The appearance of spots on the legs of a child indicates the development of a pathological process in the body. Only a specialist can determine which disease caused the characteristic manifestations. The only thing a parent can help is to show your child to the pediatrician as soon as possible.
Why do spots appear on the feet of a child?
Children have a weak immune system. Even a slight impact of negative factors quickly creates the basis for the development of the pathological process. The vast majority of diseases differ in characteristic symptoms, which appear depending on which organ or system is damaged by the pathogen.
Spots on the child's legs (photos are presented in the article) can appear both under the influence of external stimuli, and internal. And those and others with untimely measures can threaten the development of serious diseases.
External factors causing the appearance of spots:
- Diaper rash.
- Bites of stinging and blood-sucking insects.
- An allergic reaction to material for clothes, toys, cosmetics and other external irritants.
Internal factors:
- Diseases of infectious genesis.
- Dermatological fungal diseases.
- Parasitic infestations.
- Pathologies of internal organs or systems.
- An allergic reaction to internal irritants.
Inadequate hygiene
Inexperienced young mothers often perform hygienic procedures inappropriately. The skin of young children is very thin and delicate. The upper layer of the epidermis has good permeability, but its protective functions are poorly developed. As a result of friction against the diaper, clothes, under the influence of urine residues (with poor hygiene), pathogenic microorganisms that generate inflammatory processes penetrate the skin.
One of the most common causes of spots on the feet and foot of a child is diaper dermatitis. The disease affects every second baby, and children on artificial feeding, with a tendency to allergies, are more susceptible to it. Dermatitis is characterized by red spots on the buttocks and hips with slight swelling. When you touch the affected areas, the baby begins to cry.
Another cause of spots is diaper rash. Infectious skin inflammation occurs due to prolonged contact with bowel movements, urine, sweat. Favorable factors for the development of inflammation include a rare diaper change and excessive wrapping.
Spots on the child’s arms and legs are a sign of allergy.
The baby's skin is very sensitive and instantly reacts to various external and internal irritants. Allergy in children is a reaction of a fragile immune system to the effects of an allergen.
- Urticaria is an allergic disease characterized by the development of a rash. When urticaria in children, itchy spots suddenly appear with a rim of matte shades throughout the body. Skin changes may be accompanied by fever, headache.
- Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease. Pathology is acute and chronic. Acute is characterized by the appearance in the child of rough spots on the legs, in the buttocks, hands, on the skin of the face. Erythema have a bright pink color, subsequently vesicles appear in their place with the formation of crusts.
Dermatological diseases
Along with allergic inflammatory processes, the cause of spots on the skin of a child is fungal skin diseases (mycoses). The causative agent of the disease is pathogenic microscopic fungi that affect smooth skin, as well as hair and nails. According to statistics, of all dermatological diseases, about 40% are mycoses. A significant part of the cases are children. The danger of ailments is that they have a toxic and sensitizing effect on a weak children's body, which leads to a weakening of the immune system and aggravation of chronic pathologies. The most common diseases in which spots on the skin are characteristic are the following:
- Shingles is an infectious dermatosis, accompanied by a rash, itching, and a violation of pigmentation. In the early days, a red rash with blisters forms. After a few days, they become cloudy and dry out, leaving the child with white spots on the legs.
- Multi-colored lichen is the most common fungal skin disease. A variety of keratomycosis is characterized by pink-brown spots. The spread of the fungus is promoted by increased sweating. The disease is prone to relapse and it is completely impossible to get rid of it, because the pathogen affects the mouth of the follicle.
- Medical dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs when using some kind of medicine. The disease is characterized by the appearance in the child of red rough spots on the legs, arms and other parts of the body. The children's body is very sensitive to medications, so their use should be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician.
After the disease, children do not have immunity to it, and therefore the risk of re-infection is very high.
Viral and bacterial infections
Protective functions in children are poorly developed. The child's body is attacked not only by pathogenic fungi, but also bacteria, as well as viruses. The latter affect the body as a whole, therefore, diseases are accompanied, in addition to a rash and other more dangerous manifestations. In childhood, the following diseases are most often diagnosed:
- Chicken pox is an infectious disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. Chickenpox is considered the most common childhood infection. A characteristic sign of the disease are rashes that can occur anywhere. Initially, the rash appears as red spots, which subsequently progress to papules.
- Rubella is a viral disease characterized by intoxication and rashes that appear on its background. First, a rash occurs on the face and neck. After a day, the child appears pink spots on the legs and other places except the palms and feet. Most often, rashes are preceded by skin itching.
- Erysipelas is an infectious disease caused by streptococcus. Erysipelas is characterized by focal reddening of the skin, which disappears with pressure. In children, the disease is more often diagnosed at an early age. Treatment of babies is carried out exclusively in a hospital.
Insect bites
With bites of stinging or blood-sucking insects, poison or active enzymes with anticoagulant, toxic effects enter the skin with saliva. The appearance in a child of red spots on the legs or in other places after a bite is a manifestation of hypersensitivity to the components of substances that come in contact with arthropods.
With bites of bumblebees, hornets, bees, wasps or ants in most cases, acute reactions occur, especially if contact occurs for the first time. The venom of stinging insects contains a large number of proteins and other organic substances that contribute to the development of undesirable reactions.
