There is a wide range of common rashes, each with its own unique characteristics. Educate yourself on the different types, available treatments, and when it’s necessary to seek medical advice.

Causes of Rashes

Viral-induced rashes often clear up on their own, although certain rashes could indicate more serious conditions like measles.

Preventive Measures

To safeguard your child’s skin from viruses and bacteria, ensure hands are washed with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds and completely dried.

Remember to wash hands before:

• eating
• preparing food

And also remember to wash hands after:

• sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
• playing outside
• using the toilet
• touching animals

Additionally, it’s important to teach your child the proper way to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of germs. Encourage them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow, rather than their hands.

Appearance and Duration

Rashes can manifest as bumps, hives, redness, blisters, welts, or a combination of these. Determining the root cause can be challenging and may persist for hours or even weeks.

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Contact Information:

Holyoke Pediatric Associates, LLP

150 Lower Westfield Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

84 Willimansett Street South

Hadley, MA 01075

A Boston Children’s
Preferred Primary Care Practice

If you are experiencing a rash or any other skin concerns, please contact Holyoke Pediatric Associates for assistance. Our team of medical professionals is ready to help address your needs and provide quality care for children of all ages.

Observe and Act

Understanding when to seek treatment for rashes in children can assist parents in protecting their well-being and comfort.

Common Causes

The majority of rashes in children are caused by minor irritations, viruses, or exposure to heat. Common examples include diaper rash, eczema, contact dermatitis, and viral rashes.

Signs for Evaluation

If a rash spreads rapidly, presents with blisters, or is accompanied by fever or other symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is crucial. Swift attention is required for severe conditions.

Medical Diagnosis

A pediatrician will examine the rash, conduct tests if necessary, and recommend appropriate treatment options. Early detection ensures proper care and reduces the risk of complications.

Protect Skin Health

If uncertain about a rash, seek medical guidance promptly. Identifying the cause can bring relief and peace of mind.

Rashes in children can be harmless or indicative of an underlying concern. Gain insight into common and severe rashes, their causes, and treatments from a healthcare professional.

Appearance: Heat rash manifests as small red bumps in skin folds, such as the armpits, diaper area, and neck in children. For adults, it can occur wherever sweat glands are present. On dark skin, heat rash may appear as white, gray bumps, or dark spots, leaving discolored marks that fade over time.

Itchy heat rash may persist as long as the child is exposed to heat or may resolve within a couple of days.

Strep Rash

Cause: Strep bacteria can trigger a rash known as scarlet fever, characterized by tiny pink or skin-colored dots all over the body.

Other symptoms: Strep infections commonly present with a sore throat, fever, body aches, nausea, and painful swallowing.

Treatment: A strep rash can be treated with antibiotics.

Chlorine Rash

Cause: Chlorine rash, a form of contact dermatitis, results from exposure to chlorine in settings like swimming pools or hot tubs.

Appearance: Symptoms of a chlorine rash include redness, dryness, scaling, and blisters, typically accompanied by itching. The rash usually lasts a few days to a week.

Treatment: While a chlorine rash usually resolves on its own, symptoms can be alleviated with various remedies or medical consultation for persistent cases.

Roseola Rash

Cause: Roseola rash is caused by a virus and presents as a pink, fine rash on the chest, abdomen, and limbs of young children.

Other symptoms: The onset of roseola is marked by high fever.

Treatment: Roseola typically disappears on its own with a focus on keeping the child comfortable.

Fifth’s Disease (Parvovirus) Rash

Cause: Fifth disease rash, caused by a virus, appears as a bright red, lacy rash starting on the cheeks and spreading across the body.

Other symptoms: Common accompanying symptoms include high fever, fatigue, joint pain, headache, and loss of appetite.

Treatment: Manage fevers and discomfort at home as the virus resolves naturally within a few days.

Herpes Rash

Cause: Herpes rash can be transmitted to newborns during childbirth if the mother is experiencing an active infection. It typically presents as blisters filled with clear or yellow fluid.

Treatment: Seek immediate medical attention, particularly for newborns, as herpes can lead to severe complications.

Purpura & Petechiae Rash

Cause: Purpura or petechiae rash results from bleeding under the skin due to various factors like infections, medications, and blood disorders.

Appearance: Purpura presents as reddish-purple splotches or pinpoint-sized purpura rashes.

Treatment: Seek medical assistance if purpura or petechiae are present.

Lupus Rash

Cause: Lupus, an autoimmune disease, triggers a rash on the cheeks and nose known as the “butterfly rash.”

Treatment: The treatment plan for lupus hinges on the type and severity of the condition, involving the use of topical creams, corticosteroids, and moisturizers.

Hives vs Rash

Hives are itchy, raised red bumps or welts on the skin that may have a pale center and can move rapidly. They may present differently on darker skin tones.

While often stemming from allergic reactions, hives can also arise from skin irritation, presenting as red bumps or blotches.

Identify triggers for hives, such as medications, cold environments, heat, sunlight, or viral infections, and be vigilant for severe reactions.

It is important to identify the underlying cause of the rash before deciding on a treatment plan. If the rash is accompanied by severe itching or pain, it may be necessary to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.

In cases where the rash is caused by an allergic reaction, it is important to avoid the trigger allergen to prevent further flare-ups. Antihistamines may be prescribed to help alleviate itching and discomfort.

For infectious rashes, such as those caused by viruses or bacteria, a doctor may prescribe an antiviral or antibiotic medication to clear the infection. It is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment plan and finish the full course of medication to ensure the rash does not return.

Remember to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent further irritation. Avoid scratching the rash, as this can lead to infection and prolong the healing process. If the rash persists or worsens despite home care measures, seek medical attention promptly.

When to See a Doctor for a Child’s Rash

If a rash is accompanied by fever, pain, swelling, breathing difficulties, rapid spread, lack of improvement, or an unusual appearance, consult a medical professional. Seek immediate medical attention for newborns with specific types of rashes.

Promptly visit a doctor upon encountering any concerning symptoms.