How to Identify and Treat Common Childhood Rashes

Rashes are common during childhood. Some are secondary to an illness, whereas others may have environmental causes. With so many types of childhood rashes, how can you tell if your child's rash is serious? Here are some common rashes that appear on children, their causes, and what you can do to treat them.

Diaper Rash: This is perhaps the most common form of rash during infancy and early childhood. It shows itself as a raised, red area where the diaper touches your baby's skin. Diaper rash often shows after the baby has had a bout with diarrhea, or is caused from staying in a wet or soiled diaper for too long. If your baby has sensitive skin, a diaper rash may be caused by fragrance or dyes in disposable diapers or diaper wipes.

To prevent and treat diaper rash, change your baby's diaper as soon as possible after they have wet or soiled in it. Avoid wipes during this time. Instead, wash your baby with warm water and allow the area to air dry. There are many over-the-counter diaper rash creams that you may use to treat the area, such as Desitin or zinc oxide cream.

Chickenpox: Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is also very common during childhood. In children who are otherwise healthy, chickenpox is a relatively minor illness. This contagious viral infection causes a rash of red, pimple like spots. Some children may have only a few spots, whereas others can have up to hundreds. It can cover the child's entire body, including the throat, mouth, ears, groin, and scalp. The spots turn into clear blisters that break open then crust over.

You may use acetaminophen if your child is uncomfortable or has a fever. To control itching, you may use oral Benadryl and warm baths with baking soda or oatmeal added to the water. Be sure to keep your child's fingernails trimmed during this time, since scratching may cause the sores to become infected.

Chickenpox is contagious beginning two to three days before the rash appears and lasting until all the spots have crusted over. There is a vaccine for chickenpox, usually given first at 12-15 months of age, then again at four to six years old.

Fifth Disease: The main symptoms of this common childhood illness are a red rash on the face that looks like slapped cheeks and a lacy, pink rash on the backs of the arms and legs, torso, and bottom. The rash may come and go for several weeks. Fifth disease is contagious the week before this rash appears but once the rash has developed, your child is no longer contagious. Your child may develop a low-grade fever, but unless the fever gets over 102 degrees or your child seems very sick, there is no need to worry. Fifth disease does, however, pose a slight risk to a developing fetus, so pregnant women should avoid exposure to children with the illness.

These are just a few of the many childhood illnesses and conditions that cause a rash. Most are not serious, but if your child develops a fever over 102 degrees for more than 12 hours (100 for an infant younger than three months old), contact your doctor. If the fever is accompanied by rapid, difficult breathing, any unusual or severe pain, or is 105 degrees or higher, contact your doctor immediately.

Sources:

MayoClinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parvovirus-infection/DS00437
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chickenpox/DS00053