Non itchy rash in child

Skin rashes in children | NHS inform

Childhood rashes are common and aren't usually a cause for concern. Most rashes are harmless and disappear without the need for treatment.

However, see your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell, or if you're worried. They'll be able to investigate the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.

This page may give you a better idea about what could be causing the rash, but don't use this to self-diagnose your child's condition – always see a GP for a proper diagnosis.

The most common causes of rashes in children are:

cellulitis
chickenpox
eczema
erythema multiforme
hand, foot and mouth disease
impetigo
keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
measles
molluscum contagiosum
pityriasis rosea
prickly heat
psoriasis
ringworm
scabies
scarlet fever
slapped cheek syndrome
urticaria (hives)

Although meningitis has become less common over recent years, it's important to be aware of the rash and the other signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue. The affected area will be red, painful, swollen and hot. It often affects the legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. Your child will probably also have a fever.

See your GP immediately if an area of your child's skin suddenly turns red, hot and tender. If you can't see your GP on the same day, go to a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.

Cellulitis can usually be diagnosed by assessing the symptoms and examining the skin. It usually responds well to treatment with antibiotics.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral illness that most children catch at some point. It most commonly affects children under 10 years of age.

A rash of itchy spots turns into fluid-filled blisters. They crust over to form scabs, which after a while drop off. Some children only have a few spots, whereas others have them over their entire body. The spots are most likely to appear on the face, ears and scalp, under the arms, on the chest and belly, and on the arms and legs.

There's no specific treatment for chickenpox, but you can take steps to relieve the symptoms. For example, paracetamol can help relieve fever (don't give aspirin to children under 16), and calamine lotion and cooling gels can be used to ease itching.

Eczema

Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. The most common type is atopic eczema, which mainly affects children but can continue into adulthood.

Atopic eczema commonly develops behind the knees or on the elbows, neck, eyes and ears. It isn't a serious condition, but if your child later becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, it can cause the eczema to flare up into an outbreak of tiny blisters called eczema herpeticum, and will cause a fever.

About one in five children in the UK has eczema, and in eight out 10 cases it develops before the age of five, often before a child's first birthday.

Read about treating atopic eczema.

Erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme is a skin rash (usually mild) that's caused by an allergic reaction to the herpes simplex virus.

The spots look like targets, with a dark red centre and paler ring around the outside. The hands or feet tend to be affected first, followed by the limbs, upper body and face.

Your child will probably feel unwell and may have a fever, which you should be able to treat with over-the-counter medicine. It may take from two to six weeks before they feel better. See your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell.

In rare cases, erythema multiforme can be triggered by a reaction to certain medications, such as an antibiotic or anticonvulsant. This more severe form is called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and it can be life-threatening.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, contagious infection that causes mouth ulcers and spots and blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

It's most common in young children (particularly those under 10), but it can also affect older children and adults.

There's no cure for hand, foot and mouth disease and it's easily spread, so you should keep your child away from school or nursery until they're better. Your child's immune system will fight the virus and it should clear up after about seven to 10 days.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluid, and if eating and swallowing is uncomfortable, give them soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt and soup.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It isn't usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment. There are two types of impetigo called non-bullous and bullous.

Non-bullous impetigo typically affects the skin around the nose and mouth, causing sores that quickly burst to leave a yellow-brown crust.

Bullous impetigo typically affects the trunk (the area of the body between the waist and neck), and causes fluid-filled blisters that burst after a few days to leave a yellow crust.

See your GP or pharmacist if you think your child has impetigo. Antibiotics, in the form of a cream or tablets, will be prescribed. This should reduce the length of the illness to around seven to 10 days.

Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")

Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition. The skin on the back of the upper arms becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. Sometimes, the buttocks, thighs, forearms and upper back can also be affected.

Keratosis pilaris typically begins in childhood and gets worse during puberty. Some people find it improves after this and may even disappear in adulthood.

There's no cure for keratosis pilaris, and it often gets better on its own without treatment. However, there are some measures you can take that may improve your child's rash, such as using non-soap cleansers rather than soap, and an emollient to moisturise their skin. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to recommend a suitable cream.

Measles

Measles is a highly infectious illness that most commonly affects young children. It's now rare in the UK because of the effectiveness of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The measles rash is red-brown blotches. It usually starts on the head or upper neck and then spreads outwards to the rest of the body. Your child may also have a fever and cold-like symptoms.

Call your GP surgery immediately if you think your child has measles. It's best to phone before visiting because the surgery may need to make arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Measles usually passes in about seven to 10 days without causing further problems. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve fever, aches and pains (don't give aspirin to children under 16). Also, make sure your child drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes clusters of small, firm, raised spots to develop on the skin.

It commonly affects young children aged one to five years, who tend to catch it after close physical contact with another infected child.

The condition is usually painless, although some children may experience some itchiness. It usually goes away within 18 months without the need for treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum is highly infectious. However, most adults are resistant to the virus, which means they're unlikely to catch it if they come into contact with it.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causes a temporary rash of raised, red scaly patches to develop on the body. Most cases occur in older children and young adults (aged between 10 and 35).

The rash can be very itchy. In most cases, it clears up without treatment in 2 to 12 weeks, although in rare cases it can last up to five months.

Emollients, steroid creams and antihistamines can be used to help relieve the itchiness. The rash doesn't usually leave scars, although the skin can sometimes be discoloured afterwards.

Prickly heat (heat rash)

Prickly heat (heat rash), also known as miliaria, is an itchy rash of small, raised red spots that causes a stinging or prickly sensation on the skin.

It occurs when the sweat ducts in the outer layer of skin (epidermis) are obstructed. You can get a heat rash anywhere on your body, but the face, neck, back, chest or thighs are most often affected.

Infants can sometimes get a prickly heat rash if they sweat more than usual – for example, when it's hot and humid or if they're overdressed. It isn't a serious condition and rarely requires any specific treatment.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.

The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some people, it's just a minor irritation, but for others it can have a major impact on their quality of life.

There's no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatments that can help improve the symptoms and appearance of skin patches. For example, topical corticosteroids are creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly infectious fungal skin infection that causes a ring-like red or silvery patch on the skin that can be scaly, inflamed or itchy.

Ringworm often affects the arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails.

Ringworm can usually be easily treated with antifungal medicines, which are available from a pharmacy. Ringworm of the scalp can cause scaling and patches of hair loss. It's treated with antifungal tablets, often combined with antifungal shampoo.

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition that's intensely itchy. It's caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.

In children, scabies is usually spread through prolonged periods of skin-to-skin contact with an infected adult or child – for example, during play fighting or hugging.

The mites like warm places, such as skin folds, between the fingers, under fingernails, or around the buttock creases. They leave small red blotches, which are often found on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. In infants, blisters are commonly found on the soles of the feet.

See your GP if you think your child has scabies. It's not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated. Your GP will prescribe a lotion or cream. Read more about treating scabies.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection that usually affects children between two and eight years of age. It causes a distinctive pink-red rash, which feels like sandpaper to touch and may be itchy.

It often starts with a sore throat, fever and headache, with the rash developing two to five days after infection. The rash usually occurs on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck.

Scarlet fever usually clears up after about a week, but see your GP if you think your child may have it. Antibiotics are used to treat it (liquid antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are often used to treat children).

Slapped cheek syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome – also known as fifth disease or parvovirus B19 – is a viral infection that's common in children aged six to 10.

It causes a distinctive bright red rash to develop on both cheeks. This can look alarming, but it usually clears up by itself in one to three weeks.

Unless your child is feeling unwell, they don't need to stay away from school. Once the rash appears, the infection is no longer contagious. However, it's a good idea to notify your child's school about the infection.

Urticaria (hives)

Urticaria – also known as hives, weals, welts or nettle rash – is a raised, itchy rash that can affect one part of the body or be spread across large areas. It's a common skin reaction that often affects children.

Urticaria occurs when a trigger causes high levels of histamine and other chemical messengers to be released in the skin. These substances cause the blood vessels in the skin to open up, resulting in redness or pinkness, and swelling and itchiness.

There are many possible triggers of urticaria, including allergens, such as food or latex, irritants, such as nettles, medicines, and physical factors, such as heat or exercise. Sometimes, a cause can't be identified.

The rash is usually short-lived and mild, and can often be controlled with antihistamines.

12 Common Summertime Skin Rashes in Children

Sunny days and starlit evenings spent playing, splashing, and exploring can leave kids with more than warm summertime memories. Balmy weather also can lead to itchy, irritated skin.

Check out the list from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to see how you can help prevent, identify, and soothe these common summertime skin rashes.

1. Heat Rash

Heat rash (also known as prickly heat or miliaria) is seen most often in babies and young children when sweat gland pores become blocked and perspiration can't escape. The rash looks like patches of small pink or red bumps or blisters under clothing or spots where skin tends to fold—on the neck, elbows, armpits, or thighs—although heat rash can occur on other covered areas.

What parents can do:

Keep kids cool. Dress your child in clothing that keeps the skin cool and dry. If possible, use fans and air conditioning to avoid overheating.
Pay attention to hot spots. Wash areas of the skin that stay wet with sweat, urine, or drool with cool water. Pat them dry.
Keep skin bare. Leave areas open to air without clothing. Do not apply skin ointments.

2. Poison Ivy & Other Plant Rashes

Many children get a burning, intensely itchy rash where their skin touches plants—such as poison ivy, poison oak, sumac—containing a sticky oil called urushiol. An allergic skin reaction causes redness, swelling and blisters. Other plants—such as wild parsnip, giant hogweed, and citrus—contain chemicals that make skin hypersensitive to sunlight and cause a phytophotodermatitis rash.

What parents can do:

Prevent exposure. Teach your child what these plants look like and how to avoid them. Both poison ivy and poison oak have shiny green leaves that grow three to a stem, so you might share the rhyme: "Leaves of three, let them be." The sumac shrub has stems that contain 7-13 leaves arranged in pairs, while wild parsnip and giant hogweed have clusters of small, flat-topped yellow and white flowers. If you have younger children, inspect the parks they play in and have rash-causing plants removed.
Wash and trim. If your child comes into contact with these plants, wash all of his or her clothes and shoes in soap and water. Also, wash the area of the skin that was exposed with soap and water for at least 10 minutes after the plant or the oil is touched. To discourage scratching and further damage to the skin, keep your child's fingernails trimmed. This will also prevent the rash from spreading if there is still a small amount of oil under the fingernails.
Soothing salves. If the rash is mild, apply calamine lotion to cut down on the itching. Avoid ointments containing anesthetics or antihistamines—they can cause allergic reactions themselves. Another good option to reduce skin inflammation is 1% hydrocortisone cream.
Talk with your pediatrician. While mild cases can be treated at home, talk with your pediatrician if your child is especially uncomfortable, the rash is severe and/or isn't going away, if the rash is on your child's face or groin area, or if you notice signs of infection (i.e., fever, redness, swelling beyond the poison ivy or oak lesions).

3. Eczema

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis or AD) is a chronic condition common in children that causes patches of dry, scaly red skin and tends to flare up during colder months when there's less moisture in the air. But dryness caused by air conditioning and pressurized planes during summer travel can cause problems, too. Overheating, sweating and chlorine in swimming pools also can trigger eczema.

What parents can do:

Moisturize. Apply fragrance-free creams or ointments at least once a day or more often if needed. After a bath or swimming, gently pat your child's skin with a towel and then apply moisturizer to his or her damp skin.
Dress wisely. Choose clothing made of soft, breathable fabrics like cotton when possible. Wash clothes in a detergent free of irritants such as perfumes and dyes.
Don't scratch. Keep your child's fingernails short and smooth, and remind him or her not to scratch. Scratching can make the rash worse and lead to infection.
Talk with your pediatrician. Ask your child's pediatrician if allergies, sometimes triggered by trees and plants that bloom during summer, could be a cause of the eczema. Your child's pediatrician may recommend medicines to help your child feel better and to keep the symptoms of eczema under control.

4. Insect Bites & Stings

Insects such as bees, wasps, mosquitos, fire ants, and ticks can cause itching and minor discomfort where they prick the skin. For some children, insect bites and stings can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis—which includes a rash or hives and life-threatening symptoms such as airway swelling. (For children with a known allergy to insect bites and stings, it is important to have anaphylaxis emergency care plan in place). Other times, diseases spread by insects such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Zika Virus can cause rashes and other health problems.

What parents can do:

Avoidance. When spending time outdoors, avoid scented soaps and shampoos and brightly colored clothing—they can attract insects. If possible, steer clear of areas where insects nest and gather (i.e., stagnant pools of water, uncovered food, and blooming flowers).
Use insect repellent. Products with DEET can be used on the skin, but look for family-friendly products that contain concentrations of no more than 30% DEET. Wash the insect repellent off with soap and water when your child returns indoors.
Cover up. When in wooded areas or in or near tall grass, stay on cleared trails as much as possible. Have your child wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and hat. Avoid wearing sandals in an area where ticks may live.
Look closely. Wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. After coming indoors, check for ticks on your child's skin—they often hide behind the ears or along the hairline.
Remove stingers and ticks. To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail. If you find a tick, gently grasp it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Without squeezing the tick's body, slowly pull it away from the skin. See How To Remove A Tick for more information.
Clean the skin. After the stinger or tick is out, clean the bitten area with rubbing alcohol or other first aid ointment.
Treat swelling. Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Help relieve the itch. Applying ice, along with calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream, can also help relieve itching.

5. Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that's more common during hot, humid weather. It causes a rash that may have fluid-filled blisters or an oozing rash covered by crusted yellow scabs. Impetigo is more likely to develop where there is a break in the skin, like around insect bites.

What parents can do:

Clean and cover. Clean the infected area with soap and water. Cover the infected area loosely to help prevent contact that would spread the infection to others or to other parts of the body. Wash your own hands well after treating your child's sores.
Avoid scratching. Trim your child's fingernails and discourage scratching. A child can spread the infection to other parts of his or her body by scratching. You can cover the rash loosely with a bandage to discourage your child from touching the rash, but make sure air can flow through so the skin can heal.
Talk with your pediatrician. While mild cases may respond to over-the-counter antibiotics such as bacitracin or bacitracin-polymyxin, impetigo is usually treated with prescription antibiotics—either a skin cream or oral medication. Your pediatrician may order a skin culture (test of your child's skin) to determine which bacteria are causing the rash.

6. Swimmer's Itch

Swimmer's itch (also called clam digger's itch or cercarial dermatitis) may appear after playing in lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water. The rash is caused by microscopic parasites found in shallow, warmer water near the shoreline where children tend to stay. The parasites burrow into skin, and cause tiny reddish, raised spots on skin not covered by the swimsuit to appear. Welts and blisters may also form.

What parents can do:

Be aware. Don't swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found. Try not to attract birds (by feeding them, for example) where your family swims. Birds may eat the snails and spread the parasites in the water.
Shower or towel dry. Shower or briskly rub the skin with a towel immediately after getting out of the water. The parasites start to burrow when the water on skin begins evaporating. If your skin child's skin stings with rubbing—and the rash appears under the swimsuit—he or she may instead have Seabather's Eruption from stinging larvae of sea critters such as jellyfish or sea anemone. Stop rubbing and shower instead.
Don't scratch. Trim your child's fingernails and discourage scratching. Home treatments such cool compresses on the affected areas, Epsom salt or oatmeal baths, or baking soda paste may help to relieve the discomfort. If itching is severe, talk with your child's pediatrician. He or she may suggest prescription-strength lotions or creams to reduce your child's symptoms.

7. Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Sandworms)

Sandworms may be present in sand contaminated with feces from pets or stray animals. When a child stands or sits in contaminated sand on a beach or in a sandbox, the worms may burrow under the skin, usually around the feet or buttocks. Lines of itchy, reddish rash known as a creeping eruption appear as the worms move under the skin, up to a few centimeters a day. The condition is more common subtropical and tropical areas such as the Caribbean, as well as parts of the southwestern United States.

What parents can do:

Keep shoes on. Don't let your child play on beaches where people walk their dogs. If your family goes on an outing to a designated pet-friendly beach, make sure your child keeps shoes on and doesn't sit in the sand without a blanket or towel.
Talk with your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can prescribe anti-parasitic medications such as albendazole or ivermectin to treat the rash. Without treatment, the larvae usually will die off in 5 to 6 weeks. Your pediatrician may suggest a cream to help relieve itching.

8. Folliculitis (Hot Tub Rash)

Folliculitis (hot tub rash) is an itchy, pimply rash that occurs when bacteria in unclean pools and hot tubs gets into hair follicles on the skin. The area where hairs grow from the skin becomes infected and inflamed, sometimes forming small, pus-filled blisters. A similar rash may come from wearing a damp swimsuit that wasn't washed and dried well after previous use. Hot rub rash typically starts 12-48 hours after being in a hot tub.

What parents can do:

Avoid dirty pools. If you're unsure whether the acid and chlorine levels are properly controlled in a heated pool, don't allow your child to go in.
Don't allow young children in spas or hot tubs. In addition to the risk for drowning and overheating, young children are also at higher risk of bacterial skin infection because they tend to spend more time in the water than teens or adults.
Talk with your pediatrician. Hot tub rash usually clears up without medical treatment. In the meantime, warm compresses and an over-the-counter anti-itch cream recommended by your pediatrician can help your child be more comfortable. If your child's rash lasts more than a few days, talk with your pediatrician.

9. Molluscum Virus

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes pearly bumps on the skin on a child's chest, back, arms or legs. The dome-shaped bumps, also known as "water warts," may have a dimple in the center. The poxvirus that causes the bumps is more common in hot, humid climates. Some studies suggest the infection may spread in contaminated swimming pools.

