Red marks on baby cheeks
Common childhood rashes | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
If your child has a seizure, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you think your child might have meningococcal rash, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Key facts
- There are many different types of childhood rashes. Many are not serious.
- If your child has a rash and fever, they should see their doctor.
- If your child has a meningococcal rash, go immediately to the emergency department.
Meningococcal rash
If you think your child might have meningococcal rash, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
You can read more about serious childhood rashes here.
Rashes with no fever or itching
Milia (blocked oil glands)
Up to 1 in every 2 newborn babies develop small white spots called milia on their face, especially on the nose. These are just blocked pores, and they’re not itchy or contagious. They usually clear up without treatment within a few weeks.
Erythema toxicum
Many newborns develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum, which can appear between 2 days and 2 weeks after birth. Flat, red patches or small bumps often first appear on the face and spread to the body and limbs. The rash is harmless, not contagious, and will clear after a few days or a week.
Baby acne
Some babies get pimples on their cheeks and nose in the first three months of life. These pimples normally disappear without any treatment, usually within a few months.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is inflammation of the skin in the nappy area. It can look red, sore and inflamed. Nappy rash is usually caused by urine (wee) or faeces (poo) irritating the skin.
To avoid nappy rash, keep the nappy area clean and dry with frequent nappy changes and nappy-free time. You can help protect the skin by putting on a barrier cream such as zinc or soft white paraffin at each nappy change.
Persistent nappy rash can be treated with a medicated cream. Don’t use talcum powder or antiseptics to treat nappy rash. If your baby develops a fungal infection, you’ll need to use an antifungal ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Erythema multiforme (minor)
Erythema multiforme is a rash triggered by an infection (most commonly herpes simplex virus), medicine or an illness. Your baby might feel unwell or have a mild fever before the rash appears. Red spots develop on the hands, feet, arms and legs and spread symmetrically across both sides of the body. The spots often become raised or blistered and then develop into classic target-like lesions.
Erythema multiforme is not contagious, and usually resolves without treatment in 3 to 6 weeks.
Keratosis pilaris (‘chicken skin’)
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if permanently covered in goose pimples. These bumps most commonly occur on the upper arms and thighs.
You can try several things to help the rash to clear up, including moisturising regularly.
Rashes that might be itchy
Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
Eczema is a very common skin condition affecting 1 in 3 Australians. It causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked, often in the creases at the knees and elbows.
Eczema commonly starts before a baby is 12 months old. Eczema follows a relapsing-remitting course. This means that there are flare-ups of the rash, followed by periods where there is no rash or a minimal rash.
Eczema management includes preventative treatment such as avoiding skin irritants, moisturising regularly and using bath oil. Treatment of flare-ups includes using steroid and anti-inflammatory creams.
Ringworm (tinea)
Ringworm is a common, contagious skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash with a clear centre. It commonly occurs on the scalp, feet and groin, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body.
Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm, and is usually treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams.
You should keep your child home from childcare or school until a day after you have started treatment to prevent spreading the infection.
Prickly heat (heat rash)
Heat rash might appear if your baby gets hot in a humid environment. The rash shows as tiny red bumps or blisters on the skin, which can be very itchy. Cooling your baby down and avoiding humidity is the best way to prevent heat rash, which usually clears within 2 to 3 days without treatment.
Impetigo (school sores)
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin. It causes red sores and blisters that form a yellow crust. It is very common in children aged 2 to 6, and it is not usually serious in this age group, but it can be dangerous for newborn babies.
If your child has impetigo, you should see your doctor, who might prescribe an antibiotic cream, ointment or tablet. This should clear the infection within 7 to 10 days. Keep your child home from childcare or school and away from young babies until the sores have dried up, usually a few days after treatment starts.
Hives (urticaria)
Hives is a raised, red, itchy rash. It is common on the chest, stomach and back, as well as the throat and limbs, but it can appear on any part of the body. Hives usually disappears within a few days without any treatment. Antihistamines can be given to relieve itching. If the rash doesn't go away, you should see your doctor.
Hives isn’t usually serious, but it can be a sign of a more serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your child develops hives after eating, or together with other symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness or trouble breathing, you should seek urgent medical attention.
If your child has symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a mild skin rash that sometimes appears after a sore throat, cold or fever. It begins with a single pink or tan-coloured patch on the chest or back. Red, oval-shaped patches, which may be itchy, then appear on the chest or back and limbs over the next weeks.
The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear, and it is not thought to be contagious. The rash usually clears up within a couple of months without treatment.
If you are pregnant, pityriasis rosea can in rare cases lead to complications. See your doctor if you are pregnant and have contact with a child who has pityriasis rosea.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that is spread by skin-to-skin contact or by sharing swimming pool water, bath water or towels.
Molluscum contagiosum spots look like pimples and grow into round pearly white lumps, usually 2 to 5 millimetres in size. They can be itchy. They usually heal without treatment within 6 months, but sometimes longer.
Rashes with fever
Slapped cheek disease (fifth disease)
Slapped cheek disease is a viral infection that mainly affects pre-school and school-age children. It typically causes a bright red rash on both cheeks that spreads as a ‘lacy’ rash on the body and limbs.
Occasionally, it causes a fever.
Slapped cheek disease is usually mild and clears up in a few days without treatment. The child is contagious before the rash appears, but not once it has appeared.
If you are pregnant and catch the virus, it may cause a type of anaemia in your unborn baby. It can also cause miscarriage. If you suspect you or your child has slapped cheek disease, you should avoid contact with people who might be pregnant.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild but highly contagious viral illness. It causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and blisters in the mouth. It is not the same as the foot-and-mouth disease that affects farm animals.
The disease is common in childcare and kindergartens. Your child might feel unwell and have a fever and blisters on the hands and feet and in the mouth and in the nappy area. The illness usually lasts about 7 to 10 days. Children with hand, foot and mouth disease should stay away from childcare or school until all the blisters have dried up.
Hand, foot and mouth disease usually resolves on its own without complications. In rare cases, it can be more serious, especially if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant. Complications can include infections of the brain and heart muscle and miscarriage.
Roseola infantum
Roseola infantum is a contagious viral infection that can cause cold-like symptoms and a high fever. The high fever may last for a few days. Roseola infantum can also cause some children to have a febrile convulsion (seizure).
Children with roseola infantum develop a rash after the fever has resolved. The rash looks like raised pink spots that start on the chest, stomach and back and spread to the limbs. The child is contagious before the rash appears, but not after. The rash usually lasts 3 to 5 days.
Febrile convulsions can look scary but are generally not harmful.
If your child has a seizure, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
When to seek help
Many babies develop a skin rash in their first days or weeks of life as their sensitive skin adapts to a new environment.
Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own, but if your baby seems unwell, or if you’re worried, you should see your doctor. They can advise about the cause and whether treatment is necessary.
Whatever their age, you should take your child to the doctor if they have a rash and persistent high temperature, cold or cough symptoms or swollen neck glands.
Treatment of common childhood rashes
If you think your child might be contagious, they should stay at home. Keep them away from school, childcare and other children. You should also keep them away from people who are pregnant, or who might be pregnant, since some childhood infections can cause serious problems in unborn babies.
You can use paracetamol or ibuprofen (in babies aged over 3 months) to reduce fever — read the packet instructions carefully to ensure your child receives the right amount for their age and weight.
Your pharmacist can advise you on treating the symptoms of common rashes. For example, you can use over-the-counter creams to prevent itchiness.
If you are concerned about your child’s rash, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to talk to a maternal child health nurse, or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 022 to talk to a registered nurse. Alternatively, contact your doctor.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.
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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
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rest
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drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – babies should continue their normal feeds
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen for a high temperature, headaches or joint pain
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use moisturiser on itchy skin
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speak to a pharmacist about itchy skin – they can recommend the best antihistamine for children
Important: 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
Red cheeks in a baby: should I be worried?
Children's skin is incredibly sensitive to both the environment and the general well-being of the child.
Therefore, in some cases, red cheeks are an occasion to think about the state of health of the baby.
Environmental reaction
Red spots on the cheeks of a child may be a common reaction to cold or heat. The process of heat transfer in infants does not proceed in the same way as in adults, so red cheeks can signal overheating or, conversely, too close contact with frost. In the first case, the crumbs must be immediately cooled, and in the second case, a protective cream should be applied to exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside.
Manifestation of an allergy
Are the baby's cheeks reddened, flaky and even itchy? This may be a manifestation of an allergy - food, household chemicals, dust or animals. Often, redness of the cheeks in this case is also accompanied by the appearance of redness in the area of the shoulders, forearms and groin. Be sure to consult a doctor to find out why the child has red cheeks, and to exclude from the environment the allergen that causes such a reaction in the baby.
Atopic dermatitis
Babies with atopic dermatitis often develop redness, which is accompanied by severe dryness, itching and even crusting. As a rule, there are foci of dermatitis in other parts of the body, and dryness and redness do not go away with the use of conventional moisturizers. Atopic dermatitis is a serious reason to see a doctor.
Enzyme deficiency
Enzymatic deficiency usually occurs in children in the first year of life. One of its symptoms is reddening of the baby's cheeks (in this case, the child may not gain weight). When the baby eats more than his body can absorb, the unprocessed protein causes an allergic reaction and, as a result, redness of the cheeks. In this case, the amount of food offered to the child should be carefully controlled, especially with artificial feeding.
Teething
Redness of the cheeks and swollen gums are sure signs that a new tooth is coming soon. At this time, the behavior of the baby may also change: he rubs his ears and cheeks, becomes irritable, sleeps restlessly.
You can alleviate the condition of the crumbs with special teethers or a soothing gel (as prescribed by a doctor).
Viral or infectious diseases
Red spots on the cheeks of a child are far from the only symptom that parents should pay attention to. For example, with SARS it can be a fever, cough and runny nose, and with children's roseola - loose stools, fever and a rash (first on the cheeks, and later throughout the body from the face to the feet). Red cheeks combined with pale lips and the tip of the nose can also be a sign of pneumonia. In all these cases, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
All right!
The most common cause of red cheeks in a child is an allergic reaction. But it is quite possible that the child just had an active day, moved and laughed a lot, or walked for a long time in the fresh air. Such a blush is a joy for mom and a sign of excellent well-being of the baby!
Diathesis, red cheeks - atopic dermatitis?
When children come to an appointment with red cheeks, red spots with peeling on the arms and legs, manifestations of atopic dermatitis, then parents often do not know why their child has such problems.
Most often, mothers in such cases associate the manifestations of dermatitis with "Moscow water", which "does not suit" them.
However, it must be admitted that food allergies are most often manifested in infants and, in the vast majority of cases, the culprit is cow's milk, or rather, cow's milk proteins (proteins).
If the child receives artificial nutrition, then the basis of such mixtures is cow's milk proteins (whey and casein fractions of proteins). Thus, when receiving milk formula, the child receives the corresponding allergen in large volume.
If the baby is breastfed, cow's milk proteins enter the baby's body through breast milk.
Studies have shown that 95% of women have beta-lactoglobulin in breast milk, one of the most allergenic proteins in cow's milk.
However, it should be emphasized that children who are breastfed (naturally) suffer from food allergies much less often, which is associated, among other things, with a lower content of such components in breast milk.
The basis for the treatment of manifestations of food allergies, intolerance to cow's milk proteins, is the selection of proper nutrition.
When a child is breastfed and symptoms of intolerance to cow's milk proteins are noted, the mother is often advised to follow a strict dairy-free diet, when all dairy products are excluded from the diet, including cheese, kefir, cottage cheese, etc., and not just whole milk, as sometimes think. Since such dietary recommendations are quite difficult to maintain, especially for us, the inhabitants of the middle lane, where the culture of dairy nutrition is widespread, it is very important that these prescriptions have a real basis.
However, it is impossible not to admit that there is an improvement in the condition of the child's skin, the work of his digestive tract with the correct correction of nutrition. Hence even such a term as "diet diagnostics" appeared, i.e., when, after the exclusion of certain products, we see a positive result, which confirms the diagnosis, and "diet therapy", when continuing to follow the recommendations on proper nutrition, it is possible to achieve a good therapeutic effect.
One of the frequently asked questions of parents is: "Is it possible to transfer a child with intolerance to cow's milk proteins to goat's milk?"
The answer is not entirely reassuring. In the vast majority of children, when trying to replace a formula based on cow's milk with a "goat" formula, it is not possible to achieve remission and subsidence of the symptoms of the disease.
For the rational nutrition of formula-fed children with manifestations of allergy to cow's milk proteins, therapeutic specialized nutrition based on hydrolyzed (split) components is used. In such mixtures, the protein is divided into smaller components, down to the smallest particles - amino acids. Such therapeutic nutrition should be selected by a pediatrician in close cooperation with an allergist-immunologist.
Another important aspect of the treatment of atopic dermatitis is topical therapy. And it is necessary to start in this case with a basic, long-term moisturizing of the skin with specialized means - emollients.
