How do babies get rashes

Baby Rash: Causes, Types, Treatments, Prevention

There are many types of rashes that affect various parts of a baby’s body.

These rashes are typically very treatable. While they may be uncomfortable, they aren’t cause for alarm. Rashes are rarely an emergency.

Sometimes, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness. We’ll discuss different types of baby rashes, how to treat them, and when to call a doctor.

Babies have very new skin and developing immune systems. Their skin is sensitive and susceptible to many sources of irritation or infection. Causes of rashes in babies include:

• heat
• allergies
• friction
• dampness
• chemicals
• fragrances
• fabrics

Even their own feces can irritate a baby’s skin and cause a rash. Viral and bacterial infections can also cause rashes.

Depending on the cause of the rash, almost any part of your baby’s body can be affected:

• face
• neck
• trunk
• arms
• legs
• hands
• feet
• diaper area
• skin folds

Some of the most common types of infant skin rashes include:

• baby acne, which usually appears on the face
• cradle cap
• diaper rash, which is caused by wetness or the acidity of a baby’s urine and feces
• drool rash, which happens when drool irritates the skin around the mouth or on the chest
• eczema, most commonly found on the face, behind the knees, and on the arms
• fifth disease, which is a “slapped cheek” rash that may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and sore throat
• hand, foot, and mouth disease
• heat rash, usually found in areas covered by clothes, such as armpits, neck, chest, arms, torso, and legs and is caused by overheating
• hives
• impetigo
• infectious rashes, such as measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, and roseola
• miliamolluscum contagiosum
• thrush

Seek medical advice for a fever

Bring your child to a doctor if they’re experiencing a rash with a fever.

Diaper rash treatment

Diaper rash is one of the most common baby rashes. A diaper holds warmth and moisture close to the skin, and urine and feces may be acidic and very irritating to the skin. The best remedies for diaper rash include:

• frequent diaper changes
• wiping with a soft, wet cloth instead of pre-packaged wipes that contain alcohol and chemicals
• using a barrier cream, typically containing zinc oxide, which shouldn’t be wiped off of the skin with each diaper change or it can cause more irritation
• decreasing acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes, in your baby’s diet
• washing your hands before and after diaper changes so the rash doesn’t become infected

Eczema treatment

Eczema is another very common childhood rash. If you have a family history of eczema or sensitive skin, your baby is likely to be more prone to eczema.

It may be caused by allergies or skin sensitivities to food, laundry detergent, types of fabric, or other irritants. Helpful treatments for eczema include:

• keeping the area clean and dry
• over-the-counter creams and ointments
• oatmeal baths
• determining if there’s an allergy and eliminating the allergen
• working with a pediatric dermatologist to identify your baby’s triggers and how to best treat their eczema

Drool rash treatment

Drool rash and general facial rash is very common in babies. They’re developing salivary glands and teething, so it’s not uncommon for them to have drool on their face much of the time. Pacifier use, food particles, teeth growing in, and frequent face-wiping may also irritate the skin.

Drool rash typically resolves on its own in a matter of weeks, but there are some ways to help:

• pat — don’t scrub — your baby’s face to dry
• clean with warm water but avoid using soap on the face
• have your baby wear a drool bib so their shirt doesn’t become soaked
• be gentle when cleaning food off of the face
• avoid fragranced lotions on the face
• minimize pacifier use when possible

Some rashes, such as baby acne, go away by themselves in a matter of weeks or months. You shouldn’t use adult acne medication to treat baby acne.

Cradle cap can be treated with topical oil, such as coconut oil, gentle scrubbing with a cradle cap brush, and washing your baby’s head.

Infectious rashes such as thrush, measles, chickenpox, roseola, and scarlet fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the best treatment. These rashes are typically accompanied by a fever and other symptoms. They may require antibiotics or antiviral medication, or they may resolve on their own.

Fever

If your baby develops a rash accompanied by a fever or following a fever, it’s best to call your pediatrician. The cause may be infectious and you should have your child evaluated by a doctor.

Learn more about signs of fevers and low temperatures in babies, and what to do.

Rash for a week

If your baby has a rash that persists for more than a week, doesn’t respond to home remedies, or is causing your baby pain or irritation, you should call your doctor.

Rash spreads

If your baby develops widespread hives, especially around the mouth, or develops hives accompanied by coughing, vomiting, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms you should go to the emergency room. This may be a sign of a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Emergency signs

A rash accompanied by a very high fever, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, neurological changes, or uncontrollable shaking may be caused by meningitis and is considered a medical emergency.

While rashes in babies are very common, there are some steps you can take to help prevent a rash. Preventive steps that some people try include:

• frequent diaper changes
• keeping skin clean and dry
• using irritant-free laundry detergent or detergent specially formulated for babies
• dressing your baby in breathable fabrics, such as cotton
• dressing your baby appropriately for the weather to avoid overheating
• keeping track of any skin reactions to foods so you can avoid trigger foods
• keeping your child up-to-date on vaccinations
• not letting strangers or anyone with symptoms of illness kiss your baby
• using lotions, shampoos, and soaps specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin

It can be alarming when your baby develops a rash, especially if they seem to be sick, itchy, or uncomfortable. It can also be difficult to determine the cause of the rash.

The good news is that rashes tend to be very treatable and aren’t usually serious. Many are even preventable and can be managed at home.

If you’re concerned about your child’s rash, or the rash is accompanied by a fever, call your pediatrician. They can help determine what is causing your baby’s rash and how to treat it.

Causes, Types, Treatment, and More

If your baby’s on the move or it’s just hot where you are, they’re bound to sweat. This means there’s a chance of them getting a heat rash, especially in warmer weather.

Kids and babies already tend to have higher body temperatures than adults. Add crawling, cruising, running, and climbing to that, and their temperatures climb even higher.

So, if you notice a skin rash when you unbundle your baby, it could be a heat rash, known as miliaria. Below are things you can do and look out for.

Heat rash happens when sweat ducts in the skin are blocked and sweat gets trapped, creating fluid-filled bumps on the skin.

In most cases, the bumps show up where there’s friction, like where one body part rubs against another, or where tight-fitting clothes rub against the skin.

Did your baby wake up with a rash?

Heat rash can sometimes occur while children are sleeping. If pajamas are bulky, blankets are too heavy, or the fabric doesn’t breathe, these items could be trapping heat and perspiration.

Try these tips:

• Use a light blanket.
• Layer blankets.
• Opt for breathable cotton sleepwear.

If temperatures drop and your baby’s room becomes too cool for comfortable sleeping, it’s better to layer light blankets so you can remove one when the room warms back up.

There are multiple types of heat rash.

Miliaria crystallina

Miliaria crystallina is the mildest type of heat rash. It affects the top layer of skin, which is called the epidermis.

You might see small, clear, blister-like bumps on the surface of your baby’s skin. The bumps aren’t painful. They don’t usually itch, but the lesions can sometimes break open if they’re scratched.

If your baby has a rash, consider putting mittens on their hands to prevent scratching and open wounds.

Miliaria rubra

This red, bumpy rash affects the mid-epidermis, a deeper layer of the outer skin. Miliaria rubra is often called prickly heat because the bumps on the skin can be tender. They can sting or itch, too.

Miliaria rubra is the most common type of heat rash. The rash can cause discomfort and pain. Babies may be irritable while it’s healing.

Sometimes miliaria rubra can develop pustules. This form of the condition is called miliaria pustulosa.

Miliaria profunda

Miliaria profunda affects the deepest layer of skin (the dermis). It’s very rare among babies and toddlers. It occurs when sweat leaks out of the glands, forming fluid-filled pockets under the skin.

The bumps are skin-colored, not clear or red. They’re usually much bigger and tougher than the bumps from other types of heat rash. Although it may look milder, the effects can be more serious.

Symptoms of heat rash include:

• small bumps that may be clear, red, or skin-colored
• redness
• itchiness or a stinging feeling, in some cases

The most commonly affected zones on children’s bodies are:

• neck folds
• elbow and knee creases
• armpits
• inner thighs

Most of the time, heat rash starts clearing up on its own as soon as you cool off your baby. There are several at-home treatments to start healing the rash:

Cool the skin

You can cool the skin by removing extra layers of clothing or by moving to a cooled indoor space. If your baby’s been outside in heat and humidity, remove damp clothing and turn on a fan to dry their skin.

