Toddler rashes are quite common and usually not a major concern. Most of them disappear on their own and are pretty harmless.
However, if the redness and soreness persist, it's important that you rush your child to a medical practitioner. You may find that sometimes a prolonged illness, an allergic reaction or even a cold can cause specific skin conditions in toddlers.
From diaper rash to eczema, from ringworm to chickenpox, and from cold sores to cradle cap, there are many skin conditions that turn a baby's soft skin red, blotchy and scaly.
Toddler Rashes: Skin Conditions That Can Affect Your Baby
Rashes don't usually need urgent medical intervention. However, knowing what they are can help you treat them faster. Let's take a look at some of the most common types of toddler rashes and how to treat them.
But before we begin, let's understand a rash. It's a change in the texture and colour of a small or large part of the skin. The skin may become scaly, red, sore and even bumpy with a rash.
There are various terminologies used for rashes based on their appearance and intensity. These terms will help you identify the rash quickly.
- Raised: You will feel a bump when you run your finger over your toddler's rash.
- Flat: As the name suggests, you will only see redness or a blotchy patch but it won't be raised.
- Lacy: You will notice that the skin over the rash has a lacy design on top.
- Bumps: This means exactly what the name suggests, it is a raised bump.
- Pimply: This will be a raised rash with a tiny white head in the middle, just as you see in a pimple.
- Blisters: The bump in this case will be filled with a clear fluid.
- Spots: These are just like pigmentation and are red and flat.
- Pustule: This is a pus-filled raised bump.
- Blotches: These are red and skin-coloured patches and are usually flat.
- Welt: These are similar to blotches, but they are raised and can be red in colour.
- Patch: This is a small red or skin-coloured area on the skin and is sometimes the size of a pimple.
- Hives: A slightly bumpy red area on the skin that can be itchy.
You will notice most medical practitioners use these common phrases to describe your child's skin condition. Now let's move on to see the different kinds of toddler rashes and how to deal with them.
Common Toddler Rashes
1. Baby acne
Yes, babies also get acne. This skin condition usually appears on their cheeks, forehead, chin and even on their backs. It can be present at the time of birth or appear in infants aged two to four weeks. Fortunately, it clears up at around three to four months. But there’s no exact cause for this.
As mentioned in this article, "to treat acne, wash your baby’s face with a gentle soap daily. Remember not to scrub too hard, especially on affected areas. Don’t use lotion as it tends to make skin more oily. Consult your baby’s paediatrician if the problem persists."
2. Cold sores
This skin condition is quite common in toddlers. It appears either on or near the lips. You will notice small pus-filled blisters that get bigger and eventually burst or even crust over.
Remember that cold sores are contagious and caused by a virus. So if you notice them on your baby's face do not kiss him or touch the affected area. Also, make sure he doesn't touch his eyes after touching his lips. That can cause a serious eye infection called ocular herpes.
Cold sores are also quite painful, so avoid touching them. The best home remedy for cold sores is to apply ice on the affected area. You can also try giving your child a mild pain reliever like acetaminophen. If your child is six months or older, he may be prescribed ibuprofen by a doctor.
You should also avoid giving citrus or acidic foods to your kid when he has a cold sore. Refer to a doctor if it doesn't go away.
3. Cradle cap
This skin condition is usually seen on the scalp, eyes, eyebrows, armpits and even where your toddler's neck creases. It is medically termed infantile seborrheic dermatitis. In this condition, the skin becomes dry and scaly, and you will notice yellowish crusty patches.
Since cradle cap commonly occurs when the child is three to four months old, you may even notice minor hair loss.
You should know that cradle cap is not contagious. So you can treat it at home by gently massaging your baby's scalp with your fingers, or by combing the flaky skin out. Shampoo his head at least once a day. You can even use shampoos that are specially made to tackle cradle caps.
4. Diaper rash
In this skin condition, you will notice inflamed red skin around the diaper area. You might even notice a flat or raised rash – or even blisters – around the folds of the toddler's thighs and legs.
A diaper rash is quite common in babies, especially those under the age of one. Fortunately, it is not contagious but may need attention for quick treatment. Your baby might be prescribed a diaper rash cream or an ointment.
Most importantly, you must keep the baby's diaper area dry and clean at all times. You can even consider letting him sleep without his bottoms just so the area can get some fresh air.
5. Impetigo
In this skin condition, you will notice small itchy red bumps. These are mostly seen around the mouth and nose and might even spread to other parts of the body.
As the condition progresses, the bumps become blisters and develop a brown crust. Your child might suffer from fever, swollen lymph glands and have cold symptoms in this condition.
Impetigo is also quite common in children aged between two and six. Sadly, this condition is highly contagious and caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut.
If this condition is not immediately treated by medication, it can become prolonged.
6. Milia
7. Scabies
Unlike most other toddler rashes, this one causes a lot of itching. You will notice red bumps between your toddler's fingers, wrists and elbows, as well as in the armpit and diaper area. They might also show up on kneecaps, soles of the feet, palms, the scalp and even the face.
Scabies often leaves curvy red lines in the skin around the rashes and is highly contagious.
Your toddler may experience a lot of itching at night, especially after a hot bath. This can occur at any age and if it is his first time, it might fully develop after three to four weeks.
This condition intensifies as scabies mites lay eggs in the skin. So the best solution is to keep your child and your home clean. Consult a doctor if it continues for more than a week.
Remember that for most of these toddler rashes, the best prevention is good hygiene. When you keep your toddler away from places that can potentially house viruses and bacteria, he becomes less vulnerable.
So, maintain hygiene. But also make sure to keep track of your child's body. What may seem like a small rash, might actually turn out to be a bigger infection. So make a note of all these aforesaid symptoms so you can treat toddler rashes before they become deadly.
Toddler Rashes On Legs
1. Eczema
In this skin condition, you will notice red rashes on your baby's forehead, scalp, or cheeks. These can be itchy and painful for the baby. It is commonly seen in children under the age of six months. Eczema can persist even after your baby turns a year old.
The bad news is that it can spread to the knees, elbows, and skin creases. But the good news is that it can still clear up on its own.
As mentioned in our previous article, "this condition worsens due to accidental contact with an allergen or irritant, as well as saliva."
Although there is no definitive cure for eczema, you can manage your baby’s symptoms by bathing with a gentle soap for only five to 10 minutes. Follow it up by applying a thick cream or ointment twice a day.
Also, make sure to avoid exacerbating eczema and always use unscented laundry detergent when washing your baby’s clothes.
2. Heat rash
These toddler rashes occur when blocked pores lock sweat into the skin. It is mostly because of hot or humid weather. It can be found in sweaty areas such as the folds of those cute chubby thighs or the top of the leg, under the diaper. Other prime locations include the neck, chest, and face (from nursing). You will also see rash on toddlers' necks.
If it doesn’t go away within a few days or looks infected, take your child to a doctor immediately.
Heat rash can be easily managed at home. Choose loose cotton clothing for your baby during hot months. Also, make sure you regularly change your toddler's diapers and keep his diaper area clean and dry at all times.
Use a gentle powder to keep most of his body dry and fresh.
3. Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
Candidiasis is a common yeast infection in babies under the age of 15 months. It typically appears in warm, moist areas of the skin (such as under the diaper). Babies on antibiotics, as well as breastfed babies whose mothers are on antibiotics, are more vulnerable to these infections. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in the body that keep yeast at bay.
Very red patches will appear, with small satellite papules or pustules a little further away from the main area.
A yeast infection is most commonly found on the top of the thigh, near the diaper area. Almost always, the bottom is affected.
It is recommended to use an antifungal yeast cream twice a day, especially in the thigh creases. At each diaper change, apply a good barrier cream containing zinc oxide and layer it on as if frosting a cake. Throughout the day, you should not notice any red skin.
Check your baby's bottom frequently, clean it thoroughly with diaper changes, and allow the area to dry completely before putting on another diaper. Put on diapers with some wiggle room so that air can circulate around the skin.
4. Molluscum Contagiosum
A pox virus causes Molluscum contagiosum. It may sound frightening, but don't worry: molluscum has no negative consequences other than cosmetic aggravation and the possibility of spread to other family members. This is less likely to affect newborn skin and more likely to affect those over the age of one.
There will be painless, skin-toned, pink or pearly bumps with a visible core or dell in the centre. They usually hang out in a gang!
Molluscum can appear anywhere on the legs, but they prefer to hide in warm, dewy creases, particularly behind the knees.
Molluscum will be eliminated naturally by your child's immune system, though it may take months. If you want to speed up the process, a doctor can prescribe creams that help stimulate the skin's immune response, or they may even use topical, engineered beetle juice. (It's painless, and yes, it's beetle juice!)
Remember that it's contagious, so be extra cautious in the bath or pool, and use separate towels and sheets for kids who have the infection to avoid spreading it.
5. Hand, foot, and mouth disease
In this condition, some blister-like sores appear on the mouth, palms, soles and even the buttocks. The rashes begin as small red dots and soon develop into bumps and blisters.
Although it is common in preschoolers, it can happen to kids at any age. But be careful because this condition is contagious and is commonly caused by the coxsackie virus.
Usually, kids recover from it within 10 days. But in rare cases, it might lead to meningitis. Fever, constant drooling, and open blisters are some of the common symptoms. If you notice them rush to a doctor.
Also, you should avoid giving spicy or salty food to your child if he is suffering from this condition. Maintain hygiene and wash his hands regularly.
Toddler Rashes On Body
1. Chickenpox
This skin condition first appears on the face, scalp, torso and back. Then it slowly spreads all over the body. You will notice small red bumps all over your toddler's body if he has contracted chickenpox.
These soon turn into blisters that are filled with a clear fluid.
As the illness progresses, these blisters become itchy. After two weeks or so you will notice the blisters turning into dry scabs that eventually fall off the body as the child recovers. Usually, young children get about 250 to 300 blisters in all. It is also possible for some to have just a few if they have just had a chickenpox injection.
Remember that chickenpox is one of the many toddler rashes that is extremely contagious. If you've never had chickenpox yourself, chances are you might contract it from your toddler.
If your baby doesn't have a fever, you can try giving them a bath after a few hours and keep them dry. Home remedies include sprinkling baking soda or colloidal oatmeal in his bath to calm the blisters.
2. Erythema toxicum
This skin condition can appear anywhere on the baby's body. It is characterised by small white and yellow bumps that are surrounded by red skin. This is quite common in newborns and you might notice it three to five days after birth.
An erythema toxicum usually only lingers for about two weeks, with a maximum of three weeks. Then it goes away on its own. But you can go for a check up if you notice that all these symptoms continue.
Fortunately, eruthema toxicum is also non-contagious and your toddler will not need any specific treatment.
3. Fifth disease
Also called slapped cheeks disease or erythema infectiosum, this skin condition is common in preschoolers and older toddlers. You might notice the baby has bright red legs with the condition extending to the cheeks and torso.
With this skin condition, the toddler has bright red cheeks and lacy skin. Sometimes the child may even have a fever, runny nose and cold symptoms. Discovered after scarlet fever, measles, rubella, chicken pox, and roseola; the fifth disease is contagious.
Your child might be given acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat the virus. Although you cannot treat it at home, you can bring down the possibility of his contracting it again by maintaining hygiene.
4. Hives
This skin condition usually appears on the body, face as well as hands. They are basically red spots on the toddler's face and can be quite itchy.
You may notice that many of them come and go after a few days. But if they persist for more than two weeks you should consult with a doctor.
These are usually not contagious but might need medical intervention based on the child's age and the level of infection.
5. Ringworm
These toddler rashes are common in kids that are two years and older. These can appear anywhere on the body or the scalp. You will notice that the ringworm looks like a red circle that ranges from the size of a dime to a quarter.
Of course, the size increases when you don't treat the rash.
Ringworm is usually dry and crusty on the periphery and smooth and soft in the centre. On the scalp, you will notice dandruff and even bald spots. Unfortunately, ringworm is contagious and thrives in a humid climate.
Keep your toddler clean and dry, and make sure to wash his hands as often as possible.
