However, it’s important to know when a rash in kids may be more serious and require medical attention. Here are some signs that indicate a rash may be serious:
- High fever accompanying the rash
- Rapidly spreading rash
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Pus or fluid-filled blisters
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Presence of other symptoms such as headache, vomiting, or confusion
If you notice any of these signs along with a rash in your child, it is important to seek medical help immediately. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of the rash and provide appropriate treatment.
Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis)
Diaper rash is characterized by a red rash caused by irritation from soiled diapers.
It can also be a result of fungal or bacterial infections.
Babies who are breastfed tend to have fewer diaper rashes due to the composition of their stool.
Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis)
Cradle cap refers to a scaling rash that appears on the head or in skinfolds of infants.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a common inflammatory skin condition that presents as a scaly and itchy rash that may occur in patches.
In addition to moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and anti-itch medications, other treatments such as phototherapy and immunomodulators may be recommended in severe cases.
It is important for individuals with atopic dermatitis to avoid triggers of allergies, such as certain foods, soaps, or environmental factors, to help manage and prevent flare-ups of the condition.
Viral infections that cause a rash
Children may develop rashes from viral infections like roseola and fifth disease.
Rashes in babies and young children are typically harmless and can display various appearances such as redness, flatness, bumpiness, blistering, or having a unique look.
Some rashes may require medical attention.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It primarily affects children, but can also occur in adults who have not been vaccinated or previously infected.
Vaccination is recommended as the best way to prevent chickenpox and its complications.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Initial symptoms of chickenpox include fever, headache, and a general feeling of unwellness. A red, itchy rash then appears, which progresses to fluid-filled blisters and crusts over.
If blisters become infected or the individual’s condition worsens, medical attention should be sought immediately.
What is the treatment for chickenpox?
There is no cure for chickenpox, but symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications for fever and itchiness. Calamine lotion can help soothe the skin and reduce itching.
It is important for children with chickenpox to stay home from school or daycare until all blisters have crusted over, typically about a week after the rash first appears.
What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that is common in children under 10 years of age. It is typically caused by the coxsackievirus.
What are the symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease?
The main symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease include small, painful sores or blisters on the hands, feet, and in the mouth. These blisters can be accompanied by a fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. It is important to note that not all individuals infected with the virus will show symptoms.
What is the treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease?
Most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease do not require specific treatment and the illness usually clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort and fever. It is important to keep the child hydrated and to provide soft foods to ease swallowing if there are mouth sores. To prevent spreading the disease, it is recommended that infected individuals avoid close contact with others, practice good hygiene, and stay home from school or daycare until all blisters have dried up.
What is hives?
If your child exhibits signs of anaphylaxis, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Hives are raised, red patches that can be itchy and may sometimes sting.
What are the symptoms of hives?
Hives can appear as wheals on any part of the body and can resemble mosquito bites.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling, throat tightness, and more.
- feeling breathless or noisy breathing
- wheezing, coughing, or hoarse voice
- becoming pale and floppy
What is the treatment for hives?
If hives are the only symptom present, they can typically be managed at home safely.
To help alleviate your child’s hives, consider avoiding known triggers, staying away from factors that worsen the rash (e.g., sunlight, heat, hot showers), using cool compresses, and giving a non-drowsy antihistamine.
Consult with a pharmacist for the most suitable treatment.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Getting ready for an appointment? Utilize the Question Builder for general advice on what to discuss with your GP or specialist.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can assist you in locating doctors, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare services.
Measles is caused by a virus known as the measles virus. It spreads through the air via respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing by an infected person. The virus can remain active and contagious on surfaces for up to 2 hours.
Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death in severe cases. This is why vaccination against measles is so important.
The measles vaccine is usually given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. It is recommended that children receive two doses of the vaccine, the first at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years of age.
It is important for parents to talk to their healthcare provider about the measles vaccine and ensure that their child is fully vaccinated to protect against this potentially dangerous disease.
meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so early recognition and treatment are crucial.
Vaccines are available to prevent some types of meningococcal disease.
It is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, to help prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease.
If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with meningococcal disease, you may need to receive antibiotics to prevent infection.
Remember, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the outcome for someone with meningococcal disease.
Psoriasis is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. It is not contagious and can vary in severity from person to person.
Common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups include stress, infections, cold weather, certain medications, and skin injuries. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Treatment for psoriasis may include topical creams, phototherapy, oral medications, or biologic injections. It is important to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that works best for you.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage psoriasis effectively and improve overall quality of life.
What is scarlet fever?
Scarlet fever, caused by group A streptococcus infection, primarily affects children between 1 and 10 years of age.
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
Children with scarlet fever typically present with a sore throat, fever, and a fine rash on the abdomen. The rash feels like sandpaper and resembles sunburn.
If scarlet fever is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent complications.
Keep your child at home until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
It’s important to remember that rashes in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, or skin irritation. If your child’s rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately.
In some cases, a rash may be nothing to worry about and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies or home care. However, if you are unsure about the cause of your child’s rash or if it is persistent and causing discomfort, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Remember, the healthdirect Symptom Checker is a useful tool to help assess your child’s symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child’s health.
Search our site for
Need more information?
Common childhood rashes
Explore common childhood rashes like eczema, ringworm, and impetigo.
Find out more on the Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
Learn about the distinctions between rubella, measles, chickenpox, and fifth disease.
Read more on the MyDoctor website
It is important to be aware of the symptoms and treatments for these common childhood rashes to ensure the health and well-being of your child. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Disclaimer
Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby do not take responsibility for the content and adverts on the external site you are about to enter.
Search our site for
Symptom checker
Concerned about your well-being?
Describe your symptoms, answer questions, and receive guidance.
Seek further advice from maternal child health nurses if needed.
We provide government-backed services offering accredited health information and guidance.
Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby is supported by the Australian Government and operated by Healthdirect Australia.
Information and advice on Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby are developed and supervised under strict clinical oversight.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and subject to the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the ongoing connection of the Traditional Owners of Country across Australia to land, sea, and community. Respect is given to the Traditional Owners and past and present Elders.
This information is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice; it should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions, nor for therapeutic purposes.
The information does not replace professional advice; consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Without prior written permission from Healthdirect Australia, this publication, or any part of it may not be distributed under the Copyright Act 1968.
Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Support for this site may be discontinued on this browser:
- Internet Explorer 11 and below
We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. For more details, visit the provided links below:
You can still access this site using this browser, but certain features may not work correctly.