When to worry about rashes on babies

Kids Health Information : Rashes

Rashes are very common in children and babies. Most rashes are caused by common viral infections, and are nothing to be worried about. Usually, rashes are harmless and will go away on their own.

Sometimes different viruses can cause rashes that look the same, while some viruses cause rashes that look quite unique.

Measles is a virus that causes a distinctive rash. Measles is very contagious and can be serious. If you think your child has measles, see your GP.

If your child has a rash of small, bright-red or purple spots or bruises that do not turn white (blanch) when you press on them, seek urgent medical attention.

Signs and symptoms

Rashes can have many different appearances: red, flat areas; raised bumps; blisters; welts; or any combination of these. It can be common for the rash to spread to most or all of the body before it goes away. The rash may last for days to weeks.

Most rashes are mild and do not cause your child any distress, although some rashes can cause a lot of itching.

Some rashes are quite distinctive. For more information about viruses that cause a rash, see our fact sheets:

Chickenpox
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Measles
Molluscum
Roseola infantum
Slapped cheek (fifth disease)

When to see a doctor

Often the viral infection causing the rash will also cause your child to have a fever (see our fact sheet Fever in children). The fever often happens at the start of the illness, before the rash appears. When the rash appears, it means your child is getting better. However, if your child has a fever with their rash, take them to see your GP.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for young children and babies. If you think that your child might have measles, see your GP. Ask if your doctor can visit your child at home, or if you visit a medical clinic, tell the receptionist as soon as you arrive, to avoid spreading the infection to others.

If your child has a rash of small, bright-red or purple spots or bruises that do not turn white (blanch) when you push on them, along with a fever, headache, stiff neck or back pain, seek medical advice immediately from your GP or nearest hospital emergency department. See our fact sheet Meningococcal infection.

Care at home

In nearly all cases, it is not important to know which virus is causing the rash. Most rashes will get better on their own. Antibiotics do not work on viruses and are not given to children with rashes caused by viral infections.

If your child's rash is itchy, talk to your local pharmacist about treatments that can help relieve the itch.

You can make your child feel more comfortable if the virus associated with the rash is making your child feel miserable. See our fact sheet Pain relief for children.

How are viral infections spread?

Viruses are spread by direct contact. The best way to prevent spreading and catching viruses is to wash your hands after touching any bodily fluid and avoid sharing items like cutlery, drinking cups, towels, toothbrushes and clothing.

Key points to remember

Rashes caused by viruses are very common in children and babies.
Most viral rashes are harmless and will go away on their own.
If you are concerned your child has measles, see a doctor.
If your child has a fever and a rash that does not turn white (blanch) when pressed or they are very unwell, seek emergency medical care.

For more information

Dr Margie: Childhood rash symptoms and treatment
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Measles
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Chickenpox
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Hand foot and mouth disease
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Roseola infantum
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Slapped cheek (fifth disease)
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Meningococcal infection
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Viral illnesses
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Hives
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Fever in children
Kids Health Info fact sheet: Pain relief for children.
See your GP or Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

Common questions our doctors are asked

Do I need to take my child to the doctor every time she has a rash?

No, if your child has a mild illness – like the common cold – and they are otherwise happy and eating and drinking, then the presence of a slight rash is not concerning.

My child has a rash and I am pregnant. Should I be worried?

Some viral infections can cause problems in early pregnancy. If you are pregnant, and your child has a rash and you are concerned, you should see your local doctor or obstetrician for advice.

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital General Medicine department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed May 2018.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www. rchfoundation.org.au.

Rashes on Children: When Should I Worry?

Childhood rashes are common, but that doesn’t mean they don’t freak you out any less as a parent. While most rashes do get better on their own, you may not be sure, especially if your child’s rash is accompanied by a fever or other symptoms.

“Rashes can be caused or associated with a variety of conditions, from mild conditions like heat rashes to serious conditions like meningitis,” said Nurul Hariadi, MD, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Banner Health Center. “Because of this, it’s important to know which should prompt a call to your child’s doctor or a visit to the ER.”

A good rule of thumb to remember is that a local rash is most likely caused by skin contact, exposure to certain materials or substances, and sometimes germs, such as diaper rash or an insect bite. A widespread rash is usually associated with a cause that affects the entire body such as measles.

Because many illnesses cause rashes, we put together a list of eight of the most common ones that occur in children, signs and symptoms that should prompt a visit to your child’s doctor or the ER, and an illustrative guide to keep on hand for quick reference.

8 common types of childhood rashes

Roseola

Roseola is one of the most common viral infections among children 6 months to 3 years of age. It starts with a fever for 2 to 3 days, followed by a rash after the fever is gone. Once the rash appears, your child is usually fine and doesn’t require treatment.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease, often called slapped cheek disease, is a common childhood infection caused by parvovirus. The symptoms are usually mild and include fever, upset stomach, headache and a rash that looks like the cheeks were slapped. It may be followed by a lacelike rash on the stomach, legs or arms. Older children or adults may experience joint pain. The virus clears up on its own, but your child may require pain reliever to treat symptoms.

Hand, foot & mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses and is a self-limiting disease, which means it will resolve without specific medication. It is spread by saliva, nasal mucus or fluid from an erupted blister. It causes tiny bumps, blisters or sores on the hands, feet, diaper area and in the mouth. It may also be associated with a fever and sore throat. If your child is able to take and keep fluids down and is active, you may observe them at home after discussing it with their doctor or triage nurse.

Impetigo

Impetigo is one of the most common superficial bacterial skin infections in children. It usually appears as red bumps on the face that develop honey-colored crusts when they burst. Depending on the severity, it may require an antibiotic that is applied to the skin or taken by mouth.

MRSA

MRSA skin infection is caused by a type of Staphylococcus bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus that unfortunately causes infections that don’t respond well to antibiotics that treat less resistant S. aureus. Therefore, your child may need a different antibiotic. Recurrent boils can form and may require incision and drainage. Your child’s doctor may need to send the pus to a lab to check for MRSA.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is one of the most common fungal skin infections in children. It is scaly, red and itchy and may sometimes look like eczema. Depending on the location (skin versus scalp or nails), it may need antifungal medication that is applied on the skin or taken by mouth.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that develops in some children who have Strep throat. It is most common in children 5 to 15 years old. Symptoms include a scarlet-colored rough rash that covers most of the body and feels like sandpaper, sore throat and high fever. Antibiotic is given to treat the illness.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is not an infectious disease, it is a chronic skin condition. About 5% to 20% of children may have it, but many outgrow it by late childhood. Depending on age, it can appear on different areas of the body. Common symptoms are red, inflamed and dry, itchy skin patches. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms and age.

Got questions? Call your doctor

If your child has an unexplained rash, don’t hesitate to call their doctor. It’s better to talk to them about a rash (even if it ends up being nothing serious) than missing symptoms of a serious illness. To schedule an appointment, visit bannerhealth.com.

If you can’t reach the doctor, you can also call the Banner Nurse Now line at 844-259-9494 for free health care advice 24/7.

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 stomach.

Pediatric dermatologist says:

Typical and common situation…. “In the morning my daughter woke up with a face, as they say, to the point ...”

We, as a rule, 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 separate parts can appear with 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.

Neonatal rash is a natural phenomenon that is completely 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.

Rashes occur in about a third of newborns and do not pose any danger either to the “sprinkled” or to those around them. 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.

Although toxic skin redness looks terrifying, it also does not require medical intervention.

Cleanliness is the key to good health

If a child has diaper rash, especially during the warm season, a rash may appear at the sites of skin irritation. 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.

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.

Water treatment is the most effective cure for diaper rash.

Do not overheat children

The next type of rash - prickly heat - occurs due to clogging of the baby's sweat glands as a result of overheating. This red small rash appears in places where a small body comes into contact with clothing and in skin folds. The rash begins with small blisters, later transforming into small red spots. Prickly heat is an itchy inflammation that worries the baby. A decoction of string, chamomile or calendula, added to a baby bath when bathing, will help to effectively deal with such rashes. Air baths also have a positive effect. However, one should take into account such points as individual intolerance to certain herbs, in certain cases they can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, the first procedures should be short, the infusion should be one-component and weak.

Healthy nutrition is a guarantee of well-being of a small person, especially for children who are bottle-fed, they even more need balanced complementary foods that will contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the normal development of the child's body.

Rash in a child on the body, legs, back

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