Unfortunately, itching the skin usually only makes a rash worse and perpetuates the discomfort. Parents often wonder why their child is itching her skin and what they can do to help relieve the itching. Common causes of itchy skin in children include eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites, scabies and poison ivy 1. Eczema is a common skin condition in children characterized by dry, sensitive skin that becomes red and itchy.
The rash often becomes crusted and raw, especially if the child is itching it. The cause of eczema is unknown, but children with asthma and allergies are at higher risk. Common locations for eczema include the forehead, cheeks, scalp, ears, and creases in the skin, such as:. Contact dermatitis is a general term used when skin has come into contact with an irritant or allergen that has caused a rash. The rash is usually red, itchy, and burning.
Sometimes, there is also blistering of the skin and swelling. The rash occurs at the spot on the skin that came into contact with the irritant or allergen. Common irritants include:. Insect bites are notorious for causing itchy skin.
Mosquitoes are the most common offenders. Fleas and bed bugs can also cause itchy skin, whereas horseflies, gnats and fire ants can cause painful bites. Insect bites usually cause a small red bump or pimple on the skin. Sometimes in younger children, a small blister forms at the site of the bite.
The red bumps of a mosquito bite are the body's allergic reaction to the bite. Poison ivy is a common plant in the United States that grows in groups on the ground or as a vine winding up a tree.
The stems of both have a characteristic three leaves. Poison ivy contains urushiol, an oil that binds to the skin when skin comes into contact with it. Characterized by cough, running nose, fever, inflamed eyes, and reddish skin rash, measles is caused a virus. Also referred to as rubeola, this disease is quite fatal in small children below 5 years.
It is a children's infection that can be prevented by a vaccine. Also known as the stomach flu, its signs include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal crumbs, and fever. This is an intestinal infection spread through bodily contact and infected food or water. Like all other viral infections, it has no sure treatment hence preventive measures should be observed. Children, the aged, and lower immune persons are more susceptible to infection. Proper hand washing routine and food preparation hygiene are effective ways to prevent this disease.
The pneumonia virus affects the lungs causing them to swell and become irritated. Its symptoms feature coughs, shortness of breath, fever, and shaking chills. It also leads to loss of appetite, fatigue, low energy and a sharp stabbing chest pain.
This inflammation is common in infants, HIV patients, cancer patients on chemotherapy treatment, organ transplant recipients and the aged who are vulnerable to infections.
It is diagnosed by an X-ray, CT-scan and lung biopsy among other tests. It can be treated by antivirus medication, anti-inflammatory drugs and intake of fluids. Common in sub-Saharan Africa and southern America, this tropical disease is caused by a mosquito transmitted virus. Its symptoms occur in stages including headache, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice and fever. It leads to heart, kidney and liver failure, bleeding disorders, seizures and comas. It is diagnosed through a blood test and treatment is for the symptoms but no certain solution to yellow fever.
It can be prevented by using a mosquito net and vaccination. This is one of the fatal diseases caused by viruses, which is evolved from infected animal bites. Its symptoms include fever, headache, agitation, excessive saliva, hallucinations, partial paralysis, and hydrophobia. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Last Updated 13 January, Diseases Caused by Viruses Viruses exist everywhere from the air, earth, to animal bodies.
Common Diseases Caused by Viruses Viral infections spread easily because once one enters a human body cell, it destroys healthy cells and breeds into more infections. Disease Description Common Colds Common colds are the most seen diseases caused by viruses.
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted from person to person through bodily fluids. Sharing items that come in to contact with blood, such as needles or razors, can also spread the virus. Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact. Treatments for hepatitis B, C, and D focus on managing symptoms. In some cases, a doctor might prescribe medication, such as antiviral drugs. Treatment of hepatitis A and E involves supportive measures, such as getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and avoiding alcohol.
There are vaccines for both hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Other ways to prevent viral hepatitis include not sharing needles or razors, practicing safe sex , and avoiding food or drinks that may be contaminated by feces. Cutaneous viral diseases cause lesions or papules to form on the skin. In many cases, these lesions can stick around for a long time or come back after disappearing for a while.
These viruses are contagious. Papules that form due to warts or molluscum contagiosum often go away on their own. They can also be removed by simple in-office procedures, such as cryotherapy. Practicing good hygiene habits, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and avoiding close contact with people who have active lesions can reduce your risk of developing a cutaneous viral disease. Some hemorrhagic viral diseases, such as dengue fever and yellow fever, are spread through the bite of an infected insect.
Others, such as Ebola, are spread to other people through contact with the blood or other bodily fluid of someone with the virus.
Lassa fever is spread through inhaling or consuming the dried feces or urine of a rodent with the virus. Some people may need intravenous IV fluids to maintain electrolyte balance. Supportive care to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance is essential. In some cases, the antiviral drug ribavirin may be given. Researchers are in the process of developing vaccines for several hemorrhagic viruses. A yellow fever vaccine is currently available for people traveling to areas where yellow fever is common.
If you live or work in an area where viral hemorrhagic diseases are common, you can do the following to reduce your risk:. Some viruses can infect the brain and surrounding tissues, causing neurologic viral diseases. This can result in a range of symptoms, including:.
Many neurologic viruses are spread through the bite of an infected animal or bug, such as a mosquito or tick. Other viruses, such poliovirus and other enteroviruses, are quite contagious and spread through close contact with someone with the virus. Contaminated objects can also contribute to the spread of these viruses. Getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and taking OTC anti-inflammatories to ease pain or headaches can all help.
In some cases, antiviral medication may be prescribed. Polio or severe cases of meningitis or encephalitis may require additional treatment, such as breathing assistance or IV fluids. Practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with those who have the virus, and protecting against insect bites can all help to reduce the spread of encephalitis and meningitis.
To reduce the risk of spreading rabies, keep your pets vaccinated and avoid approaching wild animals. There are many viral diseases. Some, such as the common cold or the stomach flu, are minor and go away on their own within a few days.
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