What's that?

Wondering what that rash, welt or bump on your child's skin is? Infection, allergies and extreme temperatures are often behind the skin conditions seen in babies and children and many are minor and easily treated. You can learn to recognise some of the most common conditions, but remember, always seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Ringworm

Worms don't cause ringworm. Instead, this skin infection is caused by a fungus living off dead skin, hair and nail tissue. Starting as a red, scaly patch or bump, it develops into itchy red ring(s) with raised, blistery or scaly borders. Ringworm is passed on by skin-to-skin contact with a person or animal and by sharing items like towels or sports equipment. Most ringworm infections can be treated with antifungal creams.

Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)

A contagious and usually mild illness that passes in a couple of weeks, fifth disease starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a face and body rash. Spread by coughing and sneezing, it's most contagious the week before the rash appears. Treatment includes rest, fluids and painkillers (do not use aspirin in children under 16), but look out for signs of more serious illness. If your child has slapped cheek and you are pregnant, contact your GP.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is very contagious, spreading easily, leaving an itchy rash and red spots or blisters all over the body. It isn't usually serious in healthy children and once you've had it, you're not likely to get it again. Most children only need treatment at home, including rest and medication, to reduce itching, fever and other flu-like symptoms. A chickenpox vaccine is licensed in the UK, but not included in routine NHS childhood vaccinations.

Impetigo

A contagious infection, impetigo causes red sores or blisters that can break open, ooze, and develop a yellow-brown crust. Sores can occur anywhere on the body but usually appear around the mouth and nose. Impetigo can be spread to others through close contact or by sharing items like towels and toys. Scratching can also spread it to other parts of the body. Antibiotic cream or ointment usually cures it, but sometimes oral antibiotic may be needed.

Warts

Skin growths caused by contact with the contagious human papillomavirus, warts can spread from person-to-person or via contact with an object used by a person with the virus. Prevent the spread of warts by not picking them, covering them with bandages, and keeping them dry. In most cases warts are harmless, painless and go away on their own. If they persist, treatments include freezing, surgery, laser treatments and chemicals.

Prickly heat rash

The result of blocked sweat ducts, heat rash looks like small red or pink pimples. Appearing over an infant's head, neck, chest and shoulders, the rash is often caused when well-meaning parents dress a baby too warmly, but it can happen to any infant in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as lightly as an adult who is resting; though their feet and hands may feel cool to the touch, this is usually not a problem.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis a reaction caused by touching a substance, such as food, soap, or the oil of certain poisonous plants.The rash usually starts within 48 hours after exposure. Minor cases may cause mild skin redness or a rash of small red bumps, while severe reactions can cause swelling, redness and larger blisters. Contact dermatitis is usually mild and goes away when contact with the substance ends. Poison ivy is not found in the UK, but make sure you keep children away from it while on holiday in countries like the US.

Hand-foot-mouth disease (coxsackie)

This common, contagious childhood illness starts with a temperature, then painful mouth sores and a non-itchy rash, with blisters on hands, feet and sometimes the buttocks and the legs, follow. It spreads through coughing, sneezing and used nappies, so wash your hands often when dealing with coxsackie. Home treatment includes ibuprofen or paracetamol (do not give aspirin to children under 16) and lots of fluids. It is not serious and usually goes away on its own in about a week.

Eczema

A chronic problem causing dry skin, intense itching and a raised rash, some children outgrow eczema, or have milder cases as they get older. In severe cases, this non-contagious rash may become infected. What causes eczema isn't clear, but those affected may have a personal history of allergies and asthma and a sensitive immune system.

Urticaria

Urticaria occurs as a rash or weals and is often itchy, or may burn or sting. The rash can appear anywhere on the body and may last minutes or days. It can signal serious problems, especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing. Medications like aspirin or penicillin, foods like eggs, nuts and shellfish, food additives, temperature extremes and infections like a sore throat can cause the rash. Removing the trigger often resolves it.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a throat infection with a rash. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain and swollen neck glands. After one to two days, a red rash with a sandpaper texture appears and after seven to fourteen days, the rash fades away.  Scarlet fever is very contagious, but good hand washing can reduce its spread. Seek medical advice immediately if you think your child has it. The most common treatment is a course of antibiotics.

Roseola infantum (sixth disease)

A mild, contagious illness, roseola infantum is most common in children aged six months to two years and is rare after the age of four. The symptoms are respiratory illness, followed by a high fever (which can trigger seizures) for up to seven days. Fevers abruptly end and are followed by a rash of small, pink, flat or slightly raised bumps on the trunk, then the extremities. The fever can be managed with ibuprofen (do not use aspirin in children under 16).

Related Reading