Toddler Rashes After Fever
In general, if your child has a fever followed by a rash, one of the following three conditions is likely to be blamed:
- Roseola
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
- Fifth disease
Roseola
Roseola infantum is most commonly found in children under the age of two. It usually begins with a high fever of 102°F to 105°F (38.8° to 40.5°C). This lasts between three and seven days. The fever is frequently accompanied by:
- a decrease in appetite
- diarrhoea
- a coughing fit
- a runny nose
When the fever goes away, children usually develop a pink, slightly raised rash on their trunk (belly, back, and chest) within 12 to 24 hours.
This condition is frequently misdiagnosed until the fever has subsided and the rash has appeared. The child is no longer contagious and can return to school within 24 hours of the fever breaking.
Roseola has no effective treatment. It's a fairly common and mild condition that usually resolves on its own. However, if your child's fever spikes, they may have febrile seizures in addition to their high fever. If you are concerned, consult a paediatrician.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
HFMD is a common viral illness that many children develop by the age of five. The symptoms begin with a fever, sore throat, and loss of appetite. Sores around the mouth appear a few days after the fever begins.
Mouth sores are painful and typically start in the back of the mouth. Red spots on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may appear at the same time.
The rash itself can spread to the limbs, buttocks, and genital area in more severe cases. It's not always the hands, feet, and mouth.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD, and it usually resolves itself in less than a week.
To relieve the pain caused by the sores, parents may wish to use over-the-counter pain relievers and mouth sprays. Before giving your child anything new, always consult with your paediatrician.
Fifth disease
Because it causes rosy cheeks, some parents refer to this rash as "slap face." Your child may appear to have just been slapped.
Fifth disease is another common childhood infection that is typically mild.
It starts with cold-like symptoms and a low-grade fever. The "slapped cheek" rash will appear about 7 to 10 days later. This rash has a lacelike pattern and is slightly raised. It has the potential to spread to the trunk and limbs, as well as move around the body.
Most children will develop and pass the fifth disease without incident. It can, however, be a concern for pregnant women who may pass it on to their developing baby, or for children who have anaemia.
Make an appointment with your paediatrician if your child has anaemia or if their symptoms appear to be worsening over time.
ALSO READ:
7 Probable Causes Behind Your Baby’s Stubborn Skin Rashes And Their Remedies
COVID Rash Symptom
Some COVID-19 patients may develop a rash. Although skin symptoms have been reported in both adults and children, the majority of available research focuses on adults. The following are some general symptoms associated with many COVID-19 rashes:- Discolouration of the skin
Rashes are typically discoloured in comparison to surrounding skin. A rash on light skin may appear red, pink, or purple. It may appear purple, ashy grey, or dark brown on dark skin. - Swelling
When compared to the surrounding skin, the affected area may appear swollen or puffy. - Itching
Many, but not all, COVID-19 rash types may itch.
What does a COVID-19 rash look like?
The exact appearance of COVID-19 rashes varies from person to person. While some infectious diseases, such as chickenpox and measles, produce a distinct rash, a rash caused by COVID-19 can take a variety of forms:- Hives
COVID-19 rash can cause itchy patches or wheals that look like hives. These typically affect the limbs and torso. - Macules and papules
A COVID-19 rash may include itchy spots that are flat or raised in some cases. This type of rash frequently affects the torso. - Rash with blisters
This type of COVID-19 rash can have blisters that resemble chickenpox. It is most commonly found on the torso and may itch. - Lace-like pattern
Some COVID-19 rashes may have skin discoloration rings that form a lace or net-like pattern. The legs are usually affected by this type of COVID-19 rash. - Pinpoint spots
Dark pinpoint spots characterise this type of COVID-19 rash. Legs are the most commonly affected. - Toe rash
This rash, also known as "COVID toes," causes discoloured patches and swelling of one or more toes. The affected area may be painful, itchy, or feel burning. Toe rashes appear to be more common in young adults.
- Using a cool compress
- Attempting an oatmeal bath
- Using OTC (over-the-counter) topicals
- Using over-the-counter antihistamines
- Preventing scratching
When To Worry About A Rash
If your child has a rash of small, bright-red or purple spots or bruises that do not turn white (blanch) when pressed, as well as a fever, headache, stiff neck or back pain, seek medical attention immediately from your primary care physician or the nearest hospital emergency department.Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it's important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn't serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.