Children and Rashes     

Anyone can get a rash, but babies and young children are particularly prone to them because their skin is still sensitive and they are likely to encounter bacteria and viruses that most adults are already immune to. Many childhood illnesses produces rashes including measles, rubella, chickenpox, roseolla, erythema infectiosum, hand-foot-and-mouth disease and many other coxsackie and enterovirus infections. Vaccines are available against measles, rubella and chickenpox.

Types of Rashes in Infants and Children

There are several rashes that are seen mostly in infants and children.

Diaper rash is a red, puffy rash under and around the area covered by a diaper. It's usually a contact type rash caused by the ammonia in urine or acidic bowel movements or simply by moisture. Babies also can get diaper rash as a reaction to some kinds of disposable diapers, diaper wipes or to soap used to wash cloth diapers.  The other common cause of diaper rash is the yeast, Candida. 

Prickly heat rash is very common among infants. The rash appears as small red dots on an infant's head, neck, and shoulders. It's caused by perspiration when babies are overdressed and overheated. If the skin feels hot or moist between the shoulder blades, the baby may be overdressed. Once the hot, humid conditions are removed, the rash usually goes away.

Roseola is a common viral disease producing a high fever, as well as a rash. Most common in children between 9 months and 1-1/2 years old, this illness usually starts suddenly with a high fever. Then a pink or red blotchy rash develops, starting on the neck, chest and back, and spreading to the legs, arms, and face.   The fever usually drops just as the rash appears.

Self-Care

• For diaper rash, use barrier creams, such as Desitin, to help prevent irritation.

• For candida diaper rashes use OTC antifungal agents such as clotrimazole or ketaconazole.

• Expose the diaper area to the air whenever possible.

• If you use cloth diapers, change laundry detergent or fabric softener if that seems to be causing rashes. If you use disposable diapers, you may want to change brands.

• Keep the skin dry.  Change diapers often.

• If the rash is itchy, give cool tub baths or use a cool washcloth on the area.

• Be careful about using talc powders. If a baby breathes in those powders, the lungs can be injured.  If using a cornstarch-based powder, stand away from the baby, put some powder on your hand, and then apply it to baby’s bottom.