Rash
A temporary group of spots or red, inflamed skin that may include pimples, hives, scales, or wheals that may or may not be itchy. Only rarely does a rash in a child signify a serious underlying problem. Rashes differ so much among patients that even experienced doctors may sometimes have trouble diagnosing the exact cause. A rash from simple diaper irritation could be treated at home, but a rash that occurs together with swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other symptoms could be more serious and requires a doctor’s attention.
Other common causes of a rash during childhood might include one of the following:
• Heat or sun In general, children tend to have very sensitive skin that may react to overexposure to either heat or sun, causing conditions such as PRICKLY HEAT or SUNBURN.
• Allergic reactions One of the most common causes of rash in children is an allergic reaction to many different substances, such as plants, nickel, food (peanuts, berries), rubber or latex, and so on. Some children react to a bite from an insect, SCABIES, or tick with a rash.
• Drug reaction Many drugs (especially antibiotics) can trigger a rash in children who are sensitive to them, together with other symptoms. A child who develops a rash soon after taking medication should be taken immediately to a doctor for an assessment.
• Disease Common diseases of childhood typically cause a rash in children, such as SCARLET FEVER, CHICKEN POX, or MEASLES. Other diseases that are not infectious include LYME DISEASE, RHEUMATIC FEVER, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
• Eczema Children who tend to have allergies or asthma may also have eczema, especially if they have sensitive skin.
• Infestations Scabies is a very contagious infestation of tiny mites that tunnel into the skin, causing an intensely itchy rash.
• Intertrigo During hot weather, moisture and heat can be trapped within skin folds, causing a skin rash on arms, knees, neck, diaper area, or armpits.
• Skin infection Several types of rashes are caused by skin infections, including IMPETIGO, a very contagious bacterial skin infection, and RINGWORM, a contagious fungal skin rash.
Treatment
The underlying source of the rash should be treated immediately; in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or corticosteroid ointment; the latter should not be used without a doctor’s supervision. Home remedies can ease the itch. Remedies that may work include:
• Cool water Cool compresses can temporarily stop an itch almost immediately; immersion in a tepid (not too cold) oatmeal bath will also stop itching. Colloidal oatmeal bath preparations are available at most pharmacies.
• Moisturize the skin After bathing or to help stop the itch, a mild, unscented lotion or cream should be applied to the child’s skin.
• Humidify During the winter a humidifier can add moisture to the air the child breathes so that the skin does not become too dry; dry skin is usually itchy skin.
• Comfortable clothing A child with an itchy rash should wear soft, comfortable clothes to minimize irritation of sensitive skin.
• No irritating substances Children with a rash should not use bubble bath or scented soaps, which can further irritate sensitive skin.
Other common causes of a rash during childhood might include one of the following:
• Heat or sun In general, children tend to have very sensitive skin that may react to overexposure to either heat or sun, causing conditions such as PRICKLY HEAT or SUNBURN.
• Allergic reactions One of the most common causes of rash in children is an allergic reaction to many different substances, such as plants, nickel, food (peanuts, berries), rubber or latex, and so on. Some children react to a bite from an insect, SCABIES, or tick with a rash.
• Drug reaction Many drugs (especially antibiotics) can trigger a rash in children who are sensitive to them, together with other symptoms. A child who develops a rash soon after taking medication should be taken immediately to a doctor for an assessment.
• Disease Common diseases of childhood typically cause a rash in children, such as SCARLET FEVER, CHICKEN POX, or MEASLES. Other diseases that are not infectious include LYME DISEASE, RHEUMATIC FEVER, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
• Eczema Children who tend to have allergies or asthma may also have eczema, especially if they have sensitive skin.
• Infestations Scabies is a very contagious infestation of tiny mites that tunnel into the skin, causing an intensely itchy rash.
• Intertrigo During hot weather, moisture and heat can be trapped within skin folds, causing a skin rash on arms, knees, neck, diaper area, or armpits.
• Skin infection Several types of rashes are caused by skin infections, including IMPETIGO, a very contagious bacterial skin infection, and RINGWORM, a contagious fungal skin rash.
Treatment
The underlying source of the rash should be treated immediately; in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe an antihistamine or corticosteroid ointment; the latter should not be used without a doctor’s supervision. Home remedies can ease the itch. Remedies that may work include:
• Cool water Cool compresses can temporarily stop an itch almost immediately; immersion in a tepid (not too cold) oatmeal bath will also stop itching. Colloidal oatmeal bath preparations are available at most pharmacies.
• Moisturize the skin After bathing or to help stop the itch, a mild, unscented lotion or cream should be applied to the child’s skin.
• Humidify During the winter a humidifier can add moisture to the air the child breathes so that the skin does not become too dry; dry skin is usually itchy skin.
• Comfortable clothing A child with an itchy rash should wear soft, comfortable clothes to minimize irritation of sensitive skin.
• No irritating substances Children with a rash should not use bubble bath or scented soaps, which can further irritate sensitive skin.
