before the age of 1 year. The infantile hemangioma will not cause any complications for the baby, it decreases in the majority of cases spontaneously over time in 3 to 4 years.

Inflamed acne (Or neonatal acne) : It is an acne that occurs between 3 and 6 months of age, sometimes up to 16 months. Boys are more commonly affected than girls. Infantile acne appears as a combination of closed and open comedones, papules, and pustules that disappear after 1 or 2 years, although it often lasts longer. The pathogenic mechanisms of infantile acne remain unclear, but genetic factors such as sebaceous gland size, large-pored skin, increased reactivity to disrupted keratinization, and inflammation are thought to be key players. Maternal androgens may play a role through transplacental stimulation of the sebaceous glands; however, intrinsic hormones of infants play an important role.

Insect bites : An insect bite can cause a skin reaction. This reaction can vary, ranging from a slight local swelling in some to a severe allergic reaction in others. The spot should be disinfected.

Jaundice : It is a disease that results in a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the white of the eye of newborns, it is caused by excess bilirubin in the blood and the difficulty for the liver, which is still developing, to get rid of it properly. Usually, it appears 2 or 3 days of life and disappears after the 1st week and if necessary a phototherapy treatment will be prescribed.

Keloids : These are raised scars (outgrowth of the dermis) that can appear following abnormal healing of wounds. In babies, although this is less common, it is important to monitor their appearance and consult a health professional if you suspect one. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, keloid scars are found especially on the lower legs, chest, shoulders, neck, chin and ears (especially baby girls should be monitored when having their ears pierced).

Keratosis pilaris : It is a skin condition caused by the excessive accumulation of keratin in the hair follicles. It results in granular and rough skin (called chicken skin or strawberry skin). Generally, this condition does not cause itching, but only aesthetic disturbances, although itching is sometimes possible. The hereditary factor seems to explain the cause but atopic dermatitis is also one of the causes of this skin disease. The areas affected are often the arms, thighs and buttocks, in children the face can also be affected.

Kerion : It is a form of ringworm, it is a rare inflammatory suppurative infection of the scalp caused by a microscopic fungus, it mainly affects the scalp of children (rarely babies) and healing is rather spontaneous.

Lichen plan : It is a very rare disease in babies (2 to 3% are under 15 years old). It is a recurring and itchy skin condition. It begins with the appearance of a rash characterized by small, slightly red or purple papules that later coalesce to form rough, scaly patches on different parts of the body and sometimes in the mouth and genitals. The cause is unknown, but may be a reaction to certain medications or possibly an infection with the hepatitis B or C virus.

Localized hyperchromia : This is a transient hyperpigmentation of the skin around the nails, genitals, ears and areolas, more common in Asian, Mediterranean and black skin. Generally, it disappears in the first years of life without treatment.

Lupus : Pediatric lupus begins in adolescence but can affect young children if there is an associated genetic abnormality. It is an autoimmune disease. Neonatal lupus manifests as a butterfly-shaped rash and is usually transmitted by passive transfer of antibodies from mother to baby.

Lyme (Or Lyme disease) : It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria "Borrelia burgdorferi", transmitted by an infected tick bite. It appears as a red circle that extends around the bite. It can be asymptomatic or cause itching. In children, this disease can cause varied symptoms and require rapid treatment to avoid complications.

Measles : It is a highly contagious viral disease that often affects children. It is caused by a virus belonging to the genus "Morbillivirus". It manifests itself with a rash that usually begins on the face (near the hair) and spreads to the rest of the body with conjunctivitis and high fever. Contracted by the baby, it is fought by the body and cured over time, but the vaccine remains the best prevention.

Milium : It refers to a series of small white dots on your baby's face. It is a benign skin condition that is caused by a buildup of oil in the pores of the skin. It cannot be treated, but pimples that are not contagious will eventually disappear on their own.

Milk crusts (Or seborrheic dermatitis) : These are small, thick, crusty white or yellowish patches found on the scalp of many babies. They are caused by excessive sebum secretion by the skin glands surrounding the hair follicles. They usually disappear on their own after a few months. There is generally an abnormal proliferation of Malassezia-type yeasts (fungi) which are responsible for an inflammatory reaction which in turn causes an acceleration of cell renewal.

Molluscum contagiosum : It is a common and harmless benign skin infection caused by a poxvirus, it is transmitted by contact and generally affects children under 10 years of age. It is characterized by the presence of small rounded bumps on the skin, which look like small smooth pearls of a translucent or pinkish color. Molluscum is harmless and eventually disappears spontaneously.

Mongoloid spots (Or dermal melanocytosis) : These are slate blue spots. They are found in 95% of newborns with pigmented skin or of Mediterranean origin, rarely in Asian skin and very rarely in newborns with light skin. Generally present in the lumbosacral region (lower back and buttocks); they fade incompletely or disappear in childhood.

Mumps : Mumps is a disease caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms usually appear 16 to 18 days after infection. Swelling of the cheeks and neck on one or both sides, fever, ear pain, fatigue, sore muscles, loss of appetite are the main symptoms of this disease.

Norovirus (Or stomach flu) : Norovirus infections are caused by a group of viruses called noroviruses. They are found worldwide. They often cause outbreaks in schools, daycares, and residential settings. They cause diarrhea (stomach flu) and are excreted in feces and vomit. This “stomach flu” is not related to influenza or flu, which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

Psoriasis : It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which tends to be located mainly in the area under the diaper (buttocks, vulva, glans).

Pustular melanosis : Often overlooked, this is a relatively common, benign neonatal dermatosis, characterized by a rash of extensive vesicles and pustules, rapidly evolving into small pigmented macules. They commonly appear on the chin, neck, forehead, chest, buttocks, back, and less frequently on the palms and soles. The evolution is spontaneously favorable in 48 hours, sometimes leaving slightly darker marks on the skin that fade in 3 to 4 weeks with total disappearance after several months.

Rash : These include redness, white or yellow scales, and pearly papules, pimples, or cysts. They may be itchy, irritating, or painful, or may cause no symptoms.

Red military : It is seen mainly on the trunk, but also on the face, around the second week of life. The small blisters are on a red base and may contain pus. They are frequently encountered in summer, in case of fever, or if the child is too covered. It is a common disorder of the eccrine sweat glands that often occurs in conditions of increased heat and humidity.

Ringworm : It is a contagious, fungal skin disease caused by microscopic fungi called dermatophytes that invade the scalp and hair. It can affect children from 2 to 10 years old. Contagious, it causes itching, dandruff and localized hair loss. Treatment may be necessary.

Rosacea : It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition of the face of uncertain origin that mainly affects adults, it is rare in children. It generally concerns light phototypes. If a child presents symptoms of rosacea, consultation is essential.

Rosacea : It is a mild form of rosacea, it usually manifests itself by permanent redness, often caused by a dilation of the small blood vessels located on the surface of the skin. In babies and children, couperose is a rare dermatological condition, but it can occur. It is a benign but unsightly condition.

Roseola : It is a very common viral childhood disease that occurs before the age of 2 years, it is not very contagious and is characterized by a very high fever, of sudden onset and followed, after its fall, by a brief rash. The treatment is that of the fever.

Rubella : It is a contagious viral disease that often affects children, it manifests itself by a rash in the form of small red or pink spots that appear on the face before spreading to the rest of the body accompanied by a slight fever. It is a benign disease for babies that will last a few days and heal on its own, noting that the vaccine has been mandatory in France since January 1, 2018 for all newborns.

Scabies : It is a skin rash caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). Babies and small children under 2 years old can also get scabies. The rash is contagious and can appear on the head, face, neck, chest, abdomen and back. It also causes lesions called scabies nodules and manifests itself by chronic itching. It requires treatment of the child affected by the disease and those around him.

Scarlet fever (Or fièvre écarlate) : It is an infectious disease linked to bacteria, it manifests itself by a fever, angina accompanied by a rash that sets in in a single outbreak that makes the skin red and rough. Contagious, it manifests itself in children often after 2 years. It is well treated with medication.