With the bites of mosquitoes, bugs, horseflies, fleas, toxic active elements that cause hypersensitivity get into the skin with saliva. A negative reaction can occur not only on a bite, but also upon any contact with arthropod vital products.
A common rash with bites is often accompanied by itching, slight swelling, sometimes soreness at the point of contact (usually from bee and wasp stings).
Vascular and blood diseases
Another reason that the child has spots on the legs may be a violation of the hemostatic system. The rash appears due to hemorrhages or bleeding during malfunctions of the platelet, plasma or vascular unit of the hematopoietic system. In young patients, the following pathological conditions are most common:
- Hemorrhagic vasculitis or capillarotoxicosis is an inflammation of small vessels (arterioles, venules, capillaries) of non-bacterial origin. The disease is characterized by small hemorrhagic spots that do not disappear with pressure. Most often, the rash appears on the buttocks, hips, lower leg, much less often on the arms and trunk. In chronic relapsing course, peeling occurs. Rough spots appear on the legs of the child.
- Thrombocytopenic purpura is a hematological pathology characterized by a lack of platelet blood, accompanied by bleeding. Rashes can be different - from small dotted spots of dark red color to large purple-blue bruises. In children, the disease develops sharply and severely, often becomes chronic.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a hemostatic disorder characterized by the formation of blood clots in the microcirculatory network. In a moderate course, a rash of plum hue is observed. DIC-syndrome is life-threatening due to the high probability of extensive bleeding.
Parasitic infestations
Helminthiasis - parasitic diseases caused by helminths. Among all infected, the share of children is about 85% of cases. Parasitic infestations are often confused with other diseases of infectious and non-infectious etiology, which interferes with timely therapy and contributes to the chronicity of pathology.
Acute helminthiases are characterized by the appearance in the child of spots on the legs, in the area of the elbow bend, such as urticaria. Typical symptoms include unstable stools, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Parasitic worms weaken the immune system, contribute to the development of an allergic reaction (dermatosis, eczema). The affected body in the fight against infection produces a large number of protective cells, an inflammatory process occurs, which manifests itself in the form of an allergic reaction.
The most commonly diagnosed helminthiases in children:
- Enterobiosis.
- Ascaridosis.
- Hookworm.
- Opisthorchiasis.
- Echinococcosis.
- Strongyloidosis.
How is the diagnosis carried out?
Only a pediatrician can determine the cause of red spots on the hands and feet of a child. You may also need the conclusion of a dermatologist, allergist and infectious disease specialist.
Diagnosis is carried out according to the following scheme:
- History taking. The doctor clarifies when the spots appeared, whether their color, shape changed. For the diagnosis it is also important to determine the nature of the accompanying symptoms, the presence of chronic pathologies, whether the occurrence of erythema was preceded by the administration of drugs.
- During the external examination, the localization, prevalence, color, structure, size and nature of the spots are assessed. Also, the pediatrician assesses the general condition of the child.
To confirm the preliminary diagnosis, various laboratory tests are prescribed:
- A clinical blood test allows you to assess the general condition of the body. Indicators of ESR and white blood cells make it possible to judge the nature of the pathological process.
- Blood biochemistry.
- ELISA for immunoglobulins G and E reveals the tendency of the body to allergies.
- A blood test for markers of parasites.
- Urinalysis (general). The study of the physico-chemical characteristics of urine allows you to evaluate the functions of internal organs.
- Histological examination of the skin.
If necessary, an instrumental examination is prescribed:
- Dermatoscopy allows you to evaluate the affected area of the skin.
- Fluorescence microscopy.
- Transillumination
- Scratch.
- Dioscopy
According to the results of the research, a conclusion is made and treatment is prescribed.
Therapies
The treatment is based on the elimination of the causative agent of the disease, the symptoms of which are red spots on the legs of the child. The most effective method of therapy is the use of drugs. They are selected individually based on the diagnosis, well-being, age and characteristics of the child's body.
- Antiviral drugs: "Anaferon children", "Arbidol", "Cycloferon" fight against various viruses and improve immunity.
- Antihistamines block histamine receptors, reduce redness, itching, prevent and alleviate allergic reactions. Most often prescribed "Zodak", "Zirtek."
- Interferons have immunomodulating antiviral activity. They increase the effectiveness of the child’s immune response to pathogenic organisms (Genferon, Viferon).
- Adsorbents reduce toxic effects on the body. This helps to reduce inflammatory processes. Children are prescribed drugs such as Smecta, Enterosgel.
- Antifungal agents or antimycotics have antibacterial and antifungal effects against most pathogens. The most effective and safe are "Terbizil", "Nystatin", "Pimafucin."
A hypoallergenic diet, general ultraviolet therapy, acupuncture are prescribed as therapy.
Prevention
With adequate therapy and compliance with all the recommendations of the pediatrician, the prognosis of most diseases is favorable. To prevent the reappearance of unpleasant skin manifestations, preventive measures will help:
- Hygiene.
- The child should wear clothing made from natural hypoallergenic fabrics.
- Exclude from the diet any foods that can cause an allergic reaction.
- In nature, use insect repellents.
- Conduct adequate and timely therapy for any disease.
- Regularly undergo a routine inspection.
- In case of suspicious symptoms, do not self-medicate, but immediately consult a pediatrician.