• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

877-862-8594phone iconCall
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Types
    • Symptoms
    • Diagnosis
    • Treatment
    • Prognosis
    • Causes
    • Associated Disorders
    • Gross Motor Classification System
    • Life Expectancy
    • Myths
    • Risk Factors
    • Support Groups
    • Research
    • United Cerebral Palsy Association
    • Birth Injury Overview
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
    • Support Groups
    • Daily Communication
    • Physical Fitness
    • Toilet Training Tips
    • Eating and Feeding Tips
    • Wheelchairs and Scooters
    • Walkers, Canes, and Standers
    • Falling Issues
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
    • Conductive Education
    • Tips For Better Sleeping
    • Traveling Tips
    • Sports
    • Bullying
    • Inclusive Playgrounds
    • Respite Care
    • Transitioning to Adulthood
    • Vocational Counseling
    • College Guide
    • Finding a Job
    • Having Children
    • Costs
  • Financial Assistance
    • Government Assistance
    • Special Education Assistance
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
    • Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Toddler’s arm with eczema
Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy Skin Conditions
Last Updated: April 30, 2025

Cerebral Palsy Skin Conditions

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Sources of information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Skin breakdown is a significant concern for children with cerebral palsy, and symptoms associated with the disorder can lead to ulcers, infections, rashes, and many other integumentary issues. Great care should be taken to keep skin integrity intact for these children. Monitor closely for early signs of breakdown or infection.

Infections and Skin Conditions Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy run the risk of developing infectious skin diseases, defined as skin conditions that can spread to other people. There are four main types of infectious skin conditions, which include:[1]

Viral Skin Conditions

Viral skin conditions occur when an infection inside the body presents as lesions or rashes on the skin. These can often be contagious but are also typically self-limiting.

Avoiding close contact with others and practicing good handwashing, especially when experiencing a viral rash, will help reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Bacterial Skin Conditions

Any break in the skin may become prone to harboring bacteria. Surgical incisions, insect bites, pressure ulcers, and any other areas of impaired skin integrity are at risk of developing a bacterial infection.

Keeping open skin clean and dry, covered, and avoiding picking or touching lesions will help prevent infection. Redness, swelling, pain, or lesions may all be signs of a developing bacterial skin infection. Some, but not all, bacterial skin infections are contagious.

Parasitic Skin Conditions

Dust mites, fleas, head lice, and other parasites can cause parasitic skin conditions.[2] Parasites can also live in the child’s hair, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Itching, rash, and small bite marks may indicate a parasitic skin infection. These are often highly contagious.

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungi are found everywhere, but they mostly do not cause infections. A fungal infection in the skin usually occurs in areas that trap moisture and are warm, such as between the toes. Fungal skin infections are typically itchy and cause a discolored rash. Common fungal infections include ringworm, athlete’s foot, candida, and tinea versicolor.

Non-Infectious Skin Conditions Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Non-infectious skin conditions are skin problems that cannot be passed on or transmitted to another person.

There are several reasons a child with cerebral palsy is more prone to non-infectious skin conditions:

  • Drooling and incontinence can lead to excess moisture that causes localized skin rashes and irritation.
  • Poor mobility can lead to pressure sores from beds, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices.
  • Children with cerebral palsy who also have emotional or behavioral challenges may engage in self-harm, resulting in skin injuries and scarring.

How Can I Prevent My Child From Developing a Skin Condition?

There are numerous things you can do to help make sure your child has the least possible chance of developing skin conditions:

  • Ensure your child washes their hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, and before and after meals.
  • Ensure that your child’s bedsheets and blankets are changed and cleaned regularly.
  • If your child uses adaptive equipment, ensure the equipment is washed and dried regularly and fitted correctly.
  • Your child’s skin should always be kept clean and dry. Moisturizing is also essential.
  • Keep your child’s hair shampooed and cleaned regularly.
  • If your child wears diapers or any incontinence products, clean and change them promptly.
  • Make sure your child’s circulation is healthy if they are not mobile.

Treatment for Skin Conditions

In some instances, your child’s doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication, which can help clear up skin issues. However, if the problem is severe, your pediatrician may refer your child to a dermatologist or other specialists needed for assistance.

Treatment will depend on your child’s skin condition, ranging from antibiotics to prescription-based topical medications. Doctors can help you manage and treat most conditions to keep your child healthy and comfortable.

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now

References

  1. MedlinePlus. (2023, April 12). Skin Infections.
    Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/skininfections.html
  2. Feldmeier, H. and Heukelbach, J. (2009, February). Epidermal Parasitic Skin Diseases: A Neglected Category of Poverty-Associated Plagues. Bull World Health Organ. 87(2), 152-9.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2636197/
View All References
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze, RN, CPNP is a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience working with pediatric patients in primary care as well as adolescent mental health.

