Baby rashes with white bumps
Common childhood rashes | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
If your child has a seizure, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you think your child might have meningococcal rash, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Key facts
- There are many different types of childhood rashes. Many are not serious.
- If your child has a rash and fever, they should see their doctor.
- If your child has a meningococcal rash, go immediately to the emergency department.
Meningococcal rash
If you think your child might have meningococcal rash, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
You can read more about serious childhood rashes here.
Rashes with no fever or itching
Milia (blocked oil glands)
Up to 1 in every 2 newborn babies develop small white spots called milia on their face, especially on the nose. These are just blocked pores, and they’re not itchy or contagious. They usually clear up without treatment within a few weeks.
Erythema toxicum
Many newborns develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum, which can appear between 2 days and 2 weeks after birth. Flat, red patches or small bumps often first appear on the face and spread to the body and limbs. The rash is harmless, not contagious, and will clear after a few days or a week.
Baby acne
Some babies get pimples on their cheeks and nose in the first three months of life. These pimples normally disappear without any treatment, usually within a few months.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is inflammation of the skin in the nappy area. It can look red, sore and inflamed. Nappy rash is usually caused by urine (wee) or faeces (poo) irritating the skin.
To avoid nappy rash, keep the nappy area clean and dry with frequent nappy changes and nappy-free time. You can help protect the skin by putting on a barrier cream such as zinc or soft white paraffin at each nappy change.
Persistent nappy rash can be treated with a medicated cream. Don’t use talcum powder or antiseptics to treat nappy rash. If your baby develops a fungal infection, you’ll need to use an antifungal ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Erythema multiforme (minor)
Erythema multiforme is a rash triggered by an infection (most commonly herpes simplex virus), medicine or an illness. Your baby might feel unwell or have a mild fever before the rash appears. Red spots develop on the hands, feet, arms and legs and spread symmetrically across both sides of the body. The spots often become raised or blistered and then develop into classic target-like lesions.
Erythema multiforme is not contagious, and usually resolves without treatment in 3 to 6 weeks.
Keratosis pilaris (‘chicken skin’)
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if permanently covered in goose pimples. These bumps most commonly occur on the upper arms and thighs.
You can try several things to help the rash to clear up, including moisturising regularly.
Rashes that might be itchy
Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
Eczema is a very common skin condition affecting 1 in 3 Australians. It causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, often in the creases at the knees and elbows.
Eczema commonly starts before a baby is 12 months old. Eczema follows a relapsing-remitting course. This means that there are flare-ups of the rash, followed by periods where there is no rash or a minimal rash.
Eczema management includes preventative treatment such as avoiding skin irritants, moisturising regularly and using bath oil. Treatment of flare-ups includes using steroid and anti-inflammatory creams.
Ringworm (tinea)
Ringworm is a common, contagious skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash with a clear centre. It commonly occurs on the scalp, feet and groin, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body.
Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm, and is usually treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams.
You should keep your child home from childcare or school until a day after you have started treatment to prevent spreading the infection.
Prickly heat (heat rash)
Heat rash might appear if your baby gets hot in a humid environment. The rash shows as tiny red bumps or blisters on the skin, which can be very itchy. Cooling your baby down and avoiding humidity is the best way to prevent heat rash, which usually clears within 2 to 3 days without treatment.
Impetigo (school sores)
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin. It causes red sores and blisters that form a yellow crust. It is very common in children aged 2 to 6, and it is not usually serious in this age group, but it can be dangerous for newborn babies.
If your child has impetigo, you should see your doctor, who might prescribe an antibiotic cream, ointment or tablet. This should clear the infection within 7 to 10 days. Keep your child home from childcare or school and away from young babies until the sores have dried up, usually a few days after treatment starts.
Hives (urticaria)
Hives is a raised, red, itchy rash. It is common on the chest, stomach and back, as well as the throat and limbs, but it can appear on any part of the body. Hives usually disappears within a few days without any treatment. Antihistamines can be given to relieve itching. If the rash doesn't go away, you should see your doctor.
Hives isn’t usually serious, but it can be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your child develops hives after eating, or together with other symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness or trouble breathing, you should seek urgent medical attention.
If your child has symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a mild skin rash that sometimes appears after a sore throat, cold or fever. It begins with a single pink or tan-coloured patch on the chest or back. Red, oval-shaped patches, which may be itchy, then appear on the chest or back and limbs over the next weeks.
The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear, and it is not thought to be contagious. The rash usually clears up within a couple of months without treatment.
If you are pregnant, pityriasis rosea can in rare cases lead to complications. See your doctor if you are pregnant and have contact with a child who has pityriasis rosea.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that is spread by skin-to-skin contact or by sharing swimming pool water, bath water or towels.
Molluscum contagiosum spots look like pimples and grow into round pearly white lumps, usually 2 to 5 millimetres in size. They can be itchy. They usually heal without treatment within 6 months, but sometimes longer.
Rashes with fever
Slapped cheek disease (fifth disease)
Slapped cheek disease is a viral infection that mainly affects pre-school and school-age children. It typically causes a bright red rash on both cheeks that spreads as a ‘lacy’ rash on the body and limbs.
Occasionally, it causes a fever.
Slapped cheek disease is usually mild and clears up in a few days without treatment. The child is contagious before the rash appears, but not once it has appeared.
If you are pregnant and catch the virus, it may cause a type of anaemia in your unborn baby. It can also cause miscarriage. If you suspect you or your child has slapped cheek disease, you should avoid contact with people who might be pregnant.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild but highly contagious viral illness. It causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and blisters in the mouth. It is not the same as the foot-and-mouth disease that affects farm animals.
The disease is common in childcare and kindergartens. Your child might feel unwell and have a fever and blisters on the hands and feet and in the mouth and in the nappy area. The illness usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. Children with hand, foot and mouth disease should stay away from childcare or school until all the blisters have dried up.
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually resolves on its own without complications. In rare cases, it can be more serious, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant. Complications can include infections of the brain and heart muscle and miscarriage.
Roseola infantum
Roseola infantum is a contagious viral infection that can cause cold-like symptoms and a high fever. The high fever may last for a few days. Roseola infantum can also cause some children to have a febrile convulsion (seizure).
Children with roseola infantum develop a rash after the fever has resolved. The rash looks like raised pink spots that start on the chest, stomach and back and spread to the limbs. The child is contagious before the rash appears, but not after. The rash usually lasts 3 to 5 days.
Febrile convulsions can look scary but are generally not harmful.
If your child has a seizure, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
When to seek help
Many babies develop a skin rash in their first days or weeks of life as their sensitive skin adapts to a new environment.
Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own, but if your baby seems unwell, or if you’re worried, you should see your doctor. They can advise about the cause and whether treatment is necessary.
Whatever their age, you should take your child to the doctor if they have a rash and persistent high temperature, cold or cough symptoms or swollen neck glands.
Treatment of common childhood rashes
If you think your child might be contagious, they should stay at home. Keep them away from school, childcare and other children. You should also keep them away from people who are pregnant, or who might be pregnant, since some childhood infections can cause serious problems in unborn babies.
You can use paracetamol or ibuprofen (in babies aged over 3 months) to reduce fever — read the packet instructions carefully to ensure your child receives the right amount for their age and weight.
Your pharmacist can advise you on treating the symptoms of common rashes. For example, you can use over-the-counter creams to prevent itchiness.
If you are concerned about your child’s rash, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to talk to a maternal child health nurse, or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 022 to talk to a registered nurse. Alternatively, contact your doctor.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
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Slapped cheek syndrome - NHS
Slapped cheek syndrome (also called fifth disease) is common in children and should get better on its own within 3 weeks. It's rarer in adults, but can be more serious.
Check if it's slapped cheek syndrome
The first sign of slapped cheek syndrome is usually feeling unwell for a few days.
Symptoms may include:
- a high temperature
- a runny nose and sore throat
- a headache
Credit:
SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/550792/view
A few days later, a spotty rash may appear on the chest, arms and legs. The rash can be raised and itchy. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.Credit:
John Kaprielian/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/618192/view
How long it lasts
The cheek rash usually fades within 2 weeks.
The body rash also fades within 2 weeks, but sometimes lasts for up to a month, especially if you're exercising, hot, anxious or stressed.
Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. This can happen in children too, but it's rare. Joint pain can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone.
If you're not sure your child has slapped cheek syndrome
Look at other rashes in babies and children.
Things you can do yourself
You do not usually need to see a GP for slapped cheek syndrome.
There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms.
Do
-
rest
-
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – babies should continue their normal feeds
-
take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature, headaches or joint pain
-
use moisturiser on itchy skin
-
speak to a pharmacist about itchy skin – they can recommend the best antihistamine for children
Important
Tell your midwife or a GP if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with slapped cheek syndrome.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
you think you have slapped cheek syndrome and:
- you're pregnant – there's a very small risk of miscarriage or other complications
- you have a blood disorder, such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia – there's a risk of severe anaemia
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or diabetes
Ask for an urgent appointment if you have:
- very pale skin
- shortness of breath
- extreme tiredness
- fainting
These can be signs of severe anaemia and you might be sent to hospital for a blood transfusion.
How slapped cheek syndrome is spread
It's hard to avoid spreading slapped cheek syndrome because most people do not know they have it until they get the rash.
You can only spread it to other people before the rash appears.
Slapped cheek syndrome is caused by a virus (parvovirus B19). The virus spreads to other people, surfaces or objects by coughing or sneezing near them.
To reduce the risk of spreading the virus:
- wash your hands often with water and soap
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible
Information:
You do not have to stay off work or school after the rash appears.
Let the school or teacher know if your child has slapped cheek syndrome.
Page last reviewed: 18 February 2021
Next review due: 18 February 2024
Rash in a child on the body, legs, back
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Rash in a child on legs and arms
RASH IN A CHILD ON LEGS AND HANDS WITHOUT TEMPERATURE, WITH TEMPERATURE, ITCHING, NOT ITCHING
Children are the most beloved, defenseless people.
It is from adults that the health of the baby sometimes depends. They need our attention first and foremost. The skin of children is still imperfect and very susceptible to various infections. So, the appearance of a rash on the arms and legs can be an innocent manifestation, or it can be a signal of a dangerous disease. Below we will consider for what reason a rash may appear in a child and how to act in this situation.
Rash - what is it?
What is such a phenomenon? A rash is a pathological change in the skin, mucous membranes, which differ from normal skin in appearance, structure, color. It can be primary and secondary, that is, appear on the site of previous rashes. The combination of primary and secondary elements determine the picture of the rash in the disease. This may be a reaction to some kind of allergen, or it may turn out that the rash is a sign of a disease.
Species
It turns out that rashes are of different nature and type.
Allocate primary and secondary rashes. Such a rash occurs in a child on the legs and arms:
- Tubercles - do not have a cavity, are located deep in the dermis, up to 1 cm in diameter. At the same time, the color and texture of the skin is excellent. They can leave scars behind, develop into ulcers.
- Blisters - without a cavity, have a blurry outline and pink color. Appear due to swelling of the papillary dermis. Pass without a trace, itchy.
- Papules or nodules - no cavity. May or may not be inflamed, discolored. Pass without leaving traces
- Bubbles - have a bottom, a cover, a cavity. After they are opened, erosion can form.
- Pustules or pustules - have pus inside. May be superficial or deep.
- Roseola is irregularly shaped patches of pink. When the skin is stretched, the stain disappears.
If the rash appears a second time, it may form:
- Scars.
- Abrasions.
- Cracks.
- Scales.
- Erosions.
- Ulcers.
Diagnosis
If a child has a rash on his legs and arms, you should immediately seek help from a pediatrician and a dermatologist. First, the doctor must carefully examine:
- Appearance.
- Form.
- Colour.
- Quantity.
- The nature of the rash.
- The location of the rash is also important.
Next, it turns out:
- The presence or absence of a feverish state.
- What infectious diseases have been transferred.
- What are the hereditary diseases.
- Tendency to allergies.
- Light sensitivity.
As a rule, a rash is not the main disease, but is a symptom of some disease. It acts as a sign that a failure has occurred in the body. To determine the cause of such a manifestation, the doctor prescribes tests. First of all - a blood and urine test.
It is also possible to analyze the secretion of abscesses. After examination and analysis, the doctor prescribes treatment. What could be the reasons why a child has a rash on his legs and arms?
Sources of the problem
For a child's body, a rash is a very important symptom of some diseases, so it is important to consult a doctor. Its causes may be as follows:
- Allergic diseases.
- Infectious.
- Parasitic infections.
- Vascular diseases and blood diseases.
- Violations of hygiene rules.
If the rash accompanies an infectious disease, the body temperature will certainly be elevated. There are other signs, these can be:
- Cough.
- Rhinitis.
- Sore throat.
Let's look at some diseases that are accompanied, in addition to a rash, also by fever.
Rash with fever
When an infection enters the body, its first reaction is fever.
Skin rashes may appear with or without fever. There are several infectious diseases, a sign of which is a rash.
This group includes:
- Chicken pox.
- Rubella.
- Scarlet fever.
- Measles.
- Enteroviral infection.
- Meningococcemia.
Each disease is characterized by its own characteristics of the spread of rashes. This is especially true for childhood diseases. Consider which of them causes a rash in a child on the legs and arms, as well as on the body and face.
Windmill
This disease is most common in children. She is not vaccinated. The first sign of this disease is the appearance of red spots, which very quickly turn into blisters. In addition to blisters on the face, head, body, the child also has a rash on the legs and arms. The temperature is elevated, for some time the baby may experience weakness, headache.
If the blister is torn off, scars remain.
The main problem of this disease is that the rash on the child's arms and legs itches, there is a risk of infection. The doctor may prescribe medications to relieve itching.
Rubella
This disease comes with fever. In older children, joint pains, general intoxication are possible. Rashes are shown on the 1st day or on the second day. First - on the face, neck, torso, then a small rash spreads in the child on the arms and legs, mainly on the folds. The younger the child, the easier this disease proceeds. However, in adolescents, complications are possible, such as encephalitis, meningoencephalitis. This disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women, fetal malformations are possible. Vaccination is also prohibited for immunocompromised patients. However, rubella is milder than scarlet fever.
Measles
A dangerous infectious disease, easily transmitted through the air with little contact with the carrier of the infection
There is a vaccination against measles.
This disease is accompanied by intoxication of the body. There are symptoms characteristic of a cold - coughing, lacrimation, sneezing. The temperature rises to high values. Rashes begin with the buccal mucosa, then pass to the face, the entire body, to the extremities (in the form of papules that rise above the skin). Dangerous complications on the bronchi, can cause pneumonia.
Scarlet fever
This is an infectious disease transmitted by airborne droplets through dirty hands and objects. It starts with a sore throat, chills. Then a small rash appears on the child's arms and legs with fever. Most often in places of bends of arms, legs. Then the rash spreads to the face, neck, torso. The source of the rash is streptococcus. The throat starts to hurt, which is very similar to a viral infection. Language is key to the definition. It will be crimson. As soon as the temperature begins to decrease, lamellar peeling of the skin of the hands and feet begins. With this disease, it is very important to observe bed rest and drinking.
Antibiotics are required for treatment. Possible complications in the heart and kidneys.
Enterovirus infection
Preschool children are susceptible to these diseases. A rash appears on the child's legs and arms without fever. She usually doesn't itch
The child may be healthy, or there may be an increase in temperature to insignificant values within one or two days. This is due to the imperfection, susceptibility of children's skin.
Meningococcemia
This is a very dangerous disease. The temperature rises to high values in a short period of time. A rash appears on the child's legs and arms (does not itch) in the form of irregularly shaped hemorrhages, and is also on the buttocks. If such rashes are detected, an urgent need to call a doctor and determine the child in intensive care.
Hemorrhagic vasculitis
This disease is characterized by a rash in a child on the arms and legs with fever, mainly in the folds.
Initially, small blisters or lumps appear, then the rash turns red, takes on the color of rust and completely disappears. It is believed that the disease can be caused by allergies, trauma, and be the result of acute infectious diseases, such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis. Accompanied by fever, joint pain. With a lightning-fast course of this disease, a fatal outcome is possible. It is necessary to carefully consider the treatment.
Rashes of non-infectious origin with itching
There are a number of diseases in which the rashes are very itchy. For example, with scabies, a child develops a rash on the legs and arms without fever, most often on the folds between the fingers. As a rule, it itches a lot, especially at night. Also, with helminthiases, rashes itch
The presence of a fungus on the skin in children is one of the causes of rashes in the form of blisters, erosions, red spots. Places of localization of the fungus, as a rule, on the legs, palms, feet, wrists.
The rash spreads especially quickly on moist areas of the skin. It can be easily transmitted through contact with an infected object. Especially often infections occur in places where the environment is humid (shower, bathroom). The disease is accompanied by severe itching without fever.
Small rash without itching
If a child has a small rash on the arms and legs, does not itch, it is possible that pseudotuberculosis is at the initial stage of development. This disease is transmitted by rodents - after contact with things to which they had access. This disease appears in children very rarely, but still it exists.
If a child was born with congenital syphilis, was infected in utero, the rash may appear from time to time without disturbing him. These are papules with a pustular core. Such rashes are not accompanied by itching and fever. Also, a small rash can be the result of a hereditary infectious disease, such as psoriasis. In children under 2 years of age, it is rare, but at an older age, the risk of development, having heredity, is quite possible.
It begins with a small rash in the form of dry plaques of a round and oval shape of a red-pink color, peeling is noticeable on top. It spreads over vast areas of the skin, in the area of the knees, elbows, head - this is a characteristic sign of psoriasis. This rash does not itch. In infants, it may come and go, and in adulthood it may come back again.
Allergic reaction
With allergic dermatitis, in addition to rashes on the face and trunk, a child may have a rash on the legs and arms. Photos clearly demonstrate the manifestation of an allergic reaction. Rashes can be present both on a small area of \u200b\u200bthe skin, and on an extensive one. As a rule, accompanying signs are peeling and severe itching. The body temperature remains within the normal range, intoxication of the body does not occur. Such a reaction is possible on food, household chemicals, drugs. If a child has allergies, you need to be extremely careful with allergens, exclude them from the diet if possible, as there is a risk of Quincke's edema.
Possible respiratory arrest, swelling of the larynx.
Urticaria - a small rash - may be a reaction to temperature factors, cold, sun.
What not to do if a child has a rash
First of all, it is strictly forbidden in situations when you see a rash on your baby's body:
- Squeeze out pustules.
- Open bubbles.
- Treat with brilliant green or other means until examined by a doctor.
- Self-medicate.
If the rash on the child's arms and legs is itchy, do not let him scratch it. If a rash is detected, it is necessary to limit contact with others, as the disease can be contagious. As we saw earlier, a rash can be an important symptom or result of a disease. An examination by a doctor is required to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment in order to exclude possible complications.
Therapy
The treatment of rashes is, first of all, the elimination of the disease that caused them.
In infectious diseases, bed rest, antipyretic drugs, antihistamines, and treatment of rashes are recommended. If necessary, antibiotics are prescribed (to exclude the development of side effects). Allergy sufferers should definitely see an allergist. Eliminate allergens from your diet. And you should also follow the doctor's instructions, take antihistamines or glucocorticosteroids. In case of fungal diseases or scabies, observation by a dermatologist is necessary.
Prevention of rashes
Skin in childhood is not yet adapted to the manifestations of the external environment, so it requires special attention and care. First of all, you must follow the rules of hygiene. Parents should make sure that they have all the necessary vaccinations against dangerous diseases. If your baby suffers from allergies, be sure to see an allergist. Proper treatment, observation will help the child outgrow this difficult period. Eliminate allergens from your baby's diet. Strengthen the immune system of the child so that he can easily and without consequences fight diseases.