Shingles : It is a painful, vesicular viral disease related to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes vesicles to appear on a strip of skin and are filled with fluid and sometimes chronic pain in the affected area. Most often in adults. Rare in children, it is generally less severe and treatment includes several antiviral drugs.

Skin flora : it is located at the level of the epidermis (in a more derisory quantity at the level of the dermis), the baby's skin being sterile in the uterus, the flora therefore begins to colonize at the time of passage through the mother's birth canal and then in contact with the environment. It is necessary to be very careful to clean the cord well from which there can be an infection.

Skin mycosis : It is a superficial red and scaly rash on the skin caused by fungus and is accompanied by itching or discomfort in the affected area. Although not serious, it is nevertheless contagious and spreads quickly. Antifungals remain the first option for treating pediatric mycoses.

Skin peeling (Or seborrheic dermatitis) : This is called peeling skin. In a child, it is a process where the skin loses its surface layers, often in the form of small scales. This can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign conditions to situations that require medical attention.

Suction bubbles : These are sucking blisters on the upper lip. They form due to the friction of repeated sucking during breastfeeding. This is a normal and temporary reaction of the skin. The small skin covering the blister will dry out and disappear on its own.

Sudamina (Or crystalline miliary) : It manifests itself as small vesicles (blisters) with clear contents, especially on the forehead, which quickly sag and dry out.

Sudoral function : This is the action of sweat secretion in babies, which is similar to that of adults, only after one year of maturity. An infant therefore has difficulty sweating to balance its temperature when the heat increases. This immaturity also explains the impression of dry skin in the first months of life.

Thrush (Or candidiasis) : It is an infection of the mouth caused by a fungus (Candida Albicans). As babies' immune systems are still developing, this fungus can multiply too much and become pathogenic, unbalancing the oral microbiota. In general, mild thrush heals spontaneously because it is often present in babies' mouths without causing problems, because its proliferation is regulated by the local microbiota.

Toxic erythema of the newborn (Or erythema toxicum neonatorum or ETN) : It is a transient dermatosis prevalent in newborns of Caucasian origin. ETN affects 16% to 30% of all newborns, it is characterized by pustules on the erythematous skin. It appears at birth and sometimes exceptionally up to 3 weeks after birth. The mainly affected areas are the neck, head, gluteal region and proximal upper limb. It heals within a few days naturally. An eosinophilic infiltrate in the pustules is observed. The real cause of ETN is not known, mechanical and thermal stimuli, allergic reactions are considered as aggravating factors.

Urticaria : It is a non-contagious allergic skin reaction caused by a reaction of the baby's or child's immune system, characterized by redness (pimples or patches), swelling (called edema) and often accompanied by itching. Often benign and short-lived in babies, however, it can become chronic.

Varicella : It is a rash of pimples that is first distinguished on the neck, chest, stomach (or back). Contagious, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), it is contracted during childhood, in babies or young children. There is a moderate fever, small raised redness, on which are quickly added vesicles filled with a clear liquid, similar to drops of dew, with severe itching that occurs.

Varicose veins : It is a disorder of the venous network that corresponds to a problem with blood circulation. In children, varicose veins are rare, as they are usually associated with age-related venous problems or specific risk factors. However, when they occur in children, they may be related to congenital causes or underlying medical conditions.

Vernix caseosa : It is a whitish, oily substance that covers the baby's skin in the womb, produced by the fetus' sebaceous glands from the 17th week. It protects the fetus' skin from the aqueous environment. At birth, some babies are still covered with it. Fragments of this coating are found suspended in the amniotic fluid. This natural protection present in newborns will be absorbed by the skin in the first days of life.

Wart : These are benign skin growths caused by a viral infection, often the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are common in children because of their still-developing immune systems and frequent contact with other children.

Xerosis (Or xeroderma) : This is the medical term for dry skin that results in very dry, rough, and scaly skin. Xerosis indicates insufficient production of lipids. This is a very common disease, frequent with age, it can be due to other environmental or genetic factors.

Yersiniosis : It is an infection caused by a group of bacteria belonging to the genus Yersinia. These bacteria are found all over the world. They lodge in the intestines of infected people and animals. The bacteria cause gastrointestinal illness and are excreted in the feces. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea.