Skin rashes are common in children, and may or may not be itchy, raised, colored, or oozing. While most rashes will usually go away without treatment, here are some things you can try at home to soothe your child’s rash, and when to call a doctor.
- Clean the skin.
- Clean your child’s skin by washing with mild soap and warm water.
- Do not scrub the skin to avoid further irritation.
- Dry the skin by patting it with a towel.
- Do not cover the rash with a bandage or any other covering.
- Apply calamine lotion. Applying calamine lotion to the rash can help soothe the skin and relieve itching.
- Put your child in a cool bath. Cool (not hot) baths with oatmeal can help relieve itchy skin. Avoid hot baths because the heat can aggravate the rash.
- Use a wet cloth. If the rash is on intact skin, placing a clean wet cloth on it to help reduce pain and itching.
- Give your child over-the-counter medications. OTC medications for skin rashes include hydrocortisone creams and topical Benadryl. If your child is over 2 years old, you can also give them the oral form of Benadryl.
- Discourage your child from scratching. Scratching the rash can break the skin and cause skin infections. If your child is old enough to understand your instructions, tell them to control the urge to itch. You can also cut their nails and make them wear gloves at night.
What causes skin rashes in children?
Allergies to certain materials or metals may cause your child to develop a rash whenever they come into contact with those items. Even diapers may cause rashes in babies.
Rashes may also be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Some rashes may even be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Knowing the cause of your child’s rash can put you at ease and help you make informed decisions, like whether you need to take your child to their pediatrician or treat them at home with simple remedies.
When to see a doctor for your child’s rash
Some rashes may not resolve on their own. If you are not able to figure out the cause of your child’s rash and you have additional concerns, visit your child’s pediatrician or a dermatologist.
In general, you should see a doctor if your child’s rash:
- Is accompanied by a fever, loss of appetite, or painful urination
- Is painful or itches so much that it disturbs your child’s sleep
- Makes it hard for your child to participate in daily activities
- Persists for more than 3 days even after taking OTC medications
- Starts shortly after eating a new food or taking a new medication
- Is non-blanching (no change in color when pressed)
- Appears like a bruise but is not due to an injury
- Is butterfly-shaped and comes across the nose and cheeks
- Looks like a bull’s eye or is oval
- Is worse in skin creases
- Is widespread with enlarged, tender lymph nodes
- Causes swelling in the mouth or face
- Causes trouble breathing troubles
- Is wet, crusty, blistering, or oozy.
- Involves the eyes, or is inside the mouth or genital area
Remember that any type of rash in an infant younger than 6 months old always warrants a visit to the doctor.
QUESTION
The abbreviated term ADHD denotes the condition commonly known as: See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
References
WebMD. Rashes (Children). https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/rashes-children
Complete List
Top How Do You Treat a Rash on a Child? Related Articles
10 Common Symptoms in Infants and Young Toddlers
Watch this slideshow to see common symptoms and home treatment for infant and childhood illnesses including fever, nausea, constipation and more.
Children's Health
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health, and community health.
Diaper Rash Picture
Almost every baby will get diaper rash at least once during the first 3 years of life, with the majority of these babies 9-12 months old. See a picture of Diaper Rash and learn more about the health topic.
Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis Rashes Slideshow
Eczema is a common allergic skin condition. Learn more about types of eczema like atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and baby eczema. Find treatments like creams for face, hands, scalp, and more.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Dyshidrotic Eczema? Treatment
Here are 13 ways to manage and treat your dyshidrotic eczema, which includes topical corticosteroid creams and avoiding triggers.
Fungal Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Fungal skin infections and fungal nail infections produce symptoms like red, itchy, circular rashes and thick, discolored, flaky nails. Fungal infection treatment may involve topical medication or oral antifungals.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or feels prickly, and looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.Heat rash remedies include OTC creams and sprays. Usually heat rash resolves when the skin is cooled sufficiently. Medical treatment may be necessary if the sweat glands become infected.
How Can I Treat My Baby's Rashes Naturally?
A baby may get rashes due to numerous causes. Try to pin down the cause of rashes in the case of your baby. Is it a diaper rash? Is it a reaction to the baby oil? Is it eczema due to dry skin? Is it a viral infection?
How Long Does a Heat Rash Last on a Baby?
Heat rash is a common issue that affects many babies. Learn the signs of heat rash, what causes it, how long it lasts, how doctors diagnose it, and what you can do to treat it.
Intertrigo
Intertrigo is a rash, usually found in skin folds, that is caused by rubbing, increased temperature, and moisture. Affected areas may be treated with a weak topical steroid and barrier cream.
Parenting
Good parenting helps foster empathy, honesty, self-reliance, self-control, kindness, cooperation, and cheerfulness, says Steinberg, a distinguished professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia. It also promotes intellectual curiosity, motivation, and desire to achieve. It helps protect children from developing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, antisocial behavior, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Skin Infections
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause skin infections. What is scabies? Learn about golden staph infections, cellulitis, impetigo, fifth disease, leprosy, and more. See photos of infections like chickenpox, athlete’s foot, and candida, a fungal yeast skin infection.
What Triggers Nummular Eczema?
Sensitivity of the skin to weather and harsh chemicals may play a significant role in triggering nummular eczema.Yeast Infection vs. Diaper Rash in Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Diaper rash in infants, babies, toddlers, and children is caused by Candida, the most common type of fungus. Signs and symptoms of diaper rash includes red, elevated skin that may be visible under and in the creases of the skin, groin, or anus. Yeast diaper rash is not painful. Treatments for diaper rash include antibiotic creams, lotions, natural home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, and oral antibiotics. Yeast infections in infants, babies, toddlers, and children can cause diaper rash and thrush. Signs and symptoms of thrush include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base that can form on the tongue, palate, or elsewhere inside the palate. Treatment for yeast infections caused by Candida fungi are similar to the treatments for diaper rash. If Candida gets into the bloodstream of an individual they may get sick with or without a fever. If the Candida infection spreads throughout the body up to 45% of people may die. Even with common mouth thrush can cause critical illness and may be more resistant to normal treatment.