Baby rash that looks like pimples

Skin rashes in babies | nidirect

It's normal for babies to develop rashes from as early as a few days old. If your baby has a rash but doesn’t show signs of illness, speak to your midwife, health visitor, or your GP. If your baby appears unwell, call your GP or GP out of hours service.

About skin rashes in babies

It's important to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis, see section below.

Also below is information on some of the most common rashes in babies. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own.

This guide may give you a better idea of the cause of the rash. But don't use it to diagnose your baby's condition. Always speak to a health professional for a proper diagnosis.

• read about causes of rashes in older children 

Baby acne (neonatal acne)

Baby acne is where pimples sometimes develop on a baby's cheeks, nose and forehead within a month of their birth. 

About baby acne

• pimples tend to get worse before clearing up completely after a few weeks or months
• washing your baby's face with water and a mild moisturiser can improve the appearance of their skin
• avoid acne medicines intended for older children and adults

Pimples or blackheads that develop after three months of age (infantile acne) tend to be more severe. These often need medical treatment.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is where yellowish, greasy, scaly patches develop on a baby's scalp. 

About cradle cap

• occasionally, as well as the scalp, the face, ears and neck are also affected
• it isn't itchy and shouldn't bother your baby- if your baby is scratching or upset, they may have eczema (see below)
• it is a common condition that tends to develop within two or three months after birth
• it usually gets better without treatment in a few weeks or months

Gently washing your baby's hair and scalp with baby shampoo may help to prevent further patches developing.

Eczema

Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked.

The most common form is atopic eczema. It mainly affects babies and children but can continue into adulthood.

About atopic eczema

• eczema in babies under six months is sometimes associated with allergies to milk and egg
• it often starts in young babies as a red, itchy rash on the face, scalp and body
• as the child gets older, it usually starts to develop in areas with folds of skin, such as behind the knees or on the front of the elbows

Creams and ointments can often relieve the symptoms.

Erythema toxicum

Half of all newborns develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum. This is usually at two or three days old.

It's a normal newborn rash that won't bother your baby and clears after a few days.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, viral illness. 

About hand, foot and mouth disease

• it causes a blistery rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, as well as ulcers in the mouth
• your baby may also feel unwell and have a fever

Treatment isn't usually needed, as the baby's immune system clears the virus. The symptoms go away after about seven to 10 days. If you're worried, see your GP.

Hives (urticaria)

Hives is also known as urticaria. 

About hives

• causes a raised, red itchy rash that appears on the skin
• happens when a trigger (such as a food that your baby is allergic to) causes a substance called histamine to be released into their skin

If your baby gets urticaria during feeding, the condition may be triggered by something they've had to eat or drink. The most common foods are egg and milk, but many other foods can sometimes be the cause.

The urticaria rash is usually short-lived and can be controlled with antihistamines. If your baby gets hives repeatedly, it's important to see your GP to discuss possible allergies.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the surface layers of the skin. It causes sores and blisters.

It's not usually serious, but you can visit your GP for a prescription of antibiotics. This should clear the infection within seven to 10 days.

Milia 

About half of all newborns develop tiny (1-2mm) white spots on their face. These are called milia. 

These are just blocked pores. They usually clear within the first four weeks of life.

Nappy rash

Nappy rash occurs when the skin around the baby's nappy area becomes irritated. 

About nappy rash

• is often caused by exposure to wee or poo for a long period of time
• can sometimes be the result of a fungal infection or rare skin condition

You can usually reduce nappy rash by taking simple steps to keep your baby's skin clean and dry. You can use a barrier cream if needed. Antifungal cream may be necessary if the rash is caused by a fungal infection.

• read more about nappies and nappy rash

Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection. It causes a ring-like red rash almost anywhere on the body (the baby's scalp, feet and groin are common areas). 

It's usually easily treated using over-the-counter creams.

Ask your pharmacist if you need advice about treatment.

Scabies

Scabies is a common infestation of the skin that can affect people of all ages.

About scabies

• it's caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin
• it's often spread between family members, so when babies get scabies it's usually because someone else in the family had it recently
• babies with scabies develop tiny and very itchy spots all over the body, including on the soles of the feet, armpits and genital area

Treatment with creams that kill the scabies mite needs to be given to the whole family at the same time for it to be effective.

Visit your GP if you think your baby has scabies. It's not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.

Your GP will discuss treatment with you. The treatments most widely used are a cream and lotion.

Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection particularly common in children and babies.

About slapped cheek syndrome

• it typically causes a bright red rash on both cheeks and a fever
• most babies won't need treatment, as slapped cheek syndrome is usually a mild condition that passes in a few days

Sweat rash (miliaria)

A heat rash is sometimes called miliaria or prickly heat. It may flare up when your baby sweats. For example, because they're dressed in too many clothes or the environment is hot and humid.

It's a sign your baby's sweat glands have become blocked.

They may develop tiny red bumps or blisters on their skin, but these will soon clear without treatment.

Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

About meningitis

• the classic rash associated with meningitis usually looks like small, red pinpricks at first
• it then quickly spreads over the body and turns into red or purple blotches
• it is a blotchy rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it (this won't always develop) 

​​​​

Meningitis warning signs

It's important to be aware of the warning signs of meningitis in your baby, which include:

• becoming floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with jerky movements
• becoming irritable and not wanting to be held
• unusual crying
• vomiting and refusing feeds
• pale and blotchy skin
• loss of appetite
• staring expression
• very sleepy with a reluctance to wake up
• fever 

Some babies develop a swelling in the soft part of their head (fontanelle).

Trust your instincts. If you think your baby has meningitis, see your GP or GP out of hours service immediately or go to your nearest emergency department. 

• find out more about skin rashes in babies on the NHS website

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Childish rash on the body of a child

What is strawberry tongue and slapped cheek syndrome? Why is measles called the first disease and scarlet fever the second? Why does the banal roseola scare parents so much? In honor of Children's Day, we are talking about childhood infections.

Any medical student knows about the six primary exanthems. These are infectious diseases with similar manifestations: they always begin with a fever and are accompanied by skin rashes, which are otherwise called exanthems. Mostly children get sick of them - usually easily, but some infections from this list can be dangerous, while others, although harmless, often make parents nervous. Here is the famous classic six.

First: measles

Measles, which practicing pediatricians have not encountered for a long time, is now on everyone's lips - the outbreak of the first disease has spread to a dozen European countries, and the incidence is growing in Russia. Measles is not as mild a disease as is commonly believed. It is unpleasant to get sick with it even in childhood, and adults, due to the peculiarities of the immune system, endure it hard. In addition, it is dangerous with complications that can develop in anyone: measles pneumonia, purulent otitis media, laryngeal stenosis, bronchitis, kidney, liver and brain damage. The consequence of measles can be deafness or blindness, people still die from it.

A typical symptom: spots of Belsky - Filatov - Koplik - a white rash similar to semolina, surrounded by a red border. They appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks about a day before the measles rash.

Prevention and treatment : there is no cure for measles, the most reliable prevention of infection is a double vaccination.

Second: scarlet fever

All Soviet schoolchildren knew about the existence of this disease - from the gloomy poem "Death of a Pioneer" by Eduard Bagritsky, the heroine of which was dying in the hospital. In the 30s of the last century, when this work was written, scarlet fever was one of the most severe childhood infections. In our time, it is incomparably easier - experts attribute this to both improving the quality of life of children and the availability of antibiotics.

Scarlet fever is caused by group A hemolytic streptococcus. It is similar to a sore throat, but is manifested not only by high fever, general malaise and sore throat, but also by a small rash, which usually appears on the cheeks, on the folds of the arms and legs, under the armpits a day after the onset of the disease , on the sides of the body. Scarlet fever is a very contagious disease, according to sanitary standards it is subject to control: having made such a diagnosis, the doctor must inform the epidemic surveillance authority. After recovery, quarantine is established for up to 12 days.

Typical symptom: strawberry tongue - the surface of the tongue is scarlet, dotted with white dots.

Prevention and treatment : hemolytic streptococcus is transmitted by airborne droplets, the risk of infection is reduced by personal hygiene - washing hands, wet cleaning, etc. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics.

Third: rubella

Given the high contagiousness of rubella and the fact that the patient begins to isolate the virus long before the onset of the first symptoms, it is easy to get sick with it if there is no vaccination. Often rubella is very mild, sometimes only with a rash, or even asymptomatic. Sometimes, when there are no rashes, it is mistaken for a mild SARS. However, the patient is still contagious.

The main danger of rubella is for pregnant women: infection during pregnancy can lead to interruption or severe pathologies in the fetus. The risk is higher the shorter the gestational age, which is why a blood test for antibodies to rubella and, if it is negative, a subsequent vaccination, are included in the preparation plan for conception. Children are vaccinated against rubella at the same time as measles - at 12 months and 6 years.

A typical symptom: an increase in the cervical lymph nodes before the appearance of a rash, red dots in the sky - the so-called Forksheimer's spots. The rash itself is smooth to the touch, similar to drops of paint. She acts first on the face and behind the ears, then on the rest of the skin.

Prevention and treatment : there is a vaccine for rubella, but no specific treatment.

