Alarmed by that angry red rash splashed across your child’s body? Rashes
run the spectrum, signaling anything from a mild viral infection to a
chronic or even life-threatening illness. Since the list of rashes and
their causes is extensive, you may wonder what’s what and when to call the
doctor.
First, avoid self-diagnosis. “Viral and allergic rashes both can present as
a diffuse, splotchy, blanching, pinkish rash. Because the rashes look
similar, it can be impossible sometimes to tell the difference just by
appearance,” says dermatologist Reginald B. Henry, M.D.
Below are the more common types of childhood rashes and typical treatment
methods. Check with your family physician or dermatologist to diagnose
correctly and treat a mysterious rash.
-
Diaper rash
Even the most conscientious diaper-changing parent may see an
uncomfortable, red, puffy rash blossom on her baby’s bottom. Babies can suffer from diaper rash after a bout of
diarrhea, as a side effect from antibiotics or if they recently started
eating solid foods. Change your baby’s diaper frequently, and use wipes
without alcohol or fragrances to gently pat the area dry. Treat the area
with a protective barrier ointment after each diaper change. If the skin
appears infected with blisters, oozing discharge or painful open sores,
call your pediatrician. -
Eczema
About 10 percent of infants and children suffer from atopic dermatitis or
eczema. The chronic disease is especially common in families with a history
of allergies and asthma. According to the National Eczema Association, 65
percent of children are diagnosed in their first year of life and 90
percent by the time they are 5 years old. Eczema is extremely itchy, but is
not contagious. It appears as red, scaly dry skin and can vary in severity.Physicians generally treat eczema first with an over-the-counter cortisone
cream to calm the red, inflamed skin. Throughout the year, treat skin with
moisturizers. “Lotions are better in the humid months, ointments in the
winter months,” Henry says. “Don’t over-treat your child if the dermatitis
isn’t really bothering her.” -
Bacterial
Staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria often cause infections with
rashes, including impetigo, scarlet fever (strep throat with a rash),
folliculitis and cellulitis. Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by ticks, can cause a bull’s
eye rash. If you suspect Lyme Disease, seek medical attention immediately.
Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics. -
Viral
Viral-related rashes are splotchy, blanching (disappear when pressed) and
pinkish-colored and usually accompany other symptoms like fever, diarrhea,
sore throat and lethargy. Typical childhood viruses that present with a
rash include Fifth Disease, molluscum contagiosum, chicken pox (varicella),
roseola and hand, foot and mouth disease. Depending on the diagnosis, your
physician may prescribe antiviral medications.Warts are another viral skin condition commonly seen among kids. Although
warts generally resolve on their own, “due to the fact they are contagious,
we tend to treat them with a spray or liquid nitrogen every one to two
weeks until they are gone,” says dermatologist Donna Corvette, M.D. “We can
also treat with various topical acids and sometimes we use blister beetle
juice, which is quite effective.” -
Parasitic
A pimple-like skin rash that’s extremely itchy and contagious could be
caused by scabies, which is a mite that burrows into the skin. Because
scabies can spread quickly through skin-to-skin contact, your physician may
recommend treating the entire family with a topical medication. -
Fungal
The name might make you shudder, but ringworm (tinea corporis), a
red circular skin rash, is caused by a fungal infection, not a worm. The
rash doesn’t always itch, but can spread from skin-to-skin contact. Treat
with an anti-fungal product. -
Allergies
Rashes, like hives, are allergic reactions that are typically splotchy,
blanching, pinkish and intensely itchy. A new food or a new medication
could be the culprit. Consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
(Seek immediate medical attention if your child has trouble breathing or
experiences swelling of the tongue, lips or face.)Contact dermatitis, like poison ivy or exposure to other irritants, can
also cause itchy allergic reactions. Treat the area with an
over-the-counter cortisone cream. For insect bites, try ammonia-containing
products like AfterBite Kids. Henry also recommends oatmeal baths, baking
soda compresses and Sarna lotion or Noxzema cooled in the refrigerator to
help relieve itching.
When to seek emergency care
“Special care and concern should be given to the child who appears acutely
ill with fever and rash,” Corvette says. “Seek prompt care in an emergency
room setting for urgent treatment. Do not procrastinate on these types of
rashes.”
