During childhood, a less delightful companion can sometimes make an appearance, i.e. rashes, causing discomfort to the kids. Sickness, weather and temperature changes, allergies, or skin changes can cause these red, itchy patches. Although most rashes in children are harmless and resolve on their own, knowing how to identify and treat them can help soothe your child’s discomfort. 

Let’s delve into the article to discover common skin rashes in kids and how to identify and treat them.

7 Common Skin Rashes in Kids: Identifying and Treating Them

Here outlined are common childhood skin rashes that can cause discomfort. Going through this section, you can learn how to identify them, what causes them, how you can treat them, and when to seek pediatrician’s help:

1. Eczema 

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that appears as dry, itchy, scaly, and thickened patches and is usually red, purple, ashen, or brown in colour. Often, younger ones suffer from atopic dermatitis as the most common type of eczema. It mainly occurs because of weakened skin barrier caused by dry skin, weak immune system, genetics, and environmental triggers. Although eczema can appear anywhere on your child’s body, you should look for areas like the face, elbows, and knees. 

How to Treat it? 

To manage eczema, keep your munchkin’s skin moisturised using thick creams or ointments. You should avoid triggers such as harsh soaps and scratchy fabrics. If your kid has severe itching, seeing a paediatrician is advisable. They might prescribe topical steroids or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

2. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

You might find its name scary, but it’s one of the common childhood skin rashes. Kids of any age can experience hand, foot, and mouth disease, but this viral infection is more common in those under five years. Starting from fever, HFMD causes painful sores in the mouth and a non-itchy red rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. It’s highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or used diapers.

How to Treat it? 

Usually, HFMD goes away on its own within a week. What you can do is ask your child to drink plenty of fluids and avoid acidic or spicy foods that can irritate mouth sores. Also, wash their hands frequently to prevent the virus from spreading. You can also give them over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage fever and discomfort.

3. Chickenpox

Chickenpox, also technically called varicella, is a highly contagious viral infection that appears as an itchy, blister-like rash all over the body. Most common in kids under 12 years old, chickenpox rash typically starts on the face, chest, and back before spreading to the rest of the body. Alongside the rash, your little one might experience fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. 

How to Treat it? 

Chickenpox usually resolves on its own within a week or two. However, for treating rashes, you can use calamine lotion or oatmeal baths. It will also help to keep your child’s skin cool and dry. Moreover, doctors can give your child a two-dose vaccine to prevent chickenpox. 

4. Warts

A virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes these small, rough, painless growths. These childhood rashes can appear on any part of your child’s body but are most commonly found on their hands, fingers, and feet. Also, you should know that different types of warts, including common, plantar, and flat, can easily spread from one person to another.

How to Treat it?

Often, warts disappear on their own, but this can take months or even years. But for quick recovery, you can get warts treated under a dermatologist’s guidance. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, is a popular treatment option. However, if these growths appear persistently on your kid’s body, your doctor might recommend laser treatment or minor surgery to remove them.

5. Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that creates red sores or blisters, typically around the mouth and nose, though it can show up anywhere on your child’s body. These sores can break open, ooze, and leave behind a yellow-brownish crust. Impetigo is highly contagious and can spread to young kids through close contact or sharing things like toys and towels.

How to Treat it? 

You should keep your kid’s affected area clean and apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment for treating rashes. Also, to prevent the infection from spreading, ensure your child avoids scratching and washes their hands frequently.

6. Heat Rash

Heat rash, prickly heat, or miliaria is caused due to blocked sweat ducts. If you see tiny red or pink bumps on your baby’s head, neck, shoulders, and diaper area, they are signs of heat rash. These childhood rashes often appear in kids who are dressed too warmly. However, heat rash can happen to any baby and young child during hot, humid weather.

How to Treat it? 

To treat heat rash, keep your child cool and dry. Dress them in lightweight, breathable clothing and avoid heavy creams or ointments that can block pores. Also, you can soothe their irritated skin by giving them a cool bath.

7. Roseola

Commonly affecting infants and young kids, Roseola is a mild illness caused by the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). It begins with a cold, followed by a fever lasting several days. Once the fever subsides, a pinkish-red rash first shows up on your munchkin’s trunk and then spreads to his limbs and face.

How to Treat it? 

Roseola is usually mild and self-limiting. Hence, it doesn’t require any specific treatment other than managing symptoms. All you need to do is ensure your child stays well-hydrated. You can also use over-the-counter fever reducers to manage the fever. 

Final Takeaway

Most skin rashes in children are extremely common and can go away themselves. However, some might need treatment with appropriate antibiotics or antifungals. Do you have concerns about your kid’s rash or weird symptoms? It’s always a good idea to reach out to paediatrician at Medanta.