Boils in babies can be caused by many things, but most often are caused by bacterial infections on the skin. Small boils can usually heal on their own. But if the boil in the baby accompanied by other complaints, you should immediately consult a doctor, because it could be caused by a serious condition.
Ulcers in infants are characterized by the appearance of bumps on the skin containing pus. Boils usually appear on the hairy area, are easy to sweat, and often experience friction. The location of the baby's body that is often overgrown with boils is the face, neck, armpits, thighs, groin, and buttocks.
Causes and Ways to Overcome Boils in Infants
Boils that appear on the baby's skin are most often caused by bacterial infections, such as the Staphylococcus bacteria. This bacterium can enter the baby's skin through cracks or cuts.
When it enters the body, the bacteria will then be resisted by white blood cells. Collection of white blood cells, dead skin cells and tissue, and bacteria that have died will then produce pus and ulcers in infants.
The following are some conditions or diseases that can cause bacterial infections in the baby's skin, which can develop into ulcers:
1. Hair follicle infection
Bacteria on the skin can cause infection of the hair follicles (hair follicles or roots), causing ulcers in infants. There are three types of hair follicle infections, namely:
- Folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles.
- Furuncle, which is an infection of the hair follicles in the deeper layers of the skin.
- Carbunkel, a group of pus-infected hair follicles. Carbunkels are bigger and deeper than furuncles. This condition can cause pain and fever in babies.
Folliculitis can go away on its own without treatment, whereas furuncles and carbuncles need to be treated with medication from a doctor.
2. Wounds on baby's skin
In addition to bacterial infections in hair follicles, boils in infants can also be caused by sores caused by clothing friction or diapers. When a baby has a wound on his skin, bacteria from dirt or dust will easily enter the skin and cause ulcers.
To prevent this from happening, baby diapers need to be changed more often. Don't forget to change baby clothes when he is sweating or if the clothes look dirty. In addition, proper baby skin care is also important to prevent and help overcome the injury to the baby that causes ulcers.
3. Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin that is quite common in infants. This contagious disease can cause ulcers or blisters on the face (around the nose and mouth), neck, arms and baby's elbow folds.
The boil will usually break on its own and cause a yellowish crust or scab.
This condition can heal itself in a few weeks. However, to accelerate healing and prevent transmission of bacteria to infants or other children, antibiotics from a doctor are needed.
4. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS)
SSSS is a severe infection of the skin caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This disease often attacks infants and children.
When experiencing SSSS, the baby will have a fever for several days, then a rash appears on the whole body accompanied by blisters or boils that break easily. In addition, the baby's skin will also look cracked and the baby will look weak.
Infants affected by SSSS require treatment from a doctor as soon as possible because this disease has the potential to cause severe complications, such as sepsis and dehydration. Infants or children affected by SSSS usually need treatment for several days in the hospital.
To speed up the process of healing boils in infants, do the following:
- Compress boils with a cloth soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times each day.
- Wear baby clothes that are clean, not too tight, and easily absorb sweat.
- When a boil has broken off on its own, clean the baby's skin using baby soap to remove pus, then cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Don't forget to wash your hands before and after touching baby's skin.
In large ulcers or if they rupture on their own, antibiotic ointment is usually required. To determine the type of antibiotic that is suitable, you need to consult a doctor.
Ulcer Conditions in Infants to Watch Out for
Boils in babies are often not caused by dangerous conditions and can heal on their own. Even so, sometimes boils in infants can also be a sign of serious illness.
The following are some conditions or signs that need to be aware of if the baby has boils:
- Ulcers do not heal or get more in more than two weeks.
- Other symptoms appear, such as fever, weakness, and seizures.
- Babies appear in pain when boils appear, especially when boils or the skin around the boils are touched.
- Ulcers grow on the baby's face, especially around the eyes.
- The skin around the boils appear reddish and warm to the touch.
If boils are accompanied by these conditions, immediately consult a dermatologist or pediatrician to get the right treatment.