See Full Bio

Secondary Sidebar

Lifelong Financial Assistance for Your Child's Birth InjuryCerebral Palsy

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy in Newborns
Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers
Severe Cerebral Palsy
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic
Atonic (Hypotonic)
Dyskinetic Athetoid
Dystonic
Hypertonic
Mixed
Non-Spastic
Spastic
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic Hemiplegia
Spastic Quadriplegia
Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
How Cerebral Palsy Affects the Brain and Body
Cerebral Palsy Causes
Birth Asphyxia
Prolonged Labor
Delayed C-Section
Forceps Delivery Injuries
Vacuum Extractor Birth Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries
Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis
Improper NICU Care
Traumatic Brain Injury
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Hydrocephalus
Pitocin Errors
Anesthesia Errors
Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy
Jaundice
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Placental Problems
Epidural Hematoma
Perinatal Stroke
Meningitis
Acquired Brain Injuries and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders
Mobility Issues
Pain
Cognitive Issues
Developmental Delays
Post-Impairment Syndrome
Seizures
Epilepsy
Malnutrition
Respiratory Health
Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment
Arthritis
Depression
Sleep Issues
Dysphagia
Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions
Digestive Issues and Health
Emotional Issues
Behavioral Disorders
Autism
Down Syndrome
ADHD
Diabetes
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral Palsy Specialists
Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Medications
Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants
Muscle Relaxants
Stem Cell Therapy
Surgery
Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy
Botox Treatment
Hippotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Homeopathy
Yoga
Pilates
Intensive Suit Therapy
Medical Marijuana
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Osteopathic Manipulation
Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement
Pet Therapy
Cerebral Palsy Cure
Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk Factor Causal Pathways
Premature Birth
Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy
Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Cerebral Palsy
Maternal and Fetal Infections and Cerebral Palsy
Blood Type Incompatibility
Multiple Births
Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups and Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Research
Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics
Prevalence and Incidence
Cerebral Palsy Myths
Cerebral Palsy Prevention
Cerebral Palsy Misdiagnosis
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Caregiver Resources
Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs
Orthopedic Health
Neurological Health
Daily Communication
Physical Fitness
Abuse
Toilet Training Tips
Eating and Feeding Tips
Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans
Walkers, Canes, and Standers
Adaptive Bikes
Affordable Transportation
Assistive Technology
Falling Issues
Home Modifications
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Conductive Education
Tips For Better Sleeping
Traveling Tips
Sports
Bullying
Inclusive Playgrounds
Respite Care
Faith
Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood
LGBT
Vocational Counseling
College Guide
Teacher Tips for Inclusive Classrooms
Finding a Job
Having Children
Veterans
Fostering or Adopting a Child with CP
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance
Government Assistance
Title V MCH Benefits
Special Education Assistance
Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
Alabama
Huntsville
Alaska
Anchorage
Arizona
Phoenix
Arkansas
Little Rock
California
Los Angeles
Colorado
Denver
Connecticut
Bridgeport
Delaware
Wilmington
Florida
Jacksonville
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Honolulu
Idaho
Boise
Illinois
Chicago
Indiana
Indianapolis
Iowa
Des Moines
Kansas
Wichita
Kentucky
Louisville
Louisiana
New Orleans
Maine
Portland, Maine
Maryland
Baltimore
Massachusetts
Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Minnesota
Minneapolis
Mississippi
Jackson
Missouri
Kansas City
Montana
Billings
Nebraska
Omaha
Nevada
Las Vegas
New Hampshire
Manchester
New Jersey
Newark
New Mexico
Albuquerque
New York
New York City
North Carolina
Charlotte
North Dakota
Fargo
Ohio
Columbus
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City
Oregon
Portland
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Rhode Island
Providence
South Carolina
Columbia
South Dakota
Sioux Falls
Tennessee
Nashville
Texas
Houston
Utah
Salt Lake City
Vermont
Burlington
Virginia
Virginia Beach
Washington
Seattle
Washington, D.C.
West Virginia
Charleston
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Wyoming
Cheyenne
Medical Malpractice
Claim for Compensation
Lawsuit
Settlement
Statute of Limitations
Life Care Plan
Goals
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Care Team
Record Keeping and Documents
Birth Injury
Treatment
Causes
Failure to Monitor
Symptoms
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Skull Fracture
Treatment
Symptoms
Causes
Prognosis
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Infant Brain Damage
Prognosis
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death
Causes
Intrauterine Fetal Demise (Stillbirth)
Claim for Compensation
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Grieving the Loss of a Baby
Erb’s Palsy
Symptoms
Prognosis
Treatment
Causes
Lawyer
Settlement
Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Causes
Prognosis
Symptoms
Treatment
Lawyer
Lawsuit
Settlement
Claim for Compensation
Klumpke’s Palsy
Lawyer
Lawsuit

© 2025 CerebralPalsyGuidance.com · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Living With Cerebral Palsy
  • Financial Assistance
  • Our Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

Facebook Twitter
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines