The presence of different types of rashes in children is not always a harmless manifestation of insufficient hygiene or an incorrect approach to nutrition. She is considered a symptom of more than 100 ailments, many of which are extremely dangerous for both the child and his environment. The main causes of the rash are common infectious ailments, allergic reactions, diseases of blood vessels, skin, blood and parasitic infestations. Knowledge of typical rashes will help parents make the right decision in this situation.
Description of the main types of rashes in a child
Various infectious lesions often lead to similar problems. In order to avoid possible complications, you should consult a doctor. The location of the rash may be different. Any part of the body can fall into the zone of active rashes.
1. A rash in a child in the form of red dots is most often triggered by allergic reactions. First of all, this is the diet, as well as clothing that is adjacent to the body. Often, the rash is expressed by dotted spots of an oval or round shape. Its rise above other parts of the body is not observed. The rash is visible only because of the color. The appearance of characteristic points occurs due to strong blood supply, they sometimes have edges and faces, and they can also be solid. The problem is divided into two main types:
- roseola - the specificity of this type of rash in a child is a small size of 3-30 mm;
- erythema - this subspecies is significant in size, which starts from 3 cm.
They are located most often in the chest area and have a characteristic bright scarlet color.
2 . A pimple rash is the main reaction to various internal or external environmental factors. They arise due to allergies, as well as infectious diseases. A similar problem has different types and forms. It can be represented by pustules that rise above the level of the skin and create a rounded void. Their sizes are quite large, about 1-1.5 mm in height. The main cause of the occurrence is an allergic reaction, accompanied by redness and itching. A similar rash in the form of acne in a child can be associated with a hereditary factor. Such a disease is often transmitted from mother to child. Stress also often provokes a similar skin reaction.
Dermatologists pathology is divided into 4 categories:
- Dry rashes - the formation of such redness occurs in the winter season, most often they form due to compaction of the keratinized layer of the epidermis. The treatment is carried out with cosmetics that remove dead particles and moisturize the skin.
- Watery - their appearance can be caused by various reasons (consumption of poor-quality food, diathesis, use of poor cosmetics - creams, shampoos, foams, soaps). They are accompanied by severe itching. Often are symptoms of chickenpox, rubella, measles, scabies and dyshidrosis.
- Abscesses - a similar rash in the form of acne in a child may initially look like small red dots, but after a few days, changes begin to form. Normal spots are filled with pus. A similar problem is often caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal infections. It is required to undergo a clinical analysis of blood and urine, and then consult a doctor. It is necessary to abandon sweets in order not to create an active environment for the propagation of pathogens.
- Subcutaneous pimples - they occur due to clogging of the ducts with plugs that form from the sebaceous glands. Most often, this phenomenon passes by itself, but if there are no changes, then you should still consult a specialist.
3. Rash in the form of vesicles - its manifestation can lead to a number of serious diseases.
- Pemphigus - it can lead to death. Damage to the immune system begins at the moment the body struggles with healthy and strong cells.
- Herpetiform dermatitis is considered an autoimmune disease. Such an ailment manifests itself in the form of blisters and bubbles on the skin.
Similar types of infectious rash in children can be of two forms: they occupy about 50% of the child’s body or form on its different parts. Often appear in a separate area and forms only slight itchy, rounded redness. Often arise due to systemic, skin or infectious diseases, as well as allergic reactions. After healing, the bubble disappears and leaves no residue. To start therapy, you need to identify the root cause and stage of the disease, for this you definitely need to go to the doctor for an examination.
4. Rash in the form of spots - represented by slight redness of various colors. The color will depend on the pigment of the skin. If melanin is present, then, accordingly, the specks will be darker.
A similar type of skin rash in children is characteristic of such ailments as rubella, measles, scarlet fever, various diseases and skin tumors. The cause of the formation can be various pathogens. This type of rash has a tendency to merge into considerable spots. The lesion is often exacerbated in the chest area. And also it should be noted that pimples can appear due to contact, food and drug allergies.
Photo of the main elements of the rash
The following types of rash in a child are distinguished:
- spot - non-necklace formation on the skin, which differs significantly in color; spots may be reddened or, conversely, white;
- papule - nodular rash without the formation of cavities, which reaches 3 cm;
- plaque - protruding thickening above the surface;
- bubbles and vesicles - abdominal tumors that collect a clear fluid;
- pustule - a cavity in which purulent contents are present;
- hemorrhagic rash is formed in the form of dots and spots of different sizes of red. If you stretch the skin or press on the spot at the site of the lesion, it will not change its tone.
Characteristic location
Different types of skin rashes in children have their own places of dislocation. Rashes can be on almost any part of the body, causing itching, irritation, and even acute pain.
- a rash forms on the areas of the elbow and arms, wrists, forearms;
- can form on the legs, often on the inside, the main reason for this is an allergic reaction to food, but more serious cases also occur;
- rashes affect the face, and the cheeks are considered the focal center;
- the body is also subjected to this process, often rashes form in the chest area, and also in the scapular area.
Causes
Types of rash can be different, and the factor of their appearance - both one and the same, and different, so you need to determine why it arose. For a child’s body, this phenomenon is considered normal, as it is a reaction to external factors. There are main reasons why a different rash may appear:
1. An allergic reaction is the most common factor that is most often caused by food, pollen, pet hair, cosmetics, clothing, medicine, and insect bites. It is required to treat the types of allergic rash in children under the supervision of a doctor, since an uncontrolled reaction can develop into Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock.
