Alopecia areata is a common diagnosis involving patchy hair loss, and it usually resolves without medication. Fungal infection, known as "ring worm of the scalp," or tinea capitis, can also cause alopecia.

There are less common causes of alopeica as well. If your child has persistent, progressive, or patchy hair loss, we recommend that you see your provider.

What is baby acne? Baby acne is a rash found in infants, characterized by small red bumps on the face. It is commonly seen between the ages of one and six months. It resolves on its own, and doesn't need any specific treatment.

What is jaundice? Jaundice is a term for yellow coloration of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is caused by buildup of bilirubin, which is a product of the breakdown of red blood cells by the body.

Jaundice is very common in newborns, and usually is not a sign of serious problems. It can also be associated with liver infections and other rare diseases in individuals of any age. Jaundice should always be evaluated by a health care professional.

I have heard about something called kernicterus; should I be concerned? Kernicterus is an extremely rare brain disorder seen in patients who have very severe jaundice in the newborn period. It can involve hearing loss, movement disorders like cerebral palsy and other neurologic impairment. The small risk of kernicterus is one of the reasons why jaundice should always be evaluated by a health care professional.

What is eczema? Eczema is an itchy, usually patchy, rash that can be triggered by dry skin and/or allergies. It is treated with moisturizers and allergy medications, as well as steroid creams.

What is seborrhea? Seborrhea is a scaly, sometimes oily-looking rash that can be itchy. It tends to involve the face and scalp, or behind the ears. It is known as cradle cap in infants, but can occur in older children as well.

Should I use lotion on my newborn’s skin? There is no need to use lotion on your baby's skin. Peeling skin is normal and expected in the newborn period.

What’s a café-au-lait spot? A cafe-au-lait (coffee with cream) spot is a flat patch of skin that is tan or brown compared to the rest of one's skin. Cafe-au-lait spots range in size from very small to very large (several inches in diameter). They are seen in up to ten percent of children, and are generally of no concern. If your child has many cafe-au-lait spots, ask about them at his or her next regular check-up.

What’s a nevus? A nevus is a patch of skin that is more highly pigmented than the surrounding skin. It can have pigment and/or vascular components. Nevi (more than one nevus) can be present at birth, or develop at any age. Nevi grow at the same rate as the rest of the skin, getting larger as a child grows. If they bleed, won't heal, change into different colors or if their border changes character, a doctor should evaluate them.

My baby has a stork bite; can that get infected? A stork bite, also known as a salmon patch, is a very common birthmark in the newborn. It occurs in up to 40 percent of all newborns. It is a dull, reddish patch that is found on the back of the neck, the middle of the forehead or on the eyelids. This reddish patch is made up of dilated blood vessels.

Stork bites usually disappear by one to two years of age although sometimes the patch on the back of the neck will persist into adulthood. They are benign and do not undergo any transformation.

What is cradle cap? Cradle cap is the crusty layer of flaky skin that can be seen on the hair-producing areas in infants. It is most commonly seen on the scalp but can also be seen under the eyebrows. It occurs because the skin cells in an infant are being produced faster than they can fall off. They are caught in a layer of an oily substance produced by the skin’s sebaceous cells. The sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by maternal hormones passed to an infant across the placenta. When cradle cap is found on other parts of the body, it is termed seborrhea. It is not contagious.

What is a dermoid cyst? A dermoid cyst is a small, firm growth that is usually found on the head or face. They may not be noticeable at birth, but they grow throughout life, becoming larger. They are not dangerous, and are usually removed for cosmetic reasons. They are called dermoid cysts because under the microscope, they look like skin (dermis).

What is dyshidrosis? Dyshidrosis is a skin condition of the palms that causes irritation. Excessive sweat production and subsequent drying of the palms of the hands causes itchy blisters. The skin in this area is red and peeling. When dyshidrosis becomes chronic, there is scaling and skin thickening.

What are warts? Warts are a skin infection caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV.

Warts can grow on all parts of your body. Some children have more natural resistance to the HPV virus and don't seem to get warts as easily as other people. Warts will usually disappear on their own, although it may take many months, or even years.

They should be treated if they are bothersome.

What are molluscum contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like bumps on the skin. On close inspection, one can see a little dimple in the middle of the bump.

This is a common infection affecting children. It is frequently seen on the face, neck, armpit, arms and hands but may occur anywhere on the body except the palms and soles.

Because molluscum are infectious, they can spread to adjacent areas of the body, especially where skin surfaces touch. They are benign and usually go away by themselves. If they are spreading rapidly or bothering your child, you may want to talk with your provider about how to have them removed.

What is erythema toxicum? Erythema toxicum is a blotchy red rash found on newborns, usually by the first or second day of life. Some of the spots can have a raised center pimple surrounded by a flare of red. Erythema toxicum can occur in half of all newborns. The rash generally resolves on its own by the fifth or sixth day of life. It is not dangerous or contagious.

What is a viral rash or a viral exanthem? Exanthem is the name given to a rash that is usually accompanied by other illness symptoms such as fever, tiredness and headache. It is usually caused by an infectious condition such as a virus. The rash is usually the result of a reaction to a toxin produced by the virus or secondary to damage to the skin by the virus or a natural body response to the virus.

Is a heat rash dangerous? Heat rash is a skin condition that occurs when a child’s skin begins to itch or peel due to overheating. It is also known as prickly heat or miliaria. It appears as many tiny bumps surrounded by redness. It usually occurs on clothed parts of the body. It usually goes away on its own within a few days.

Heat rash occurs when a child’s body begins to sweat. This can happen in a hot, humid environment or when a child is overdressed. Perspiration irritates the surface of the skin, trapping sweat beneath the skin, where it builds up, causing the characteristic bumps.

The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. The affected area should be kept dry. Ointments or creams may make the condition worse. Heat rash usually does not require medical assistance and will resolve on its own.

What is a hemangioma? A hemangioma is a collection of blood vessels. These vessels can be close to the skin surface, resulting in reddish-purple “birthmarks.” The most common hemangioma, called a “capillary hemangioma” or a “strawberry hemangioma,” develops at or soon after birth and usually resolves after several years. Other less common hemangiomas, such as those called “port wine stains” or “cavernous hemangiomas” do not usually disappear on their own and may require treatment.

What are hives? Hives are itchy, raised, pink areas that can be found anywhere on the skin. They are not contagious. Hives most commonly occur because of allergy to a food, medicine or other environmental exposure, such as animals and pollens.

What is folliculitis? Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles and can occur on any area of the skin that has hair. Little red bumps and blisters develop. These are usually painless, but can be itchy. Folliculitis usually responds to cleansing and use of antibiotic ointments. Occasionally oral antibiotics may be needed.

What is hot tub folliculitis? Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles acquired after using a hot tub. The rash consists of raised red bumps. In most cases, hot tub folliculitis will resolve on its own

What is carotenemia? Carotenemia is a condition in which the skin turns a yellowish color from eating lots of foods that contain the pigment carotene. Carotene is found in yellow and orange vegetables as well as some fruits. The pigment does not cause any harm and the skin color will return to normal with a more balanced diet. It is not dangerous.

Carotenemia is most noticeable in light skinned toddlers, especially on their noses and hands. It never causes the whites of the eyes to be yellow.

What is keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition in which tiny dry bumps develop around the hair follicles, creating the appearance of “goose bumps.” These occur most prominently on the trunk, buttocks and outer arms and legs. Treatment consists of applying moisturizers and sometimes medicated creams to promote skin turnover.

What is ringworm? Ringworm is an infection of the skin or scalp caused by a fungus. The infection creates a ring-shaped, pink patch that can be itchy and gradually grows bigger. It is spread through contact with an infected person or animal.

It can be treated with antifungal creams or, if it is on the scalp, can be treated with antifungal medicine taken by mouth.

What is a kerion? A kerion sometimes develops in children with ringworm of the scalp. The affected scalp becomes red, boggy, and painful and can have blisters or collections of pus. It requires oral medications to resolve.

Are lice our friends? Lice are not our friends, but they sure do like us. In fact, they are quite unwelcome guests.

Lice (tiny, gray bugs) and nits (lice eggs) are found in hair and can cause itchy scalp. They spread quickly by contact with an infected person’s brush, hat, pillow and bed sheets.

Lice are the reason Moms tell their kids not to share combs and hats with other kids. Treatment generally includes anti-lice shampoos and careful cleaning of the infected child’s combs, brushes, clothing and bedding.

What is miliaria? Miliaria, also called “heat rash” or “prickly heat”, looks like tiny red bumps. It is often on the neck, back or chest. It occurs when a child becomes overheated such as with fever, hot weather, overdressing or exercise. It is harmless and resolves within a few days.

What is a blue-gray macule (Mongolian spot)? Blue-gray macules are also known as Mongolian spots. There are flat bluish or bluish-grey marks on the skin, often on the lower back, that appear at birth. They are benign, and more common in darker skinned races such as Asian, African or Indian. Mongolian spots can be mistaken for bruises or child abuse; they fade away naturally in the first few years of life.

What is a nevus? A nevus is a medical term for a mole—a darkened either flat or slightly raised mark on the skin. These can be small marks such as freckles or larger lesions that can be very dark or irregular. Nevi should be followed closely by your provider, and may need to be examined or biopsied by a dermatologist.

What is a nevus sebaceous? A nevus sebaceous is generally a solitary hairless patch in the scalp. It often has an orange-peel tan-orange appearance. These lesions have a small risk of becoming cancerous in adulthood, and it is often recommended to have them removed before puberty.

What are petichiae? Petechiae are small pinpoint dots of blood under the skin. They do not blanch or become pale when touched. Petechiae can be found after rubbing or trauma of the skin, or on the face after severe coughing episodes.

If there are many petechiae all over the body, it could be a sign of a serious systemic illness, infection or low platelet count. A child with many petechiae should see a doctor.

What is pityriasis rosea? This is a benign rash on the trunk of the body. It starts with a “herald patch”—measuring 1-2 cm, this patch is scaly and salmon colored. Then a secondary rash appears within 10 days, and is a pinkish scaly rash, often in a Christmas-tree pattern on the back. No treatment is necessary, as the rash will self-resolve. Occasionally, dandruff shampoo used as a lotion can help clear up the rash.

What is a pilomatrixoma? A pilomatrixoma is a benign tumor often associated with hair cells that appear as small firm nodule below the skin. They grow slowly over months to years, and are more common in children. Recommended treatment is surgical excision.

What does poison ivy look like and what kind of rash does it cause? Poison ivy is a woody bush or plant that is characterized by each leaf being composed of three leaflets. Contact with urushiol, an oil contained in poison ivy plants, can cause an allergic contact dermatitis. This develops in 12-48 hours, and is very itchy, red and often blistered and linear. To prevent poison ivy, wear long pants and sleeves, and wash with warm soapy water if exposed.

What is a port wine stain? A port wine stain is a vascular (blood vessel containing) birthmark of the skin, which produces a reddish-purplish discoloration of the skin. They are present at birth and most common on the face. They can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disorder, but are usually benign. Laser treatment can sometimes be helpful to lighten these birthmarks.

What is a pyogenic granuloma? A pyogenic granuloma is a small reddish bump on the skin that bleeds easily because of a high concentration of blood vessels. These often occur on the site of prior injury or trauma. Pyogenic granulomas occasionally will resolve spontaneously, but may need to be removed surgically.

What is tinea? Tinea is a fungal infection that when found on the skin is called ringworm. It can affect the scalp (tinea capitis), body, groin area (jock itch) or feet (athlete’s foot). It is contagious, and often is reddened and scaly. Generally, it can be treated with creams or lotions. Ringworm of the scalp often needs treated with oral medication.

