Dr. Sheila Fallon-Friedlander

Infectious Diseases: Clinical Pearls

Sheila Fallon-Friedlander, MD

What do we need to know about infectious diseases in our pediatric patients?

  • Remember that not all “infections” in atopic dermatitis are bacterial. HSV can infect AD lesions and the hint is “monomorphous, punched-out”
  • Rashes in neonates instill fear in family & staff alike – always first determine if the child appears ill, then set your “DefCon level”   Concern for molluscum is Defcon 5,   HSV is Defcon 1
  • Diaper dermatitis is a frustrating disease that can be infectious. Remember these possibilities:
    • Candida
    • Staph
    • Strep
    • Molluscum
  • Diaper dermatitis is frequently NOT infectious
    • MCI (baby wipes) irritant derm
    • Dyes from “colorful” diapers
    • Zinc /metabolic deficiencies
    • LCH
  • Measles is still an infectious disease concern world-wide. The risks of the vaccine are far outweighed by risk from the disease
  • Recent studies have shown that the measles vaccine can actually stimulate immune responsiveness