What parents can do:

Wait it out. In most cases, molluscum contagiosum does not need treatment. The bumps usually will go away in 6 to 12 months.
Stop the spread. A child with molluscum contagiosum should not share towels, bedding, or clothing with others to avoid spreading the virus. The bumps are contagious as long as they are present.
Avoid scratching. Scratching the bumps can spread the virus and cause a second, bacterial infection where the skin is open.

10. Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (Sweaty Sock Syndrome)

A smooth, reddened rash on your child's feet, sometimes with peeling, cracking skin or scaly skin, could be from a condition called Juvenile Plantar Dermatosis (Sweaty Sock Syndrome). It happens when feet get wet and then dry quickly, again and again—like when shoes are taken on and off coming in and out of the house during summer.

What parents can do:

Breathable footwear. Reduce how often the feet go from wet to dry quickly by having your child wear open or more breathable footwear made of materials like mesh or cotton (i.e., water shoes) and/or thicker more absorbent socks.
Apply ointment. Applying moisturizing ointment or an over-the-counter steroid cream to the affected areas of your child's foot immediately after taking shoes off or getting out of water can help. If the condition does not improve, or if you notice any sign of infection where your child's skin is cracking, talk to your pediatrician.

11. Tinea (Ringworm)

Despite having "worm" in its misleading name, tinea (ringworm) is an infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp conditions. It is similar to athlete's foot and jock itch and can appear on a child's scalp or other parts of the body. It's called ringworm because the rash from the infection tends to form round or oval spots that become smooth in the center as they grow while the border remains red and scaly. The fungus can spread quickly among student athletes, especially during sweaty, summertime practices and games, when they share sports equipment and locker rooms.

What parents can do:

Stop the spread. Check and treat any pets that may have the fungus—look for scaling, itchy, hairless areas on their fur. Family members, playmates, or schoolmates who show symptoms also should be treated. Do not allow your child to share combs, brushes, hair clips, barrettes, or hats. Make sure mats used in sports like wrestling and gymnastics are properly disinfected after use.
Talk with your pediatrician. A single ringworm patch on the body can be treated with an over-the-counter cream recommended by your pediatrician. If there are any patches on the scalp or more than one on the body, or if the rash is getting worse while being treated, your pediatrician may prescribe a stronger medication and special shampoo.

12.

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Many parents assume virus season winds down after winter. But some viral illnesses, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, are more common during summer and early fall. Outbreaks are most common in younger children and can spread in child care centers, preschools, and summer camps. Caused by Enterovirus coxsackie, the illness starts with a fever, sore throat, and runny nose—much like the common cold—but then a rash with tiny blisters may appear on any or all the following places on the body:

In the mouth (inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue or back of the mouth)
Fingers or palms of hands
Soles of feet
Buttocks

Symptoms are the worst in the first few days, but they are usually gone within a week. Peeling skin on the fingers, toes, and nails may begin after a week or two, but it is harmless. Parents of children with a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema should be aware that their children may be prone to a more severe outbreak.

What parents can do:

Monitor symptoms. Be sure to call your pediatrician if your child's fever lasts more than 3 days or if he or she is not drinking fluids. If symptoms are severe, your pediatrician may collect samples from your child's throat for lab testing.
Ease the pain. For fever and pain, the pediatrician may also recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Liquid mouth-soothing remedies may be useful to alleviate mouth ulcer pain. Do not use regular mouthwashes, because they sting.
Avoid dehydration: Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease need to drink plenty of fluids. Call your pediatrician or go to the ER if you suspect your child is dehydrated. See Signs of Dehydration in Infants & Children for more information.
Inform others. Tell child care providers and playmates' parents to watch for symptoms of the illness. Children with hand, foot, and mouth disease may spread the virus through the respiratory tract (nose, mouth and lungs) for 1-3 weeks, and in the stool for weeks to months after the infection starts. Once a child's fever has gone away and he or she is feeling better, there is no need to keep him or her home unless there are still open and oozing blisters. See When to Keep Your Child Home from Child Care for more information.

Remember…

Protecting your child's skin is a year-round concern, but it's especially important in the summer months when so much skin is exposed and vulnerable. Fortunately, many summertime rashes clear up quickly on their own. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician about any rash that you're unsure about—especially if you don't know what caused it, if it is making your child feel miserable or doesn't clear up quickly, or if it shows signs of infection or is accompanied by any shortness of breath.

Additional Information:

Summer Safety Tips: Staying Safe Outdoors
Antibiotic Prescriptions for Children: 10 Common Questions Answered
American Academy of Dermatology
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Society for Pediatric Dermatology

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

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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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0034
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. nine0034

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.
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? nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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.

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