Skin infections account for a significant subset of dermatologic conditions of 
childhood. Common cutaneous viral infections in children include warts, 
molluscum contagiosum, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and herpes simplex. Although 
viral infections are self-limited and often only mildly symptomatic, they can 
cause anxiety, embarrassment, and health care use. Recognition of their common 
and atypical presentations is necessary to differentiate them from other skin 
conditions of similar morphology. Impetigo, cellulitis, and abscess comprise the 
majority of childhood bacterial skin infections and are treated with topical or 
systemic antibiotics that cover group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. 
Common fungal dermatologic infections in children are oral and genital 
candidiasis, tinea capitis, and tinea corporis. Management consists of topical 
and systemic antifungals, including nystatin, triazoles, terbinafine, 
griseofulvin, and imidazoles. Scabies is the most common parasitic skin 
infection among children and is managed with topical permethrin. Although 
serious illness is not common among children returning from international 
travel, patients presenting with fever and rash, especially petechial or 
hemorrhagic lesions, require thorough evaluation. Of the numerous reportable 
conditions that present with childhood rash, tick-borne illnesses, measles, 
rubella, and varicella are the most common.