Just like yours, children's skin can be problematic. Whether it's a skin condition like eczema or a rash, we know you might be concerned about any unusual redness, bumps or dryness on your kids' skin. Here we share the most common skin rashes in children, what to look out for and what to do about them.
While many skin rashes aren't a cause for concern, it's important to see a doctor right away if your child also seems unwell and is showing symptoms of meningitis, such as: B. a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or a rash that doesn't fade when a glass is pressed against it.
What causes skin rashes in children?
From viruses and allergic reactions to heat and skin conditions, there are several common causes of rashes in babies and children. These include:
- allergies
- Insect bites and stings
- parasites
- Scouring or rubbing e.g.diaper rash
- bacteria
- Mushrooms
- viruses
- heat
- humidity and heat
- Dribbling
Vocabulary
Heat and sweat can cause small, red, raised spots called "Heat rash’ or heat rash. It can also cause an itchy or tingling sensation, as well as slight swelling, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Heat rash can be caused by:
- Exposed to too much sun or heat
- Wearing too many layers of clothing
- Engage in intense physical activity
Heat rash symptoms are similar to solar urticaria, an allergic reaction to sunlight. This is a rare condition, so it's unlikely to be the cause of the rash. However, if symptoms persist, you should consult your GP. If your child gets excessively tired, dizzy, feels sick, or has a high temperature, they may be at risk of heat stroke. In this case, you need to see an ambulance as soon as possible.
How do you treat children with heat rash?
AVocabularyshould resolve without treatment, but keeping the skin cool may help. Place a damp cloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the rash and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing. Be careful not to scratch it and only wear suitable creams such asGalmei Lotion.
eczema
Skin that is itchy, red, dry, and cracked may beeczema. It's often found behind the knees, elbows, and in the neck, but can appear anywhere. Read more about eczema in babieshere.
Eczema is usually triggered by:
- Heat or sudden weather changes
- Irritants such as soap, bubble bath, or cleaning products
- Synthetic fabrics or wool
- food allergies
- chemicals like chlorine
- Bacterial Infections
How do you treat children with eczema?
Many babies outgrow eczema over time. However, unscented moisturizer andeczema treatmentsuch asE45can soothe the skin. You can also help prevent it from coming back by avoiding baby soap and any triggers like pet dander and certain cleaning products, and dressing them in loose cotton fabrics to keep them cool.
Buy eczema treatments
hives
A raised, itchy red rash can appear as an allergic reaction, often as is well knownhives. It should usually go away in about two days, but if your child's face or mouth is swollen or is having trouble breathing, you need to call 999.
Hives are usually caused by:
- food allergies
- Allergic reactions to medication
- OnInsect bite or sting
- Allergic reactions to something your child has touched, e.g. Plant
How to treat children with hives?
Hives can usually be treated at home with the help of antihistamines. If the rash keeps coming back, you should see your doctor to get tested to see if your child has an allergy.
Brown
Babies and young children can often contract roseola, a contagious infection that can cause both aRash and other symptomssuch as:
- A sudden high temperature
- Appetitverlust
- Cold symptoms such as runny nose, cough and sore throat
- Swollen eyelids or cervical glands
After 3-5 days, a rash appears consisting of pinkish-red spots, bumps, or patches on the chest, abdomen, and back. It can also spread to the neck, arms, and face. Even though it may look worrying, theRoseola rashis not itchy or uncomfortable - when it does appear your child will be well on their way to feeling better.
How to treat children with roseola?
Roseola usually goes away within a week and can be treated at home. Let your child rest and encourage them to drink plenty of fluids. You can also give them acetaminophen or children's ibuprofen to relieve their fever or cold.
Scarlet fever
If your child has a rash consisting of small, raised bumps that are rough to the touch, it could be scarlet fever. This is a contagious infection that mostly affects younger children.
Symptoms of Scarlet Fevercontain:
- Raised bumps that feel like sandpaper
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and swollen glands in the neck
- A white coating on the tongue followed by small red bumps
- Red cheeks
How to treat children with scarlet fever?
If your child has any of the above symptoms, see your GP for a diagnosis. They will be able to give antibiotics to help your little one get better. You can also relieve the symptoms with children's paracetamol, calamine lotion and many cool liquids.
chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common infection that mostly affects children. Thatmain symptomis an itchy, patchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body, including the mouth. These spots appear in three stages:
- Stage 1: Pink or red spots appear on the body, either spreading or staying in a small area
- Stage 2: The spots turn into very itchy blisters that can burst
- Stage 3: The blisters form a scab
Other symptoms can include fever, pain and loss of appetite.
How to treat children with chickenpox?
are chickenpoxvery contagiousTherefore, you must treat your little one at home for at least 5 days after the spots first appear until all the spots crust over. Children's paracetamol can help with symptomsChickenpox Treatmentssuch as cooling gels can relieve the itching. You can also use socks or mittens to keep them from scratching and soak them in cold water.
Buy treatments for chickenpox
Impetigo
Red sores or blisters could be a sign of impetigo. This bacterial infection typically occurs in the mouth, nose, hands, or abdomen. The sores can be itchy or painful and rupture to leave crusted golden-brown patches that can grow or spread.
How to treat children with impetigo?
Impetigo is not usually serious, but should be confirmed by your doctor for antibiotic cream or medication. it isvery contagiousYou should therefore avoid touching the rash and leave your child at home until the patches dry up.
Tinea
Itchy, ring-shaped patches of skin may appearTinea. This common rash in children is afungal infectionThis causes dry oval patches that can be red, pink, or silver. Ringworm is contagious and can even be spread between animals and humans, so if you have a pet you may want to take it to the vet.
How do you treat children with ringworm?
You can buy creams or lotions to treat tinea. pop in yourslocal LloydApothekesave to pick up the treatment. If the rash is on the scalp, you may also need medication from your GP.
Erythema toxicum
Erythema toxicum is acommon rashwhich typically occurs in babies after birth. There are several raised yellow, red, and white spots on the face, abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.
How to treat children with erythema toxicum?
This type of rash can sometimes go away and come back, but it usually goes away within a few weeks without treatment.
Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)
Small bumps on the skin is a common rash known asKeratosis pilaris, or chicken skin. This is usually a harmless conditionappears in patcheson arms, thighs or bottom. It can last for a long time and can also be hereditary.
Symptoms can include:
- Dry, rough skin
- Small painless bumps
How to treat children with keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris can last for years but sometimes clears up on its own. In the meantime, doing a few things like taking a cooler shower or bath, patting your skin dry instead of rubbing it, and using unscented bath products will help. You can also use mild moisturizers such asAveeno Dermexa Emollient Creamfor dry skin.
There are many types of rashes in children, each with different types of lumps and bumps, so it can sometimes be difficult to identify which type your child has. If you're concerned or your little one has other symptoms, like fever or loss of appetite, take them to the doctor for a check-up.
Discover our offerSkin care products for babies and childrento relieve the symptoms of common skin rashes. You can also get other tips and advice about your child's health, such as:Sun care tips for babiesand everything you need to know about themflu vaccination for children.
references
www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children
www.nhs.uk/conditions/roseola
www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever
www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox
www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo