SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TOPICAL TREATM ENT IN CHILDREN

Although the barrier function and thickness of the stratum corneum is fully developed in newborns,the infant shows numerous differences in c utaneous and systemic metabolism of topically applied substances in co mparison to adults. This discrepancy between children and adults has b een explained by the greater systemic availability due to the greater surface area to weight ratio in children. Several topically applied dr ugs such as hexachlorophene, phenol, salicylic acid and boric acid in high concentration or on large areas have caused toxic reactions and f atalities in infants. Therapeutic approaches to childhood dermatoses d iffer from these used in adults. These age-dependent differences conce rning the topical application of glucocorticosteroids, urea and dyes a re described for the treatment of atopic eczema. The development of in novative topical drugs may extend therapeutic options especially in ch ildren as shown by a new topical anesthetic cream improving the treatm ent of mollusca contagiosa, a common childhood problem. Finally, certa in physiological differences should be considered in newborn and infan t skin care.