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Rash, Age 11 and Younger

Overview

Healthy skin is a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside environment. A rash means that some change has affected the skin. In most cases, a rash is a minor problem or is part of an illness that will go away on its own. A rash may be caused by contact with a substance outside the body, such as poison ivy (contact dermatitis, Opens dialog), or by other more serious illnesses, such as measles, Opens dialog or scarlet fever (strep throat with rash).

Generalized rashes are over the whole body. Ones caused by viruses are more common in babies and young children than in adults. A rash may be caused by a viral illness if the child also has a cold, a cough, or diarrhea, or is in a day care setting with other children who have viral illnesses. Most rashes caused by viruses aren't serious. They usually go away over a few days to a week. Home treatment is often all that's needed to treat these rashes.

After a child has had a rash caused by a virus, their body often builds an immunity to that virus. This immunity protects the child from getting that specific viral illness and rash again. Common rashes caused by viruses include:

  • Chickenpox, Opens dialog (varicella). This rash is a common, contagious illness caused by a type of herpes virus.
  • Fifth disease, Opens dialog. This rash on the face looks like the cheeks have been slapped. It also causes a lacy, pink rash on the arms and legs, torso, and buttocks.
  • Roseola, Opens dialog (roseola infantum). This rash occurs about 3 days after a high fever.
  • Unknown virus. Sometimes the specific virus that causes a rash is never known.

Localized rashes affect one area of the body. They have many different causes and may go away with home treatment. Common localized rashes that occur during childhood include:

  • Diaper rash, Opens dialog. This rash is caused by rubbing, moisture, chemicals, or bacteria in the baby's urine or stool; substances in disposable diapers; or soaps used to wash cloth diapers.
  • Impetigo, Opens dialog. This bacterial skin infection is caused by strep or staph bacteria.
  • Heat rash (prickly heat), Opens dialog. This rash often is caused by a well-meaning parent dressing a baby too warmly. But it can happen to any baby in very hot weather.
  • Cold sores, Opens dialog. These are sometimes called fever blisters. Cold sores are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
  • Contact dermatitis, Opens dialog. This rash is caused by contact with a substance, such as food, soap, or lotion, that causes an allergic reaction, Opens dialog. Most contact dermatitis is mild. It goes away when your child's skin no longer comes in contact with the substance.
  • Cradle cap, Opens dialog. This is an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It's common in babies and is easy to treat. It's not a part of any illness. A baby can be well cared for and still get cradle cap.

Rashes that may require a visit to a doctor include:

  • Lyme disease. It's caused by a type of bacteria carried by deer ticks in some areas. A specific expanding red rash usually occurs at the site of the tick bite. It's followed by flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, chills, fever, body aches, and stiffness.
  • A rash that looks like a sunburn along with a fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher. This type of rash may be caused by a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome, Opens dialog.
  • A very rare and serious type of generalized red rash called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). This type of rash may cause the skin to peel away, leaving large areas of tissue that weep or ooze fluid like a severe burn. TEN may occur after the use of some medicines.

To know how serious the rash is, other symptoms that occur with the rash must be looked at.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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