Rash on 2 year old stomach

Rash or Redness - Widespread

Is this your child's symptom?

• Red or pink rash over large parts or most of the body (widespread)
• Sometimes, just on hands, feet and buttocks - but same on both sides of body
• Small spots, large spots or solid red skin

Causes of Widespread Rash or Redness

• Viral Rash. Most rashes are part of a viral illness. Viral rashes usually have small pink spots. They occur on both sides of the chest, stomach and back. Your child may also have a fever with some diarrhea or cold symptoms. They last 2 or 3 days. More common in the summer.
• Roseola. This is the most common viral rash in the first 3 years of life. (See details below).
• Chickenpox. A viral rash with a distinctive pattern. (see that Care Guide)
• Hand-Foot and-Mouth Disease. A viral rash with a distinctive pattern. It starts with tiny red spots and blisters on the palms and soles. (see that Care Guide)
• Monkeypox. A rare viral rash that often starts on the face or genital area. It then spreads to the arms and legs. Not usually seen in children unless someone in the home has monkeypox.
• Scarlet Fever. Scarlet Fever is a speckled, red rash all over. Has a sandpaper feel. Caused by the Strep bacteria. Starts on upper chest and quickly spreads to lower chest and stomach. No more serious than a Strep throat infection without a rash.
• Drug Rash. Most rashes that start while taking an antibiotic are viral rashes. Only 10% turn out to be allergic drug rashes. (see details below)
• Hives. Raised pink bumps with pale centers. Hives look like mosquito bites. Rashes that are bumpy and itchy are often hives. Most cases of hives are caused by a virus. Hives can also be an allergic reaction. (See that Care Guide for details)
• Heat Rash. A fine pink rash caused by overheating. Mainly involves neck, chest and upper back.
• Insect Bites. Insect bites cause small red bumps. Flying insects can cause many bumps on exposed skin. Non-flying insects are more likely to cause localized bumps.
• Hot Tub Rash. Causes small red bumps that are painful and itchy. Mainly occurs on skin covered by a bathing suit. Rash starts 12-48 hours after being in hot tub. Caused by overgrowth of bacteria in hot tubs.
• Petechiae Rash (Serious). Petechiae are purple or dark red colored tiny dots. They come from bleeding into the skin. Scattered petechiae with a fever are caused by Meningococcemia until proven otherwise. This is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the bloodstream. Peak age is 3 to 6 months old. Unlike most pink rashes, petechiae don't fade when pressed on.
• Purpura Rash (Serious). Purpura means bleeding into the skin. It looks like purple or dark red larger spots. Widespread purpura is always an emergency. It can be caused by a bacterial bloodstream infection. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is an example.
• Blister Rash (Serious). Widespread blisters on the skin are a serious sign. It can be caused by infections or drugs. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is an example.
• Caution. All widespread rashes with fever need to be seen. They need to be diagnosed. Reason: some serious infections that can cause this type of rash.

Drugs and Rashes

• Prescription medicines sometimes cause widespread rashes. Some are allergic, but most are not.
• Non-prescription (OTC) medicines rarely cause any rashes.
• Most rashes that occur while taking an OTC medicine are viral rashes.
• Fever medicines (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) cause the most needless worry. Reason: most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever medicine when the rash starts.
• Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone.

Roseola - A Classic Rash

• Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age.
• Rash: pink, small, flat spots on the chest and stomach. Then spreads to the face.
• Classic feature: 3 to 5 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms.
• The rash starts 12 to 24 hours after the fever goes away.
• The rash lasts 1 to 3 days.
• By the time the rash appears, the child feels fine.
• Treatment: the rash is harmless. Creams or medicines are not needed.

Localized Versus Widespread Rash: How to Decide

• Localized means the rash occurs on one small part of the body. Usually, the rash is just on one side of the body. An example is a rash on 1 foot. Exceptions: athlete's foot can occur on both feet. Insect bites can be scattered.
• Widespread means the rash occurs on larger areas. Examples are both legs or the entire back. Widespread can also mean on most of the body surface. Widespread rashes always occur on matching (both) sides of the body. Many viral rashes are on the chest, stomach and back.
• The cause of a widespread rash usually spreads through the blood stream. Examples are rashes caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins, and food or drug allergies.
• The cause of a localized rash usually is just from contact with the skin. Examples are rashes caused by chemicals, allergens, insect bites, ringworm fungus, bacteria or irritants.
• This is why it's important to make this distinction.

When to Call for Rash or Redness - Widespread

Call 911 Now

• Purple or blood-colored spots or tiny dots with fever within the last 24 hours
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Not moving or too weak to stand
• You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

• Bright red skin that peels off in sheets
• Large blisters on skin
• Bloody crusts on the lips
• Taking a prescription medication within the last 3 days
• Fever
• Your daughter is having her period and using tampons
• Your child looks or acts very sick
• You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Widespread rash, but none of the symptoms above. Reason: all widespread rashes need to be checked by a doctor.

Seattle Children's Urgent Care Locations

If your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

• Bellevue
• Everett
• Federal Way
• Seattle

Care Advice for Widespread Rashes

1. What You Should Know About Widespread Rashes:
   • Most rashes with small pink spots all over are part of a viral illness.
   • This is more likely if your child has a fever. Other symptoms (like diarrhea) also point to a viral rash.
   • Here is some care advice that should help until you talk with your doctor.
2. Non-Itchy Rash Treatment:
   • If you suspect a heat rash, give a cool bath.
   • Otherwise, no treatment is needed.
3. Itchy Rash Treatment:
   • Wash the skin once with soap to remove any irritants.
   • Steroid Cream. For relief of itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). Put it on the most itchy areas. No prescription is needed. Do this 3 times per day.
   • Cool Bath. For flare-ups of itching, give your child a cool bath. Do not use soap. Do this for 10 minutes. Caution: avoid any chill. Option: Can add 2 ounces (60 mL) of baking soda per tub.
   • Scratching. Try to keep your child from scratching. Cut the fingernails short. Reason: prevents a skin infection from bacteria.
   • Allergy Medicine for Itching. If itching becomes severe, give an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl. No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older. If needed longer than a few days, switch to a long-acting antihistamine, such as Zyrtec. Age limit: 2 and older.
4. Fever Medicine:
   • For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
   • Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
   • Note: Fevers less than 102° F (39° C) are important for fighting infections.
   • For all fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
5. Return to School:
   • Most viral rashes can be spread to others (especially if a fever is present).
   • If your child has a fever, avoid contact with other children. Also, avoid pregnant women until a diagnosis is made.
   • For minor rashes, your child can return after the fever is gone.
   • For major rashes, your child can return to school after the rash is gone. If your doctor has given medical clearance, your child can return sooner.
6. What to Expect:
   • Most viral rashes go away within 48 hours.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Last Reviewed: 12/20/2022

Last Revised: 09/16/2022

Copyright 2000-2022. Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.

Rashes on Children: When Should I Worry?

Childhood rashes are common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t freak you out any less as a parent. While most rashes do get better on their own, you may not be sure, especially if your child’s rash is accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.

“Rashes can be caused or associated with a variety of conditions, from mild conditions like heat rashes to serious conditions like meningitis,” said Nurul Hariadi, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Banner Health Center. “Because of this, it’s important to know which should prompt a call to your child’s doctor or a visit to the ER.”

A good rule of thumb to remember is that a local rash is most likely caused by skin contact, exposure to certain materials or substances, and sometimes germs, such as diaper rash or an insect bite. A widespread rash is usually associated with a cause that affects the entire body such as measles.

Because many illnesses cause rashes, we put together a list of eight of the most common ones that occur in children, signs and symptoms that should prompt a visit to your child’s doctor or the ER, and an illustrative guide to keep on hand for quick reference.

8 common types of childhood rashes

Roseola

Roseola is one of the most common viral infections among children 6 months to 3 years of age. It starts with a fever for 2 to 3 days, followed by a rash after the fever is gone. Once the rash appears, your child is usually fine and doesn’t require treatment.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease, often called slapped cheek disease, is a common childhood infection caused by parvovirus. The symptoms are usually mild and include fever, upset stomach, headache and a rash that looks like the cheeks were slapped. It may be followed by a lacelike rash on the stomach, legs or arms. Older children or adults may experience joint pain. The virus clears up on its own, but your child may require pain reliever to treat symptoms.

Hand, foot & mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses and is a self-limiting disease, which means it will resolve without specific medication. It is spread by saliva, nasal mucus or fluid from an erupted blister. It causes tiny bumps, blisters or sores on the hands, feet, diaper area and in the mouth. It may also be associated with a fever and sore throat. If your child is able to take and keep fluids down and is active, you may observe them at home after discussing it with their doctor or triage nurse.

Impetigo

Impetigo is one of the most common superficial bacterial skin infections in children. It usually appears as red bumps on the face that develop honey-colored crusts when they burst. Depending on the severity, it may require an antibiotic that is applied to the skin or taken by mouth.

MRSA

MRSA skin infection is caused by a type of Staphylococcus bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus that unfortunately causes infections that don’t respond well to antibiotics that treat less resistant S. aureus. Therefore, your child may need a different antibiotic. Recurrent boils can form and may require incision and drainage. Your child’s doctor may need to send the pus to a lab to check for MRSA.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is one of the most common fungal skin infections in children. It is scaly, red and itchy and may sometimes look like eczema. Depending on the location (skin versus scalp or nails), it may need antifungal medication that is applied on the skin or taken by mouth.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that develops in some children who have Strep throat. It is most common in children 5 to 15 years old. Symptoms include a scarlet-colored rough rash that covers most of the body and feels like sandpaper, sore throat and high fever. Antibiotic is given to treat the illness.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is not an infectious disease, it is a chronic skin condition. About 5% to 20% of children may have it, but many outgrow it by late childhood. Depending on age, it can appear on different areas of the body. Common symptoms are red, inflamed and dry, itchy skin patches. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms and age.

Got questions? Call your doctor

If your child has an unexplained rash, don’t hesitate to call their doctor. It’s better to talk to them about a rash (even if it ends up being nothing serious) than missing symptoms of a serious illness. To schedule an appointment, visit bannerhealth.com.

If you can’t reach the doctor, you can also call the Banner Nurse Now line at 844-259-9494 for free health care advice 24/7.

Other useful articles:

• Dermatologist-Recommended Skin Care Tips for Teens and Young Adults
• How Often Should My Child Really Bathe or Shower?
• Do's and Don'ts of Diaper Rashes (And How to Prevent Them)

Parenting Children's Health Infographics

Join the Conversation

Rash in a child on the body, legs, back

We treat children according to the principles of evidence-based medicine: we choose only those diagnostic and treatment methods that have proven their effectiveness. We will never prescribe unnecessary examinations and medicines!

Make an appointment via WhatsApp

Prices Doctors

The first children's clinic of evidence-based medicine in Moscow

No unnecessary examinations and medicines! We will prescribe only what has proven effective and will help your child.

Treatment according to world standards

We treat children with the same quality as in the best medical centers in the world.

The best team of doctors in Fantasy!

Pediatricians and subspecialists Fantasy - highly experienced doctors, members of professional societies. Doctors constantly improve their qualifications, undergo internships abroad.

Ultimate treatment safety

We made pediatric medicine safe! All our staff work according to the most stringent international standards JCI

We have fun, like visiting best friends

Game room, cheerful animator, gifts after the reception. We try to make friends with the child and do everything to make the little patient feel comfortable with us.

You can make an appointment by calling or by filling out the form on the site

Other Pediatric services

• Pediatrician's consultation
• Child Health Management Program

Frequent calls

• Acute bronchiolitis in children: diagnosis and treatment
• SARS
• Angina streptococcal tonsillitis
• Frequently ill child nine0034
• Intestinal infections
• Pneumonia (pneumonia) in children
• Colic
• Feeding problems
• Prolonged cough in a child: diagnosis and treatment
• Acute bronchitis in children: diagnosis and treatment
• Pneumonia (pneumonia) in children: diagnosis and treatment nine0034
• False croup in a child
• Coxsackie virus in a child
• The child was bitten by a tick! What to do?

Online payment

Documents online

Online services

nine0079

Causes of a rash in children

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

Causes of rashes in children:

1. Newborn acne . For the first time may occur in newborns at the age of 1 - 2 months. As a rule, such rashes are hormonal in nature, are not contagious and are not allergic . A rash in the form of pimples, sometimes with a white dot in the middle, appears on the head, body of the baby. If there are no purulent compartments, then the rash goes away on its own and does not require treatment. Acne can also occur in teenagers. They most often appear on the face in the form of black dots and are associated with hormonal changes in the body of a teenager and an increased work of the sebaceous glands. To prevent acne, there are cosmetic lotions, washing gels and other products. In case of inflammation, it is better to seek advice from a pediatric dermatologist or cosmetologist, because. antibiotic treatment may be needed; nine0003

2. Urticaria is an allergic reaction on the child's skin, accompanied by itching and the appearance of blisters on various parts of the body, in some cases the temperature may rise and the child's stool is disturbed. The blisters appear suddenly and can disappear just as quickly, but sometimes they disappear only after a few days. The causes of urticaria can be various factors: hormonal disorders, malfunctions of the liver, kidneys, consumption of foods that caused an allergic reaction (fish, eggs, citrus fruits, etc.), insect bites, reaction to sunlight, temperature changes, emotional stress etc. Urticaria can be chronic does not go away for a long time, and acute disappears after a few hours. For the treatment of urticaria, it is important to identify the underlying cause that caused it;