Apply water

• For small rash patches. If the affected area is relatively small — just a patch on the back of the neck or in the creases of the elbows — gently dab a cool, wet cloth on the rash to relieve tenderness and bring down the skin temperature.
• For larger rash areas. You can also give your baby a cool bath for at least 10 minutes, but don’t use soap — it could further irritate the skin. Afterward, let their skin air dry. Supervise your baby at all times during the bath.

Try a steroid cream

It’s important to keep kids from scratching if the rash is itchy. Broken blisters can lead to skin infection.

If it seems that the rash is bothersome to your baby, you can smooth some over-the-counter (OTC) 1 percent hydrocortisone cream onto the bumpy area.

Since steroids can have side effects, discuss their use with your child’s doctor beforehand.

Avoid hydrocortisone ointments that contain petroleum or mineral oil. They can block pores and keep sweat from naturally evaporating.

Use calamine lotion or anhydrous lanolin

If your child has a more severe type of heat rash, calamine lotion can help stop any itching.

Anhydrous lanolin — the kind found in nipple treatments for people who breastfeed — can help keep sweat ducts clear and open.

When to take your baby to a doctor

Heat rash usually clears up on its own within 1 week. If your baby’s skin hasn’t cleared up by then, or if the rash gets worse or looks infected, it may be time to talk with a pediatrician.

As with any rash, if your child develops a fever when the rash appears, it’s also a good idea to check with a doctor. They could prescribe a different steroid cream or advise you on using antihistamines to treat the problem.

Babies are at an increased risk of heat rash due to their higher body temperatures and undeveloped sweat ducts.

Other risk factors for heat rash, in babies or in older children and adults, include:

• sweating
• living in a hot, humid, or tropical climate
• having a fever
• wearing clothing that sticks to the skin

There are multiple steps you can take to help your baby avoid heat rash.

Pause

When you’re at the park or on the playground, check to be sure your child isn’t getting overheated during playtime.

If you notice damp clothing or flushed skin, remove a layer of clothing or move to a shady or air-conditioned space for a while.

Keep them hydrated

Whether you’re playing in cold or warm temperatures, make sure to take frequent breaks for milk or water. When your baby’s hydrated, body temperatures are more likely to stay at healthy levels.

Dress them in layers

If you’re headed out to play in cold weather, dress your baby in clothing made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that allows sweat to evaporate from the surface of the skin.

Be cautious about adding too many layers. When kids romp vigorously, layers can trap body heat and sweat. The best practice is to dress your child about as warmly as you’d be in the same temperatures.

Look for proper sleepwear

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that a child’s pajamas (from 9 months to size 14) fit close to the skin and not too loosely.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of flame-retardant sleepwear and clothing due to the risk of serious injury from burns.

Keep these recommendations in mind when purchasing sleepwear.

For example, cotton is one natural fiber that allows your child’s body to release heat and sweat. Some cotton items may be pretreated with a special chemical that also makes them flame retardant.

Re-rinse laundry

Detergent or residue from laundering may stay in fabrics and cause skin irritation or contribute to heat rashes. Adjusting your laundry routine a little might help reduce how often heat rashes happen.

Try adding an additional rinse cycle or adjusting your detergent levels. Learn more about laundry detergent rashes.

Heat rash is a skin condition that comes from blocked sweat ducts. The bumps could be clear, red, or skin-colored, depending on how severe the rash is. The bumps might be sore or itchy.

Most of the time, the rash will go away on its own as soon as you cool off your baby’s skin. You can also treat it with cool water, hydrocortisone cream, or calamine lotion.

If the rash doesn’t clear up in a few days, talk with a doctor to be sure your baby’s skin hasn’t become infected. The doctor may prescribe other creams or antihistamines to help with recovery.

Causes of rashes in children

Naturally, only a pediatrician, dermatologist or allergist can correctly determine the cause of rashes , diagnose and prescribe treatment for a child. But parents themselves can provide initial assistance, relieve itching and help the baby, knowing the main signs and causes of the rash . At the first stage, it is important to determine the nature of the rash - infectious , allergic or none of the above.