Fourth: mononucleosis

Previously, the fourth was Filatov-Dukes disease - scarlatinal rubella. It was described as a mild form of scarlet fever, with a low fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a similar rash that went away on its own without complications. Subsequently, it ceased to be considered an independent disease.

Now the fourth disease is called infectious mononucleosis, although it is not always accompanied by a rash. The symptoms of this disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus are very diverse - it usually manifests itself with fever, sore throat, liver enlargement, general malaise, but joint pain, headaches, herpes on the skin, etc. can also occur. The rash with mononucleosis is similar to red spots are irregular in shape and occur in about 25 percent of cases. There is another type of rash characteristic of this disease: in the event that the patient takes antibiotics prescribed by mistake or "just in case", the so-called ampicillin rash may develop. She, unlike the usual, not associated with antibiotics, can itch - including at night, causing severe discomfort.

Typical symptoms: prolonged fever, inflammation of the tonsils, significant enlargement of the lymph nodes, ampicillin rash.

Prevention and treatment : personal hygiene - Epstein-Barr virus is very common and easily transmitted by airborne droplets and through household contact (mononucleosis is also called the kissing disease). The disease is treated with antiviral and symptomatic drugs.

Fifth: erythema infectiosum

The fifth disease, parvovirus infection, slap disease, is all erythema infectiosum, very common among children. It begins with fever, headache and runny nose, but differs from acute respiratory infections in rashes on the cheeks, and then on the body. The rash slowly passes, sometimes itches, becomes brighter, for example, in the heat. The fifth disease, caused by parvovirus B19, is mild and without consequences. However, there are two categories of people for whom this infection can be dangerous - pregnant women, especially in the early stages, and patients with anemia, in particular sickle cell. If they become infected with parvovirus, they need to see a doctor.

A typical symptom: in children - slapped cheek syndrome (bright red skin on the cheeks), in adults - joint pain. The rash on the body looks like lace.

Prevention and treatment : personal hygiene, no treatment usually required.

Sixth: roseola

This disease is very frightening for parents, and doctors do not always recognize it, which leads to unnecessary prescription of antibiotics. The child suddenly develops a high temperature, which is difficult to reduce with the help of antipyretics. There are no other symptoms - no cough, no runny nose, no pain of any kind.

In fact, there is nothing dangerous in roseola. It develops when a child becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus type 6. This happens so often that almost all children have time to get sick with roseola before the age of 5. You can only transfer it once in your life.

A typical symptom: exactly after 3 days the temperature returns to normal sharply (hence another name for roseola - children's three-day fever) and a rash appears in another day.

Prevention and treatment : not required - roseola is not dangerous and goes away on its own.

How to recognize scarlet fever and why "stars" on the skin are alarming

Of course, the list of infections that may be accompanied by rashes is not limited to these six diseases. It is quite large - this is chickenpox, and enterovirus infection, and yersiniosis, and shingles, and many others. Unfortunately, among such infections there are also very dangerous ones, in which delay can lead to serious consequences and death of a person. How not to miss such situations, what to pay special attention to when a rash is an alarming symptom, in which cases laboratory tests are needed, says pediatrician Elena Nikiforova, medical expert at the laboratory of personalized medicine LabQuest.

In what cases is it necessary to take tests?

– As a rule, these diseases are diagnosed clinically, because there is a typical picture of the disease. This applies to measles, rubella, roseola, infectious erythema, in which the rash appears at a certain point and in stages. With measles, the diagnosis is further confirmed in the infectious diseases department - this disease is not treated at home. With rubella, the doctor may order general blood and urine tests if there is a suspicion that a bacterial infection has joined.

With scarlet fever, the diagnosis is a test for group A streptococcus. There are home tests that help to differentiate the pathogen on the spot, a throat swab is taken in the laboratory. You need to take the test promptly, at the first symptoms, before starting treatment and even using symptomatic remedies - a throat spray, lozenges, etc. If the result is positive, and the child has a fever, red throat, raids on the tonsils, an antibiotic is prescribed.

Now, a blood test for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, is being massively prescribed. And often, treatment is prescribed even if IgG antibodies are detected, which indicate a previous infection and developed immunity. Mononucleosis is treated only in the acute period - this can be determined using a blood test for type M antibodies (IgM).

When is a fever and rash a reason to call an ambulance?

- There is a principle that doctors adhere to and that parents should take note of: any fever and rash is a reason to immediately call an ambulance. First of all, it is necessary to diagnose meningococcemia. Meningococcal infection affects the lining of the brain. Very rarely, this happens at lightning speed, with meningitis there is at least a day to diagnose this disease and begin to treat it. Meningococcemia develops when the infection begins to affect the walls of blood vessels, it actively multiplies, a toxin is released into the blood, and sepsis develops.

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