Medical Conditions

Ichthyosis refers broadly to a group of skin diseases where patients have dry, thickened and scaly skin. Ichthyosis vulgaris is the most common type of ichthyosis.

IgA vasculitis, also known as Henoch-Schönlein purpura  or HSP, is a type of inflammation of the small blood vessels known as vasculitis. It commonly affects the skin and kidneys. This condition often causes a rash on both legs and is sometimes associated with joint and tummy pain. It can occasionally cause kidney issues in the long term. It is the most common form of systemic vasculitis in children.

Impetigo also known as ‘school sores’ is a highly contagious infection in the skin caused by bacteria. It is very common in children and is easily treated.

Irritant dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when something irritates your child’s skin, making it look red and feel itchy. It occurs when chemicals or irritants in the environment come into direct contact with your child's skin, causing damage to the surface of their skin. It can affect anyone, is not dangerous, and can be treated.

Kawasaki disease is a disease that is caused by inflammation of many different blood vessels all over the body. It usually affects children under 5 years old. It  is diagnosed based on the symptoms and signs that a child presents with, as there is no specific test for this disease. It is important to detect and treat it properly and if left untreated, it can cause heart problems later in life. There are about 200-300 cases of KD diagnosed each year in Australia.

A keloid scar is a smooth, firm and raised lump of skin that can form anywhere the skin has been damaged. Damage to the skin can occur from cuts, burns, piercings, tattoo needles, surgery, acne or insect bites. 

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare condition affecting children and occasionally adults too. A langerhans cell is an immune cell, that usually helps the body fight infection. In LCH more than the normal number of langerhans cells are present in different body parts such as the skin, bone and lungs and these can then cause damage to that body part. It is still unclear whether this condition is an immune disorder or a type of cancer.

Mastocytosis is a condition that can either affect the skin or the whole body. In children, mastocytosis usually only affects the skin.

Melanoma (mel-eh-NOE-muh) is a skin cancer that occurs when melanocytes (pigment making cells in the skin) turn cancerous. It is more likely to spread from the skin to other areas of the body and therefore more life threatening than other types of skin cancer. Fortunately, it is not common in children. 

Miliaria is a common skin condition caused by blocked sweat ducts. It is also known as heat rash, prickly heat or sweat rash. 

Mole (or naevus) is an area of skin that has a large number of colour producing skin cells called melanocytes. Moles are very common and not usually dangerous, but some can develop into a type of skin cancer known as melanoma. Some children can have lots of moles and others may have just a few.

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes small, raised bumps to appear on the skin. It is very common among children, and although it is harmless and painless it is very infectious, so good hygiene is important to prevent spread.