What kind of rash does my baby have

Baby Rash: Causes, Types, Treatments, Prevention

There are many types of rashes that affect various parts of a baby’s body.

These rashes are typically very treatable. While they may be uncomfortable, they aren’t cause for alarm. Rashes are rarely an emergency.

Sometimes, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness. We’ll discuss different types of baby rashes, how to treat them, and when to call a doctor.

Babies have very new skin and developing immune systems. Their skin is sensitive and susceptible to many sources of irritation or infection. Causes of rashes in babies include:

heat
allergies
friction
dampness
chemicals
fragrances
fabrics

Even their own feces can irritate a baby’s skin and cause a rash. Viral and bacterial infections can also cause rashes.

Depending on the cause of the rash, almost any part of your baby’s body can be affected:

face
neck
trunk
arms
legs
hands
feet
diaper area
skin folds

Some of the most common types of infant skin rashes include:

baby acne, which usually appears on the face
cradle cap
diaper rash, which is caused by wetness or the acidity of a baby’s urine and feces
drool rash, which happens when drool irritates the skin around the mouth or on the chest
eczema, most commonly found on the face, behind the knees, and on the arms
fifth disease, which is a “slapped cheek” rash that may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and sore throat
hand, foot, and mouth disease
heat rash, usually found in areas covered by clothes, such as armpits, neck, chest, arms, torso, and legs and is caused by overheating
hives
impetigo
infectious rashes, such as measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, and roseola
miliamolluscum contagiosum
thrush

Seek medical advice for a fever
Bring your child to a doctor if they’re experiencing a rash with a fever.

Diaper rash treatment

Diaper rash is one of the most common baby rashes. A diaper holds warmth and moisture close to the skin, and urine and feces may be acidic and very irritating to the skin. The best remedies for diaper rash include:

frequent diaper changes
wiping with a soft, wet cloth instead of pre-packaged wipes that contain alcohol and chemicals
using a barrier cream, typically containing zinc oxide, which shouldn’t be wiped off of the skin with each diaper change or it can cause more irritation
decreasing acidic foods, such as citrus and tomatoes, in your baby’s diet
washing your hands before and after diaper changes so the rash doesn’t become infected

Eczema treatment

Eczema is another very common childhood rash. If you have a family history of eczema or sensitive skin, your baby is likely to be more prone to eczema.

It may be caused by allergies or skin sensitivities to food, laundry detergent, types of fabric, or other irritants. Helpful treatments for eczema include:

keeping the area clean and dry
over-the-counter creams and ointments
oatmeal baths
determining if there’s an allergy and eliminating the allergen
working with a pediatric dermatologist to identify your baby’s triggers and how to best treat their eczema

Drool rash treatment

Drool rash and general facial rash is very common in babies. They’re developing salivary glands and teething, so it’s not uncommon for them to have drool on their face much of the time. Pacifier use, food particles, teeth growing in, and frequent face-wiping may also irritate the skin.

Drool rash typically resolves on its own in a matter of weeks, but there are some ways to help:

pat — don’t scrub — your baby’s face to dry
clean with warm water but avoid using soap on the face
have your baby wear a drool bib so their shirt doesn’t become soaked
be gentle when cleaning food off of the face
avoid fragranced lotions on the face
minimize pacifier use when possible

Some rashes, such as baby acne, go away by themselves in a matter of weeks or months. You shouldn’t use adult acne medication to treat baby acne.

Cradle cap can be treated with topical oil, such as coconut oil, gentle scrubbing with a cradle cap brush, and washing your baby’s head.

Infectious rashes such as thrush, measles, chickenpox, roseola, and scarlet fever should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the best treatment. These rashes are typically accompanied by a fever and other symptoms. They may require antibiotics or antiviral medication, or they may resolve on their own.

Fever

If your baby develops a rash accompanied by a fever or following a fever, it’s best to call your pediatrician. The cause may be infectious and you should have your child evaluated by a doctor.

Learn more about signs of fevers and low temperatures in babies, and what to do.

Rash for a week

If your baby has a rash that persists for more than a week, doesn’t respond to home remedies, or is causing your baby pain or irritation, you should call your doctor.

Rash spreads

If your baby develops widespread hives, especially around the mouth, or develops hives accompanied by coughing, vomiting, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms you should go to the emergency room. This may be a sign of a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

Emergency signs

A rash accompanied by a very high fever, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, neurological changes, or uncontrollable shaking may be caused by meningitis and is considered a medical emergency.

While rashes in babies are very common, there are some steps you can take to help prevent a rash. Preventive steps that some people try include:

frequent diaper changes
keeping skin clean and dry
using irritant-free laundry detergent or detergent specially formulated for babies
dressing your baby in breathable fabrics, such as cotton
dressing your baby appropriately for the weather to avoid overheating
keeping track of any skin reactions to foods so you can avoid trigger foods
keeping your child up-to-date on vaccinations
not letting strangers or anyone with symptoms of illness kiss your baby
using lotions, shampoos, and soaps specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin

It can be alarming when your baby develops a rash, especially if they seem to be sick, itchy, or uncomfortable. It can also be difficult to determine the cause of the rash.

The good news is that rashes tend to be very treatable and aren’t usually serious. Many are even preventable and can be managed at home.

If you’re concerned about your child’s rash, or the rash is accompanied by a fever, call your pediatrician. They can help determine what is causing your baby’s rash and how to treat it.

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 022 222 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.

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Rashes on the child's body

Many parents have noticed suspicious rashes on the body of their children. This symptom indicates the presence of any disease of the body or simply its painful condition. In any case, a rash on a child's body can be very dangerous. Therefore, if you notice a rash on the skin, you should immediately make an appointment with the child's pediatrician.

Rash help

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Causes of rashes

A rash in children can appear for various reasons. The most “safe” case is when rashes appear due to poor hygiene. In addition, the cause of the rash is allergies, blood diseases, cardiovascular diseases, as well as infections and microbes. In the case of an infection, a rash is not the only symptom: fever, runny nose, sore throat, severe cough, chills, etc. are added to it. Often infections are accompanied by indigestion and vomiting. The rash in such cases does not occur immediately, but appears after a few days.

Rash most often occurs as a symptom of diseases that are commonly referred to as "children's". We are talking about chicken pox, rubella, measles, scarlet fever and some other infections that people get sick, mainly in childhood. Moreover, depending on the disease, the nature of the rash changes, so that doctors can diagnose only one type of rash. The most dangerous rash, which refers to the symptoms of meningitis.

Diseases causing rashes on the skin of children

Let's analyze the types of rash in a child in more detail, depending on the disease.

Chicken pox. Perhaps the most famous disease that is accompanied by a rash. With chickenpox, reddish spots appear on the entire surface of the body, which grow and become bubbles filled with a clear liquid. The growth of the bubbles is accompanied by itching, but over time they dry out and fall off, sometimes leaving characteristic “pockmarks”. Chicken pox often causes fever, and doctors recommend treating blisters of the rash with brilliant green.
Measles. Initially, a rash in the form of large red spots appears on the face, but literally within 2-3 days it spreads “from top to bottom” along the body to the very legs. In addition, the child begins to have a sore throat, runny nose and cough, and the temperature rises. The largest spots merge into large inflamed areas.
Meningococcal infection. The most dangerous infection, as it causes meningitis. It is very important to recognize the disease in time, as it develops very quickly. The rash is expressed in the form of large spots resembling bruises. If you see a doctor as soon as possible, the chances of a cure are very high.

Rubella. The rash is accompanied by fever and inflammation of the lymph nodes. A rash on the body of a child in the form of small red spots appears mainly on the buttocks and in the places where the limbs are bent. After a few days, the rash disappears without leaving any consequences.
Scarlet fever. With scarlet fever, a rash in the form of small pimples appears on the second day all over the body, but their highest concentration is noted in the groin, in the places of the folds of the arms and legs and in the lower abdomen. After a few days, the rash disappears, and the skin in these places begins to peel off strongly. Also during the peak of the disease, swelling, rash and redness of the entire skin are noted.
Enteroviral infection. Redness and rash appear on the third day after infection and last for about two to three days. Their other symptoms, doctors note vomiting, diarrhea, fever and general weakness of the body.
Parasites. In this case, the rash is not caused by infections, but by scabies mites or other parasites that live on the human body. The scabies mite "drills" holes in the skin, leaving entrances and exits in the form of dots. The most “attractive” parts of the body for a tick are places with thin skin: groin, wrists, areas between fingers, etc. Since the tick can be transmitted from one person to another, urgent treatment is necessary after the detection of this pathology.
Cardiovascular diseases. As a rule, these diseases are not typical for children, although they occur in them. Vascular disease can be recognized by small hemorrhages under the skin. Larger areas form bruises.

Other causes of rashes

Sometimes, even with all the rules of hygiene and the absence of diseases, a rash on the body of a child appears with enviable regularity. In this case, it is most likely an allergic reaction of the body to various substances. If this is true, then allergies can be recognized by other symptoms that will inevitably appear along with the rash: a runny nose, cough, tears, and itching. Also, a rash on the body of a child may appear from burns by plants or insect bites. Even a simple mosquito bite often causes a severe rash in children, which is accompanied by itching.

And, of course, very often a rash appears due to poor hygiene. Unlike adults, children's skin is much thinner and more delicate, so even a short-term lack of care for it can lead to a rash. Children, especially the smallest, should be washed and washed regularly. But wearing a lot of clothes on him or leaving him in wet diapers is not worth it - this can lead to diaper rash, irritation, and a rash.

Rash Help

If you find a rash on your child's body, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You can make an appointment at our Poem Health clinic. In addition, you can call a doctor at home if the child is in a serious condition. Moreover, sometimes a doctor's house call is mandatory, since many diseases with symptoms in the form of a rash are easily transmitted to such children. You need to be especially careful with rubella, as it seriously affects the health of pregnant women. And if you suspect meningitis, you need to call not just a doctor, but an ambulance team.

Do not try to get rid of the rash on your own before seeing a doctor. Firstly, it will make it difficult for a doctor to determine the diagnosis. Secondly, it can lead to even more rashes in the child. It is best to wait for the examination of the doctor and listen to his recommendations for further treatment of the rash. Bacterial rashes are treated with antibiotics, scabies - with special means against ticks, allergies - with appropriate drugs with isolation from the source of allergies, etc. More complex treatment is needed for cardiovascular diseases, but, in the end, a rash on the body of a child is always treated successfully.

Rash Prevention

To avoid a rash on the body, you need to take steps to prevent it. First of all, we are talking about the basic rules of personal hygiene. At the earliest age, parents should take care of this, later they should teach this to their child as early as possible. Compliance with hygiene helps to get rid of not only rashes, sweating and dirt, but also prevents many infectious diseases.

In addition, infections can be prevented by vaccination.

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