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Babies are fragile and delicate. They are vulnerable to illnesses and rashes from time to time, even as they grow into toddlers and kids. So, there’s no need to panic when you spot an angry red mark on your child’s body. Most childhood rashes are treatable and temporary. But parents must be cautious to look out for these marks and get medical help as soon as possible. Ensuring that you know a thing or two about the most common childhood rashes will help you keep calm and composed while dealing with your uncomfortable, grumpy baby until they are healed. So, here are some common childhood rashes to look out for. Read on to know more!
1. Milia Or Blocked Oil Glands
These rashes are not accompanied by a fever or any itching, nor are they contagious. They are simply blocked pores that usually clear up with proper treatment within a couple of weeks. Up to 1 out of 2 babies develop these white spots on their faces, especially their noses, so it is extremely common. But nothing to worry about in the long run (1).
2. Nappy Rash
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Every baby is susceptible to getting a nappy rash at one point in time no matter how careful you are. Nappy rash is essentially an inflammation of the skin in the nappy area. Usually it looks red, splotchy, sore and inflamed, and can cause your baby considerable pain and discomfort (2). These rashes are mainly caused by urine and feces irritating the skin.
To avoid this from happening, parents need to take extra precautions to keep the nappy area clean and dry by frequently changing their nappies. It’s also important to give your baby nappy free time. You can further protect your baby’s delicate skin by putting on a barrier cream such as zinc or soft white paraffin at each nappy change. Do not use talcum powder or antiseptic cream to treat nappy rashes. This may aggravate your baby’s sensitive skin.
3. Tinea Or Ringworm
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This may sound scary and daunting, but it is treatable. Ringworm is common but it is also a contagious skin infection that can cause a lot of itching and discomfort. These rashes are ring shaped and red with a white center. It commonly occurs on the scalp, feet and groin, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body.
Keep in mind that ringworm is not actually caused by a worm but by a fungus your baby might have come in contact with (3). It is usually treated with antifungal cream. If your child has ringworm, make sure you keep them at home and away from childcare or school until the day after you have started treatment in order to prevent the spreading of this infection.
4. Heat Rash
This is another common rash that kids deal with. If your baby has been subjected to hot humid weather, they might get red bumps or blisters on the skin because of it. And these jumps can be really itchy! The best way to treat these rashes is to cool your baby down as soon as possible and keep them away from humidity. This rash will thankfully clear up in 2 to 3 days without any medical treatment. Just make sure your child is well hydrated and in a cool environment.
5. Impetigo Or School Sores
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This is one rash to really watchout for. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin. This rash causes red sores and blisters that form a yellow crust. It is very common in children aged 2 to 6, but it is not very serious in this age group (4). However, Impetigo can be very dangerous if contracted by a newborn baby. If your child has Impetigo, make sure you see your doctor right away. They may prescribe an antibiotic cream, ointment or tablet which should clear the infection within 7 to 10 days. Keep your child at home and away from childcare or school so as to not spread this infection to the other kids. They will need to wait until their sores are dried up to interact with other people. But this should take only a few days after the treatment for the infection starts.
6. Roseola Infantum
This particular rash is a contagious viral infection that can cause cold-like symptoms and high fever. This high fever can last for a few days even after treatment begins. Roseola Infantum can also cause some children to have a febrile convulsion or a seizure, so they need to be taken to the emergency room immediately (5).
Your kids are fragile and can be susceptible to infection and rashes from time to time. However, this is not the end of the world or a reason to panic. Most childhood rashes are treatable and can be cured in a couple of weeks. So, make sure you stay calm and keep an eye on your kids. They’ll be healthy and fit in no time!