What is a swimmer’s itch? Swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis) is an intensely itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction to a specific parasite sometimes found in fresh water lakes in the central U.S. Treatment is usually symptomatic and includes avoidance of contaminated water. Brisk drying with a towel after swimming may help prevent infection. Polluted lakes are sometimes chemically treated to get rid of the parasite.

What is seabather’s eruption? Seabather's eruption is a rash that occurs when a swimmer is stung by marine life larvae while swimming in the salt waters of the Caribbean and coasts of Florida. Seabather’s eruption should not be confused with swimmer’s itch.

Seabather’s eruption occurs in areas of the body covered with swim apparel as opposed to swimmer’s itch, which occurs on exposed areas of the body. Since the rash is self-limiting, treatment is primarily symptomatic.

What is thrush? Thrush is a yeast (fungal) infection of the tongue or the moist line of the mouth. Thrush is common in infancy.

Thrush is characterized by white patches on the tongue, mucous membranes of the mouth and sometimes lips. Thrush generally is a benign condition in healthy individuals. It can usually be easily treated with oral medications prescribed by your health care provider.

What is tinea versicolor? Tinea versicolor is a skin condition caused by a yeast-like fungal infection. The term means "multicolored ringworm." It is characterized by numerous light spots and scaly patches usually located on the neck, upper back and shoulders. Tinea versicolor is a benign condition, which may come and go for years. It can be treated with over-the-counter products that your health care provider can recommend.

What is tinea capitis? Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of the scalp, commonly known as "ringworm." Symptoms of tinea capitis include patches of hair loss, hair breakage near the root and an itchy, scaly scalp. Ringworm of the scalp must be treated with oral medications. Topical creams are not effective with fungal scalp infections.

What is tinea corporis? Tinea corporis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin. Ringworm usually appears as a ring-shaped pink patch that is about 1/2 to 1 inch in size. The rash usually has a scaly, slightly raised border with a clear center. Tinea corporis can be easily treated with over-the-counter topical anti-fungal medication.

What is tinea crusis? Tinea crusis, commonly known as jock itch, is a fungal infection of the perineal (crotch) area. Tinea crusis is characterized by a pink, scaly, itchy rash on the inner thighs, groin and scrotum. It can be effectively treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications when used as directed.

What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is a genetic skin disorder characterized by loss of pigmentation (melanin) of patches of skin. Areas of hypopigmentation (light pigmentation) usually appear as oval or irregular ivory-white patches of skin with a well-demarcated border. The exact cause of vitiligo is unknown.

Vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic problem, with affected individuals generally being healthy. However, because vitiligo may be confused with other skin disorders, or rarely can be associated with other diseases, it is important to see a health care provider for evaluation and diagnosis if vitiligo is suspected.

What is acne? Acne is a disease of the skin, commonly found where sebacceous (oil) glands are numerous, such as on the face, upper back, and chest. It is the result of over-activity and plugging of the oil glands.

Plugged oil glands become inflamed or infected and commonly appear as blackheads, whiteheads (pimples), or red bumps. Acne is not caused by diet, dirt, sexual activity or other behaviors.

There is no medication that will cure acne, but it can and should be treated with good skin care. Your health care provider can recommend proper treatment.

Does food make acne worse? No. Eating certain foods, like chocolate, will not make acne worse.

However, eating a well-balanced diet with 6-8 servings of water each day will help keep your body and skin healthy.

Will washing my face more often make my acne better? Washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser is adequate. More frequent cleansing and scrubbing can take away protective properties of your skin and irritate your skin.

What is an ingrown toenail? An ingrown toenail has nothing to do with a nail growing into the tissue of the toe. In fact, an ingrown nail occurs when the skin on one or both sides of a nail grows over the edges of the nail secondary to irritation, infection or trauma. Redness, pain and swelling at the corner of the nail results. Sometimes a small amount of pus can be seen draining from the area.