
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.

SLIDESHOW
Childhood Diseases: Measles, Mumps, & More See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Top How Do You Treat a Rash on a Child? Related Articles
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
A diaper rash is a skin irritation that develops in the diaper-covered region. Most diaper rashes are caused by bacterial or yeast infections, though some may be caused by contact dermatitis or allergic reactions to the diapers and wipes. Cleansing with water and soft cloths, followed by application of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide and frequent diaper changes is the best treatment for a diaper rash.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.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: Pictures, Symptoms, and Treatment
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.
Heat Rash: How Do You Get Rid of It?
Do you know what heat rash looks like? Prickly heat is an itchy skin problem. It can cause pus-filled papules (blisters), red bumps, discomfort, and itching skin rashes. Medical care may include anti-itch ointment and keeping the skin cool in an air-conditioned room.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 Can You Tell if a Rash Is Serious?
A rash can become serious if immediate medical assistance is not provided when a patient has the below symptoms include rash covers most of the body, continuous itching, fever, and difficulty breathingHow 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.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 Are the Main Causes of Skin Rashes in Kids?
Why does my child have a skin rash? Find out what to do if your child has a skin rash and why it might occur.What Causes Rashes on Baby Skin?
A baby’s skin is delicate and can easily break into rashes in response to various irritants. Rashes on a baby’s skin may be caused by miliaria, baby oil or soaps, viruses, bacteria, fungi, excessive dryness, moisture, insect bites, food allergy and exposure to heat and sun.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 is 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, thrush. Signs and symptoms of thrush include thick, white lacy patches on top of a red base 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 blood stream 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.