Rashes on babies to worry about
Nappy rash - NHS
Around 1 in 4 babies and toddlers in nappies have nappy rash at any one time. It doesn't usually develop in newborns, but all babies can get nappy rash.
Nappy rash can be caused by:
- your baby's skin being in contact with wee or poo for a long time
- the nappy rubbing against your baby's skin
- not cleaning the nappy area or changing the nappy often enough
- soap, detergent or bubble bath
- alcohol-based baby wipes
- some types of medicines, such as antibiotics or laxatives (used to make a baby poo more often)
There may be red patches on your baby's bottom, or the whole area may be red. Their skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.
Most babies with mild nappy rash don't feel sore, but if the rash is severe your baby may feel uncomfortable and be distressed.
If your baby gets nappy rash, you can usually treat their skin yourself.
If the rash isn't upsetting your baby, at each nappy change apply a thin layer of a barrier cream to protect their skin. Ask your health visitor or pharmacist to recommend one.
Follow this advice to help look after your baby's skin.
- Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible.
- Clean the whole nappy area gently but thoroughly, wiping from front to back. Use water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes. Read more about how to clean your baby and change your baby's nappy.
- Bath your baby daily – but avoid bathing them more than twice a day as that may dry out their skin.
- Dry your baby gently after washing them – avoid vigorous rubbing.
- Lie your baby on a towel and leave their nappy off for as long and as often as you can to let fresh air get to their skin.
- Do not use soap, bubble bath, or lotions.
- Do not use talcum powder as it contains ingredients that could irritate your baby's skin.
- Make sure your baby’s nappy fits properly. If it is too tight then it can irritate the skin and if it is too loose, then the nappy will not be able to soak up pee properly.
Nappy rash usually clears up after about 3 days if you follow this advice. You should keep following this advice as this will help prevent nappy rash from coming back.
If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, your health visitor or pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream to treat it.
You should apply the cream first and wait a few minutes before you apply the barrier cream.
If the rash doesn't go away or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples that spreads into the folds of their skin, they may have an infection.
Ask a pharmacist or health visitor for advice. The pharmacist may recommend a cream for you to use.
If the rash is severe, take your baby to the GP who may prescribe cream or medicine. Follow a GP's instructions on whether and when to apply barrier cream as well as the prescribed cream.
It's normal for babies to develop skin rashes, but it's important to know the difference between a minor irritation and a condition that requires attention.
Read more about rashes in babies and children.
Page last reviewed: 17 September 2021
Next review due: 17 September 2024
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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Parents about a small red rash in children
A small red rash in a child on the body - possible causes, types of rashes in children on the face, arms, legs and abdomen.
Pediatric dermatologist says:
A typical and common situation…. “In the morning, my daughter woke up with a face, as they say, to the point ...”
As a rule, we can not attach any importance to this, and when a child shows his character in whims, we already begin to worry. In simple situations, you can independently find out the cause of rashes in your child.
It is very important to immediately determine the nature of the red rash, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on this!
Causes of a rash
It turned out that a red rash in a child on the body or its individual parts can appear for quite a few reasons:
- postpartum rash,
- poor hygiene;
- overheating;
- infection:
- allergy,
- eczema
- lichen.
Let's look at each of the reasons together in more detail
Don't be afraid. A postpartum or neonatal rash in an infant occurs on the 7-21st day of his life outside the mother's body and goes away on his own up to 2-3 months.
She appears quite suddenly. The reason for such a rash is the influence of mother's hormones on the baby while still in the womb. nine0003
Neonatal rash is a natural phenomenon that is absolutely safe for the health of babies.
Eruptions spread mainly on the surface of the scalp of the baby's head, and also affect the cheeks and neck, periodically changing their locations in the areas described. The smallest rash, pink-red, is not accompanied by suppuration and/or inflammation, and is slightly rough to the touch. Annoying and disturbing sensations to the baby postpartum rash does not deliver. nine0096
Rashes occur in about a third of newborns and do not pose any danger either to the “sprinkled” or to others. There is no need to treat a neonatal rash.
A type of neonatal rash is a toxic reddening of the skin on the cheeks and/or around the mouth caused by dilated capillaries. Rashes look like spots that have various irregular shapes.
Such a rash may occur immediately after birth. It is not necessary to treat it, as well as to panic about the occurrence. nine0003
Although toxic skin redness looks terrifying, it also does not require medical intervention.
Cleanliness is the key to well-being
If a child has diaper rash, especially during the warm season, a rash may appear at the sites of irritation of the skin. Rashes are localized in the perineum, buttocks and anus of the child. The rash is small single red pimples or clusters of them, with pronounced inflammation around the center of each pimple. The cause of the rash is poor care of the baby. nine0003
Diaper rash can also appear in the neck folds, on the abdomen or on the legs.
Diaper rash and the accompanying rash cause a lot of anxiety to the baby because of their itchy effect.
You can get rid of such rashes by washing the baby frequently, taking air baths (without a diaper), using powders and using special creams intended by a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist.
