Red spots on infants face

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.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Is It Baby Acne, a Rash, or Something Else?

Even adults can find it difficult to identify their skin issues. Everyone’s skin is different, and the way rashes and acne flare up can vary. Babies can’t tell you what they’re feeling, so you’ll have to go on looks alone.

Read on to learn about some of the most common skin issues that babies face and how you can treat them at home.

Baby acne usually develops about 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Tiny red or white bumps appear on the baby’s cheeks, nose, and forehead. The cause is unknown. It typically clears up on its own in about 3 to 4 months without leaving marks.

To treat baby acne, don’t use any of the over-the-counter acne products you’d use on yourself. These can damage your baby’s delicate skin.

Regular home care should be enough to treat baby acne:

• Wash your baby’s face daily with warm water. You may also try a gentle, unscented soap.
• Do not scrub hard or pinch irritated areas.
• Avoid lotions and oily face products.

If you’re concerned that your baby’s acne isn’t going away, their doctor can recommend or prescribe safe treatments.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes a dry, red, itchy, and sometimes painful rash. It’s more common in children and often develops in the first 6 months of life. The condition can continue as the child gets older, or they may grow out of it.

In babies up to 6 months old, eczema often appears on the cheeks or forehead. As the baby gets older, the rash may move to the elbows, knees, and skin creases.

Eczema flares up when the skin is dry or when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, such as:

• pet dander
• dust mites
• detergent
• household cleaner

Drooling can also irritate eczema around the chin or mouth.

There’s no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage your baby’s symptoms:

• Give your baby short, lukewarm baths (between 5 and 10 minutes) and use an unscented or gentle soap on the affected areas.
• Use a thick, unscented cream or ointment as a moisturizer twice a day.
• Use fragrance-free laundry detergent designed for sensitive skin.

Your baby’s pediatrician may be able to prescribe a steroid ointment to help reduce inflammation. Use this as directed by their doctor.

Milia are tiny white bumps on a newborn’s nose, chin, or cheeks that look similar to acne. They can also appear on the baby’s arms and legs. The bumps are caused by dead skin flakes becoming trapped near the skin’s surface. Like baby acne, milia go away without treatment.

However, you can use the same at-home care:

• Wash your baby’s face daily with plain water or if needed, an unscented or gentle soap.
• Do not scrub hard or pinch the irritated areas.
• Avoid lotions or oily face products.

Cradle cap looks like scaly, yellowish, crusty patches on the baby’s head. Depending on your baby’s skin tone, the patches may appear yellowish, brown, purple, or grey.

Cradle cap usually develops when a baby is 2 or 3 months old. There may also be redness surrounding the patches. This rash may also appear on the baby’s:

• face
• eyebrows
• neck
• ears
• armpits

Cradle cap is not harmful to your baby. It’s not itchy like eczema. It’ll go away on its own in a few weeks or months without treatment.

Some things you can do at home to manage cradle cap are:

• Wash your baby’s hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo.
• Brush scales out with a soft-bristled hairbrush.
• Avoid washing hair too often, as it’ll dry out the scalp.
• Use baby oil to soften the scales so they’re easier to brush out.

Heat rash is caused when sweat gets trapped under the skin because of blocked pores. It’s usually caused by exposure to hot or humid weather. When a baby gets heat rash, they develop tiny, red, fluid-filled blisters. These can appear on the:

• neck
• shoulders
• chest
• armpits
• elbow creases
• groin

The rash generally goes away within a few days without treatment. However, see your baby’s doctor if they develop a fever or if the rash:

• does not go away
• looks worse
• gets infected

To avoid overheating, dress your baby in loose-fitting cotton clothing during hot summer months. Take off extra layers if they get too hot in cooler weather.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection. HFMD commonly causes blisters or sores to appear in or around the mouth or on the hands or feet. The rash may be seen in one or more of these locations.

The rash looks like red blisters or bumps. As the disease progresses, the sores may crust over. The spots may be harder to identify on darker skin tones.

While it can occur in anyone, it’s more commonly seen in children under 5 years old.

Additional symptoms may include:

• fever
• decreased appetite
• general malaise
• drooling
• irritability
• sore throat
• headache

Because HFMD is a viral infection, there is no treatment. People typically recover within 7 to 10 days.

Talk with your baby’s pediatrician to determine if you can offer baby acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help make your child more comfortable while they recover. Your pediatrician may also recommend ibuprofen (Motrin) in babies 6 months and older.

A pediatrician may also be able to recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical ointments to help relieve pain from the sores.

Limit acidic or spicy foods, such as citrus, as these can irritate the sores. Instead, offer cold foods, like popsicles, to help soothe sores in the mouth. It’s also important to keep your child isolated and out of care settings until the sores have healed. HFMD is extremely contagious.

These skin conditions are generally harmless and usually go away on their own with little or no treatment. You can help your baby avoid irritating the area by keeping their nails short and putting soft cotton gloves or socks on them at night.

If you’re concerned or feel that your child may require medical intervention, talk with their pediatrician.

Stork sting. What are newborn mothers afraid of? Society news

Any seemingly insignificant change in the baby's condition can frighten the newly-made mom and dad. Although sometimes nothing really bad happens. In the first month of life, neonatologists observe babies. It is on them that a flurry of parental fears falls.

