Overview

There are many sorts of rashes that affect various parts of a baby’s body.

These rashes are typically very treatable. While they’ll be uncomfortable, they aren’t cause for alarm. Rashes are rarely an emergency.

Sometimes, infant rashes can indicate a more serious illness. We’ll discuss differing types of baby rashes, the way to treat them, and when to call a doctor.

Baby rash causes

Babies have very new skin and developing immune systems. Their skin is sensitive and vulnerable to many sources of irritation or infection. Causes of rashes in babies include:

• heat
• allergies
• friction
• dampness
• chemicals
• fragrances
• fabrics

Even their own feces can irritate a baby’s skin and cause a rash. Viral and bacterial infections also can cause rashes.

Depending on the explanation for the rash, almost any part of your baby’s body are often affected:

• face
• neck
• trunk
• arms
• legs
• hands
• feet
• diaper area
• skin folds

Baby rash types

Some of the foremost common sorts of infant skin rashes include:

• baby acne, which usually appears on the face
• drool rash, which happens when drool irritates the skin round the mouth or on the chest
• eczema, most ordinarily found on the face, behind the knees, and on the arms
• fifth disease, which may be a “slapped cheek” rash which will be amid fever, fatigue, and pharyngitis
• hand, foot, and mouth disease
• heat rash, usually found in areas covered by clothes, like armpits, neck, chest, arms, torso, and legs and is caused by overheating
• hives
• impetigo
• infectious rashes, like measles, chickenpox, scarlatina , and roseola
• miliamolluscum contagiosum
• thrush

Baby rash treatment

Diaper rash treatment

Diaper rash is one of the foremost common baby rashes. A diaper holds warmth and moisture on the brink of the skin, and urine and feces could also be acidic and cradle cap.

diaper rash, which is caused by wetness or the acidity of a baby’s urine and fecesreally irritating to the skin. the simplest remedies for diaper dermatitis include:

1. frequent diaper changes
2. wiping with a soft, wet cloth rather than pre-packaged wipes that contain alcohol and chemicals
3. using a barrier cream, typically containing flowers of zinc , which shouldn’t be wiped off of the skin with each diaper change or it can cause more irritation
4. decreasing acidic foods, like citrus and tomatoes, in your baby’s diet
5. washing your hands before and after diaper changes, therefore, the rash doesn’t become infected

Eczema treatment

Eczema is another quite common childhood rash. If you’ve got a case history of eczema or sensitive skin, your baby is probably going to be more susceptible to eczema.

It may be caused by allergies or skin sensitivities to food, detergent , sorts of fabric, or other irritants. Helpful treatments for eczema include:

• keeping the world clean and dry
• over-the-counter creams and ointments
• oatmeal baths
• determining if there’s an allergy and eliminating the allergen
• working with a pediatric dermatologist to spot your baby’s triggers and the way to best treat their eczema

Drool rash treatment

Drool rash and the general facial rash are extremely common in babies. They’re developing salivary glands and teething, so it’s not uncommon for them to possess drool on their face much of the time. Pacifier use, food particles, teeth growing in, and frequent face-wiping can also irritate the skin.

Drool rash typically resolves on its own during a matter of weeks, but there are some ways to help:

• pat — don’t scrub — your baby’s face to dry
• clean with warm water but avoid using soap on the face
• have your baby wear a drool bib so their shirt doesn’t become soaked
• be gentle when cleaning food off of the face
• avoid fragranced lotions on the face
• minimize pacifier use when possible
• Some rashes, like baby acne, get away by themselves during a matter of weeks or months. You shouldn’t use adult acne medication to treat baby acne.

Cradle cap are often treated with topical oil, like copra oil , gentle scrubbing with a dermatitis brush, and washing your baby’s head.

Infectious rashes like thrush, measles, chickenpox, roseola, and scarlatina should be evaluated by a pediatrician for the simplest treatment. These rashes are typically amid a fever and other symptoms. they’ll require antibiotics or antiviral medication, or they’ll resolve on their own.

When to ascertain a doctor

Fever

If your baby develops a rash amid a fever or following a fever, it’s best to call your pediatrician. The cause could also be infectious and you ought to have your child evaluated by a doctor.

Learn more about signs of fevers and low temperatures in babies, and what to try to to .

Rash for every week

If your baby features a rash that persists for quite every week, doesn’t answer home remedies, or is causing your baby pain or irritation, you ought to call your doctor.

Rash spreads

If your baby develops widespread hives, especially around the mouth, or develops hives amid coughing, vomiting, wheezing, or other respiratory symptoms you ought to attend the ER . this might be a symbol of a really serious allergy called anaphylaxis.

Emergency signs

A rash amid a really high fever, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, neurological changes, or uncontrollable shaking could also be caused by meningitis and is taken into account a medical emergency.

Baby rash prevention

While rashes in babies are quite common, there are some steps you’ll fancy to help prevent a rash. Preventive steps that some people try include:

1. frequent diaper changes
2. keeping skin clean and dry
3. using irritant-free detergent or detergent specially formulated for babies
4. dressing your baby in breathable fabrics, like cotton
5. dressing your baby appropriately for the weather to avoid overheating
6. keeping track of any skin reactions to foods so you’ll avoid trigger foods
7. keeping your child up-to-date on vaccinations
8. not letting strangers or anyone with symptoms of illness kiss your baby
9. using lotions, shampoos, and soaps specifically designed for a baby’s sensitive skin.

The bottom line

It is often alarming when your baby develops a rash, especially if they appear to vomit, itchy, or uncomfortable. It also can be difficult to work out the explanation for the rash.

The good news is that rashes tend to be very treatable and aren’t usually serious. Many are even preventable and may be managed reception.

If you’re concerned about your child’s rash, or the rash is amid a fever, call your pediatrician. they will help determine what’s causing your baby’s rash and the way to treat it.