Rashes

• Skin rashes are very common in children and are rarely dangerous or harmful
• Most rashes are caused by viral infections, and sometimes from an allergic reaction or reaction to a medicine
• Rashes can look very dramatic but don’t usually bother your child. Most rashes get better in 5 to 7 days and do not require any special medicine

• Skin rashes are very common in children and can be caused by many things including infections, allergies and reactions to medicine
• Most often in children, rashes are due to minor infections (typically viruses) and look more dramatic than they are serious
• There are thousands of viruses that can cause symptoms of an infection (such as runny nose, cough, diarrhea, fever) as well as a rash but it can often be impossible to know which virus your child may have

Common Childhood Rashes

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie Virus)

• Viral illness that usually affects pre-school aged children
• Symptoms start with a fever and then the rash appears
• The rash looks like small blisters that can be around the mouth, on the palms and back of hands, on the top and soles of feet and in the diaper area (groin and buttocks)
• The blisters can be slightly painful but are usually not itchy
• Some children get blisters in the back of their throat making it painful to drink and eat
• No special treatment or antibiotics is needed. Offer your child fluids throughout the day and keep your child comfortable with acetaminophen (like Tylenol or Tempra) or ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin)
• Your child is no longer contagious when the rash has crusted over, and no more new blisters are appearing

Roseola

• Common viral illness that affects children 12 to 24 months old
• Children usually have a high fever for 3 to 4 days without cough or runny nose
• Within 24 hours of the fever breaking, your child may develop a full body red rash. The rash is not painful or very itchy
• The rash goes away after 3 to 5 days
• Your child is no longer contagious once their fever goes away

Slapped Cheek or Fifth’s Disease

• Common viral illness that can affect children of any age
• Children start with cough and cold symptoms and may have a fever
• When these symptoms get better, your child will develop red rash across their cheeks and nose – it looks like they have been slapped in the cheeks
• Children can also have a lacey-pattern rash on their chest, stomach, arms and legs. The rash is uncomfortable but not usually itchy
• Older children and teenagers may complain of swollen and stiff joints
• The rash goes away in 1 to 3 days, and your child is no longer contagious once the rash appears

Hives

• Common rash that can be caused by viral infections or a mild allergic reaction. It can affect children of any age
• The rash looks like bright red, raised splotches on the skin. The rash is quite itchy and can move around the entire body
• Children are otherwise well – they might have a mild cough or runny nose but should not have any trouble breathing
• Children can be given over-the-counter antihistamines (like Reactine or Claratin) to help make them less itchy
• Hives can come and go for up to a week. Hives may also appear more noticeable after being exposed to heat, for example, after having a bath or shower, sleeping under blankets or bed sheets.

Eczema

• Eczema is a common, chronic skin condition where children get dry, scaly skin that can be very itchy and uncomfortable
• Eczema is not caused by a viral illness or infection. It usually affects children under 5 years old
• Eczema can ‘flare up’ where areas of skin get very red, itchy and tender
• Eczema is not a life-threatening rash and can take time to get under control. Children with this type of rash should be seen and followed by their family doctor

Rashes can appear quite suddenly and look very dramatic. Skin can be:

• Red and hot
• Slightly tender to the touch
• Itchy

Some children may also have a little swelling to their hands, feet and around their eyes. Although children may be uncomfortable with the rash, they don’t appear sick or have any trouble breathing.

• Most rashes will go away on their own in 1 week and do not require any special treatment or medicines
• If your child is very itchy and uncomfortable, you can give them antihistamine medicines like Reactine. These medicines help to make their skin feel less itchy and irritated, and can also make your child sleepy. Use the antihistamines as directed on the packaging or advised by a healthcare professional
• Avoid any scented creams or soaps as this may irritate the skin more