“There is such a thing as a transient state of newborns. This is an intermediate period between the time when the child was in the mother's womb and the time when he begins to settle down outside, says Lina Komisar . - When a woman who has given birth asks: “How is the baby?”, We answer: “He is in the period of adaptation.” A transient state is not a diagnosis, not a disease! This condition is also called borderline, since with defects in care or a breakdown in adaptation, it can turn into a pathological one. Therefore, neonatologists daily, and sometimes twice a day, examine children in the neonatal department.”

Body weight

“Sometimes mothers tell doctors: “My baby has lost weight. Probably because he didn't eat." But this happens not only for this reason. In the first three days, the child receives only a small amount of colostrum and, due to a lack of total fluid volume, loses weight.

In addition, at this time, the umbilical residue dries up and the original feces are excreted, due to which the baby also loses grams.

Lina Komisar / Photo: Natalia Malyihina

Read also 17 Aug 2022 11:08

The maximum loss occurs before the third or fourth day. If a child was born weighing 3 kg, then he can lose up to 300 g. Such a loss is not a contraindication for discharge from the hospital. Everything will be restored.

From the fourth day, a gradual increase begins. The mother receives more milk, the child becomes more active, sleeps less and adds 10–50 g daily.”

"It was scary. I prayed." Moms - about the first days of life of children born prematurely

Jaundice

“I can say right away that if a child develops jaundice, this is not a consequence of hepatitis B vaccination, as some parents believe.

There is a special kind of jaundice that occurs only in newborns.

Pathological jaundice occurs with Rh conflicts, liver dysfunction, infections and other abnormalities. It is very rare.

Physiological jaundice begins due to the difference between the hemoglobin of the fetus and the child who has already been born. In a newborn, fetal hemoglobin breaks down, transforming, among other things, into bilirubin. But due to the fact that the baby's liver is immature (this organ is formed before the age of five), it does not have time to utilize this bilirubin. Here the child turns yellow. If certain indicators are not exceeded, this condition does not require special treatment. Bilirubin will be excreted naturally.

One child may turn yellow on the second day, the other on the fifth. Jaundice disappears from the beginning of the second to the end of the third week, sometimes it can last up to a month.

Hyperthermia

“It happens that the baby turns red, screams, and the mother cannot calm him down. This is due to the immature nervous system and thermoregulation center. Roughly speaking, babies accept the temperature of the environment: they dressed warmly - overheated, opened - cooled down.

If the child's temperature is above 37.5°, you need to untie him and bathe him, remove the diaper and just keep him in a thin diaper. And everything will pass. Antipyretics are prescribed only in very rare cases.

Photo: pixabay.com

Sexual crisis

“On the third or fourth day, the external genitalia of girls increase, the scrotum of boys swells. In children, the mammary glands may increase, there will be discharge from them. Girls can also have false periods, which is especially frightening for mothers. This is not scary, because every child receives a lot of hormones during pregnancy and childbirth. Everything will go by itself."

Physiological dysbacteriosis

“Mother calls me to the ward with the words: “My child has diarrhea, what should I do? This is probably because of the antibiotics that they inject me!” No, it's not because of the antibiotics. This is a transition chair.

The baby is born with sterile intestines. During the first day of life, after being applied to the mother's breast, it is populated by the maternal microflora. The sterile intestine reacts to lacto- and bifidobacteria. It's not a disease."

Skin problems

“Most of the time mothers ask why the baby is so red. So, red is the physiological color of the skin in the first three days. The protective lubricant was removed from the baby, and his skin is thin, and the capillaries are close. In fact, it is very good that the baby is red, and not some other color.

It happens that a child has white pimples on his nose, chin and cheeks. Some mothers are very worried when they are discharged: “God, I have a photo session, what should I do?! Why is he so ugly!” Don't worry, you have a beautiful baby! He just has thin skin and no subcutaneous fat layer. In the area of ​​the face, he has clogged immature sebaceous glands. Nothing needs to be done about it.

Some babies have red spots on the forehead, eyelids and back of the head. People say that redness in front is the kiss of an angel, and behind it is the bite of a stork, that is, the bird took the baby by the neck and carried it to the parents. They also say that these are birthmarks, but this is not so. These are pathologically dilated capillaries. Up to a year they will pass, but they will appear in the heat, with screaming and crying. All of these are not diagnoses either.”

Photo: pixabay.com

Toxic erythema

“If the baby is covered with pimples, most likely it is toxic erythema - a transitional skin condition. It can be caused by toxicosis in the mother, disorders of the endocrine system, the mother taking certain drugs, heredity.

The rash resolves on its own. It has a migratory character: it disappeared on the arm, appeared on the leg. You just need to keep the baby dry and not overheat it.”

Urinary crisis

“It happens that on the first day the baby does not pee. This is fine. He can urinate at the end of the first day or on the second day. In the first three days, he will go to the toilet a little, but then the diapers will be wet four to six times a day.

And if you see something red in a diaper, don't be afraid that it's blood. This is a consequence of uric acid diathesis. The kidneys began to work actively, so salts of uric acid are released. Boys before urination may cry for the first three days, as the grains have a painful effect on the urethra.

Photo: Pixabay.com

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Red Pimples on the face of a newborn: Symptoms, causes and treatment

Allergic rash in the newborn

In the baby is an unfavorable Immunity response of the child organism 9000 potentially dangerous substance. Most often, an allergic rash occurs against the background of the use by a nursing mother of products that can act as an irritant. This group includes: