Rashes and babies

Nappy rash - NHS

Nappy rash is common in babies and can usually be treated at home.

Check if your baby has nappy rash

Symptoms of nappy rash can include:

red or raw patches on your baby’s bottom or the whole nappy area
skin that looks sore and feels hot to touch
scaly and dry skin
an itchy or painful bottom
your baby seeming uncomfortable or distressed
spots, pimples, or blisters on bottom (spots can appear red or brown, but may be less noticeable on brown and black skin)

Credit:

HOUIN / BSIP / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/615341/view

Things you can do to help with nappy rash

Nappy rash can be treated and prevented by following some simple advice.

Do

change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible
keep the skin clean and dry – pat or rub the skin gently to dry it
leave nappies off when possible
use extra absorbent nappies
make sure your baby's nappies fit properly
clean your baby’s skin with water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes
bath your baby daily (but not more than twice a day, as washing too much can make the skin dry out)
use olive oil to remove nappy rash ointment rather than water

Don’t

do not use soaps, baby lotion or bubble bath as they can irritate the skin
do not use talcum powder or antiseptics on nappy rash
do not put nappies on too tightly as it can irritate the skin

A pharmacist can help with nappy rash

If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, a pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream or medicine to treat it at home.

They may suggest using a thin layer of a barrier cream to protect the skin or giving your baby child's paracetamol for pain relief (only suitable for babies over 2 months old).

Non-urgent advice: See a health visitor or GP if:

your baby's nappy rash does not go away, gets worse or spreads to other areas
your baby has a high temperature
your baby seems very uncomfortable

Treatment for nappy rash

A GP may prescribe treatment if your baby is in a lot of discomfort or they think your baby might have an infection.

They may prescribe:

a steroid cream or ointment to help with redness and soreness
an antifungal cream, if they think your baby has a thrush infection
antibiotics, if they think your baby has a bacterial infection

Causes of nappy rash

It's normal for babies to sometimes get nappy rash.

It can be caused by:

your baby's skin being in contact with pee or poo for a long time
not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enough
the nappy rubbing against your baby's skin
an allergic reaction to soap, detergent or bubble bath
irritation from fragranced baby wipes or wipes containing alcohol
some types of medicines, such as antibiotics or laxatives (used to make a baby poo more often)
thrush (a fungal infection)

Page last reviewed: 1 January 2023
Next review due: 1 January 2026

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

A red rash may appear on 1 or both cheeks. It may be less obvious on brown and black skin. Adults do not usually get the rash on their face.

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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90,000 Eruptions on the skin of a child.

Types, diagnosis and treatment

Have you noticed a rash on your child's skin? Contact your pediatrician to find out the reason. Redness itself is not a disease, but can signal internal disorders in the body.

In the article we will talk about the causes, types and methods of treating rash in children. nine0003

What causes a rash?

Rashes on the skin of a child do not appear just like that. In any case, this is the body's immune response to the influence of external or internal factors.

Different types of rashes are similar in appearance, especially for parents who are faced with a problem for the first time. But if some spots are completely harmless, then others can threaten health. That is why it is important to understand their origin.

The main causes of the rash: nine0003

Reaction to stimuli. If the child is dressed too warmly, the rash may be due to overheating and excessive sweating. Most often, prickly heat occurs on the back, neck, chest and abdomen. The same goes for the diaper. If you do not arrange air baths and do not change it to a new one in time, the skin in the inguinal region and on the buttocks will disappear.
Prickly heat does not require special treatment, it is only important to eliminate the irritating factor.
Physiological. In the first months of life, breastfed babies are often diagnosed with infantile acne. With milk, maternal hormones enter the body, which activate the sebaceous glands. As a result, small comedones and pimples appear on the face. Over time, they disappear. nine0034
Viral and bacterial infections. Measles, chicken pox, rubella, herpes simplex virus, roseola, scarlet fever, meningococcal infection, fungus and streptoderma. These diseases are characterized by specific rashes on the arms, legs and other parts of the body. Many are accompanied by itching and a steady increase in body temperature for 3-5 days.
Allergy. Urticaria and various types of atopic dermatitis: eczema, diathesis, neurodermatitis. Spots without suppuration may cover the head, face, shoulders, armpits, back and groin. nine0034
Comorbidities. Rash may indicate gastrointestinal, vascular, or kidney problems.

Eruptions in children

Depending on the appearance, localization and size, the following types are distinguished:

Tubercles.
Vesicles.
Blisters.
Purples.
Pustules.
Stains.
Erythema.

Why are rashes dangerous?

With any kind of redness, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause. The most dangerous rash of viral and bacterial origin, especially if there are other symptoms: nine0003

cough;
sore throat;
enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes;
tearing;
temperature increase.

Without timely treatment, complications are possible. For example, measles can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and hearing loss.

With skin allergic reactions, it is important to determine the source of the problem. A neglected allergy can cause swelling and suffocation.

What should parents do?

nine0002 If you find bumps, vesicles or redness on the child's body, proceed in sequence:

examine the entire skin;
estimate the area and number of lesions;
check throat, tonsils and take temperature;
remember what the child ate, did or touched before the redness appeared.

Is the baby already talking? Then try to figure out what's bothering him. Ask about the sensations (spots hurt, itch) and general well-being. nine0003

If you have a high temperature, call your doctor at home. It could be a contagious infectious disease that definitely shouldn't be spread. But even if the child looks healthy and vigorous, do not postpone a visit to a specialist - make an appointment at a medical institution.

It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate, comb or squeeze out neoplasms.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures help to choose the right therapy. First, the pediatrician prescribes to small patients: nine0003

blood, urine and feces analysis;
skin scrapings;
collection of exudate samples, in the presence of watery formations.

Based on the results, the doctor makes a preliminary conclusion and sends the parents with the child for examination to narrow specialists: an allergist, dermatologist, endocrinologist or gastroenterologist.

Treatment

Treatment of rashes is carried out in a complex way to eliminate both the symptoms and the cause. A young patient is prescribed anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory or hormonal drugs in the form of tablets, ointments or suspensions. nine0003

Along with this, parents are advised to reconsider nutrition and living conditions: