Skin infections in children on the rise; antibiotic resistance may be to blame

Story by ABC News

11:35 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Serious skin infections in children are on the rise, according to a new government report.

In 2000, skin infections ranked 17th on the government's list for the most common causes for hospitalization in children. By 2008, they had climbed to 8th.

Those 4 and under are most at risk, accounting for more than half of all hospitalizations.

But, the rate shot up among older teens as well, from about 4,900 cases in 2000 to more than 10,000 in 2006.

Researchers suspect that increasing rates of antibiotic resistance may be contributing to the problem.

Overuse of unnecessary antibiotics have created more dangerous bugs, sometimes called super bugs.

Experts recommend washing your hands frequently and keeping wounds clean and covered.

If you see a sore on your child that does not seem to be healing, or that is accompanied by high fever, seek treatment immediately.


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