Common Pediatric Rashes - Night Lite Pediatrics

As parents you have no doubt experienced that situation when a concerning rash appears out of the blue on your child’s body. Rashes are very common in infants and children and can have many different causes.

Some rashes are benign and will go away on their own, while others may be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. It is important to be familiar with the different types of rashes that can affect children, as well as their possible causes, so that you can seek appropriate urgent medical care if necessary.

What is a rash?

A rash is defined as a change in the skin that can affect its color, texture, or appearance. They usually result from inflammation on the skin.

Common Types of Pediatric Rashes

There are many different types of rashes that can affect infants and children. Some of the more common types include:

Eczema: This is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can be triggered by environmental factors such as dry air, irritants, and allergies.

Impetigo: This is a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become red and crusty. Impetigo is often seen around the nose and mouth, and is highly contagious.

Measles: This is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a red rash to form on the face and body. Measles can also cause fever, cough, and runny nose.

Mumps: This is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands. Mumps can also cause fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks and jaw.

Chickenpox: This is a highly contagious viral infection that causes a red, itchy rash to form on the body. Chickenpox can also cause fever, fatigue, and a headache.

Hand foot and mouth disease : This is another contagious viral infection that causes a rash predominantly on the hands and feet and sores in the mouth. It can also be accompanied by a fever and flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat and runny nose.

Ringworm: This is caused by a fungus that lives off of dead skin, hair and nails. It appears in the form of a telltale itchy ring on the skin.

Heat rash (prickly heat): This is caused by blocked sweat ducts usually in hotter weather, hence the name. This rash often appears on the head, neck and shoulders of babies.

Contact Dermatitis: This occurs when a child’s skin reacts after coming into contact with certain foods, or plants such as poison ivy or oak. A rash often appears within 48 hours after contact. This can cause a mild rash or small red bumps, and in severe cases, swelling redness and blisters.

Rashes can be very uncomfortable for children, and can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. If you are concerned about your child’s rash, it is always best to consult one of our urgent care doctors at Night Lite Pediatrics.

Common Causes of Pediatric Rashes

There are many different causes of rashes in infants and children. Some of the more common causes include:

Infections: Many types of infections, both viral and bacterial, can cause rashes. Examples include measles, chickenpox, and impetigo.

Allergies: Allergic reactions can sometimes cause rashes. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, and environmental factors such as pollen or pet dander. A severe allergic reaction can be serious and may need urgent or emergency care.

Irritants: Certain substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes. Examples include soaps, detergents, and chemicals.

Dry skin: When the skin becomes too dry, it can become irritated and lead to rashes. This is especially common in infants and children with eczema.

Heat: Prolonged exposure to heat or humidity can sometimes cause rashes. This is often seen in infants who are overdressed or who are in a hot environment.

Treatment of pediatric rashes

The treatment of pediatric rashes will vary depending on the cause. Some rashes will go away on their own, while others may require medical treatment. If the rash is caused by an infection, your child may need antibiotics. If the rash is caused by an allergy, your child may need antihistamines or other medications.

If the rash is caused by dry skin, you may need to use moisturizers or other emollients. In some cases, corticosteroid creams or ointments may be necessary to relieve inflammation.

If you are unsure of the cause of your child’s rash, it is always best to consult us at Night Lite Pediatrics. We will be able to give you the best advice on how to treat the rash and prevent it from coming back.

Prevention of pediatric rashes

There are some measures you can take to help prevent rashes in infants and children. These include:

Dressing your child in loose-fitting, breathable clothing to avoid irritation.
Using mild soaps and detergents that are free of harsh chemicals.
Avoiding exposure to irritants and allergens.
Keeping your child’s skin moisturized.
Avoiding prolonged exposure to heat or humidity.

Potential risks of rashes

In most cases skin rashes are common and usually clear on their own or in more severe cases with the help of medication or ointment.

Although rare, life threatening skin rashes do occur and it is important to get urgent medical attention. These are potentially dangerous rash symptoms to be mindful of:

Rash that covers the whole body
A fever accompanied by the rash
Painful rash
Becomes infected
Blisters start forming

Cost of pediatric rash treatment

Pediatric rash treatment will depend on the severity of the rash, the cause and if further testing is required. After the diagnosis and decided-upon treatment plan we will be able to present you with a clear indication of the total costs.

We do strive to keep our prices affordable to all. We also accept most major medical health insurance policies and self pay options.

Urgent care for pediatric rashes

Night Lite Pediatrics in Florida, has a team of expert doctors, with over 80 years of experience in treating children. We provide expert medical care 7 days a week. Our main goal is always to ensure children regain their health and vitality as quickly as possible.

We offer walk-ins and have implemented suggested arrival times to accompany our online registration process. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

We also offer Telemedicine appointments for those who cannot make it into the clinic.

FAQs

As a concerned parent you may still have more questions about rashes. Read through the FAQs below to find out more.

What does a viral rash look like on a child?

Viral rashes usually present as small pink or red spots and can appear on the chest, stomach or back. Often paired with a sore throat, fever, running nose or diarrhea.

How do you treat a pediatric rash?

If your child is suffering from a pediatric rash, the cause will determine the best course of treatment. Generally a cortisone ointment can be used to relieve the itchiness until it clears.

What causes sudden rashes on kids?

Rashes in kids can be caused by a number of things including bacteria, viruses, allergies, the weather and the environment.

Can rashes on children be dangerous?

Generally rashes are minor ailments that clear within a few days, but in some rare cases it can be a dangerous rash. If your child’s rash shows signs of infection, forms blisters and begins to affect the eyes, these are signs to seek urgent care immediately.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

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