Skin rashes are reaction of the skin to any infection, allergy or foreign particles. Children mostly get affected with skin related viral infections often. Skin rashes in children do not necessarily reflect anything serious and go away with time. But careful observation and pediatric diagnosis is important. Rashes if accompanied by fever or vomiting and other breathing difficulties, immediate attention and medicare must be given. It is advisable to speak with your nurse and explain the general condition of the child, even if it looks a usual blister. These bacterial or viral skin rashes look similar so a through examination must be done to treat the same.
Skin rashes may start as early as birth and may spread around entire body. 10 of these skin rashes are more induced by the environmental conditions or by micro-organisms.
10 Common Skin Rashes in Children are
1Diaper Rash
Diaper rashes are very prominent among little children. A general precaution to prevent diaper rash is apply petroleum jelly or a diaper cream every time you change the diaper. Red puffy skin or bumps around the diaper area are signs of diaper rash. Normally diarrhea can cause severe yeast infections and diaper rash. These rashes are painful and cause extreme discomfort to little kids. Give diaper free time by leaving the child on a mat or her bath tub, apply zinc based rash control cream every time you change the diaper, do not touch or rub the rashes as they may get severe. Give plenty of fluids to the children
2Eczema
Eczema is an itchy rash occurring in joints areas. The kids may scratch and make it worse. Eczema is triggered by pollen spurts, dust and other environmental effects. Their skin becomes red and appears dry. The scaly rash my even open and cause bleeding or pus. This kind of skin rash is most common in first year of the child. Apply moisturizer or rash treatment cream.
3Cradle Cap
They are flaky and dry skin with yellow patches on head. Cradle cap is very common in newborn kids and is normally no cause to worry and not contagious. They may also pop up around eyebrows , armpits and neck areas. They may cause hair fall and normally disappear with time. It is not related to any infection or hygiene issue. Just a mild brushing with shampoo can help getting rid. But do not pick it from the child’s head as it may cause severe bleeding.
4Hand, foot and mouth disease
HFMD is caused by viral infection. It generally doesn’t last more than a week. Its symptoms includes ulcers, sores inside the mouth, blisters and also high fever with loss of appetite. All on the palms, hands, fingers, sole of feet and buttock areas. These are more common in up till age 3 years.
5Hives in kids
Red bumpy patches on the skin. They are usually cured on their own. They burn or sting and can be very itchy. Hives can be caused by a multiple reasons like allergy, food induced, antibiotic reaction or even weather based. Antihistamines can be prescribed for more discomforting hives. For more severe cases shots may be monitored.
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6Ringworm
Red bumps on the skin or scalp. It develops to form a skin and get itchy and discomforting with time. When ringworm affects the foot it is known as athletes foot. Ringworm is very contagious. These are a kind of fungal infections called tinea infection. Generally doctors prescribe and anti-fungal medicine for it treatment.
7Scabies
Scabies is a very common skin infection of tiny mites. These mites burrow under the skin and lay their eggs causing itchy blisters. It is contagious and spreads with skin to skin contacts. It can be very itchy and worst at nights.
8Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a kind of bacterial infection. It causes fever and sore throat. The rash is scarlet colored and thus the name. It also causes swelling of glands and tonsils. It may be confused with sunburn due to red sandpaper like dots on the body. It fades away in a week or so. It is treated with antibiotics.
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9Warts
Warts are caused by viral infection. It forms small grainy bumps. They are normally not dangerous. They are contagious. It takes a long time to fade. Duct tape can help in curing the warts. Just place it on the infected area for 6 days.
10Cold sores
Small painful blisters around lips and nose. It is contagious and causes pain. They are referred as fever blisters caused by herpes virus. Even gums may become red or swollen. Some anti-viral drugs must be given for treatment
‘10 Common Skin Rashes in Children’ are based on my own experience with my child. Some of these were confused for their resemblance to other skin rashes. To make it easy for new moms, these 10 are compiled here. Do see your pediatrician as these may get worse and cause sever discomfort to the child.
Minu Manisha