2 . Severe stress - there are cases when a baby is covered with significant spots due to intense experiences. After time, they disappear on their own.
3. Insect bites - even if the child does not have any type of allergy, a mosquito bite can leave unpleasant spots that itch a lot. Parents need it on time to notice the wound and process it properly. Such a rash on its own passes after some time. If the baby has noticed uncharacteristic large spots after a bite, then there is an allergic reaction.
4. Mechanical damage - various types of rashes in a child without temperature can form due to tight and tight clothing, while they themselves pass through a certain time.
5. Infectious diseases - small spots on the body may indicate infection with rubella, chickenpox, scarlet fever, measles and even meningitis.
6. Violation of blood coagulability - the baby's skin begins to become covered with small bruises and bruises.
7. Allergy to the sun or cold - this category is recommended to be considered separately, since the mechanism of such a reaction is significantly different from the standard reaction to cats or citrus fruits. This malaise can be attributed to seasonal problems.
When to call a doctor
To determine the type of rash in children, sometimes there may be little time, since the child may have a high fever, so you need to immediately call a doctor. In addition, the main danger factors include severe shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue and face, incredible headache, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and vomiting. In the case when the rash takes a brown, maroon or black color, its elements are located as if in the depths of the skin and do not turn pale when pressed, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Viral infections
Photos of the types of rashes in children that provoke viruses are different, and they can be considered further. The following diseases are referred to such pathologies.

1. Measles - with it there is a small rash, initially raspberry red in the mouth, and then throughout the body. Often there is a phenomenon such as the fusion of elements that create irregularly shaped foci of exposure. With it, a strong temperature is observed. Very rarely, but nevertheless, the disease can proceed quite severely and lead to death. In the absence of vaccination, measles is very easily transmitted from person to person.
2. Rubella is manifested by pink-red small spotted rashes that initially form on the head, and then are distributed throughout the baby’s body. Complaints of a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, nasal congestion, fever and chills may be present.
3. Chickenpox - spreads, as a rule, from top to bottom, initially on the scalp, and then observed on the chest, back and other areas. It appears bright red small spots, which later degenerate into vesicles, and then burst and gradually dry out, forming crusts. If the case is neglected and severe, then scars may remain. It is accompanied by a slight itch.
4. Herpes - manifests itself in the form of grouped vesicular rashes inside the mouth or on the lips, which are delayed for several weeks. It also happens that this virus penetrates into the nuclei of nerve cells, and rashes pass into the chronic stage.
5. Infectious mononucleosis - expressed in the form of densely spaced light red or pink spots with a diameter of 6-15 mm, with this ailment they most often become painful. And after the occipital and cervical lymph nodes also increase. Almost always there is a sore throat, sometimes expressed weakness, migraine, cough and fatigue begin to disturb.
6. Enteroviruses - manifest as vesicle and spotted rashes and are distributed throughout the body.
7. Roseola - these are pink spots that do not begin to appear immediately, but after the temperature is normalized. This usually occurs on days 4–5. Most often, babies from 6 months to 3 years are affected.
Bacterial infections
A photo of the types of rash in children who have a similar infection is presented below.
1. Scarlet fever - manifests itself in the form of minor prosovidnyh rashes, with increased color in the folds of the skin. Everything is accompanied by a slight itch, and as the rashes subside, plastic peeling forms. The disease is characterized by a pronounced change in the throat, a raspberry-red tongue and acute sore throat.
2. Meningococcal infection - quickly forms small “blots” of red-blue color that resemble stars. There is always high temperature.
3 . Fungal lesions of the epidermis (trichophytosis, ringworm, dermatomycosis). A striking sign of the presence of a ring-shaped formation, which itches. Dandruff begins to form on the hair, possibly focal baldness.
4. Streptoderma - at the time of the disease, large blisters begin to appear, in which purulent contents are present, often with a tan dry crust.
Allergic reactions
There are various types of rashes in children on the hands and throughout the body, which are provoked by malnutrition, natural components or things, the following ailments can be attributed to such diseases.
1. Urticaria - similar in appearance to nettle burns, appears as protruding bright red or pale pink blisters that suddenly appear and also subside. With them, severe itching is present, extensive swelling is possible.
2. Atopic dermatitis (diathesis, childhood eczema, neurodermatitis) - this type of rash appears in children on the elbows, neck, face, and also occurs on the legs, under the knees. The epidermis turns red and begins to peel, sometimes weeping crusts are also observed.
Other reasons
Very often, various rashes indicate malfunctions in the work of internal organs. It:
- vascular ailments;
- changes in the gastrointestinal tract;
- renal failure.
Infant acne - a problem occurs in the first year of life in breast-fed babies. It is a consequence of the activity of the sebaceous glands, and the cause is an increase in the level of maternal hormones.
Milia (whiteheads) - look like tiny “pearls” and form more often in infants. Pass by themselves, as they have a physiological nature.
Toxic erythema of the newborn is yellow blisters, which can occur 2–5 days after birth. As a rule, no action is needed.
Scabies - expressed in pairs of dots, most often in interdigital places. There is severe itching, the source is ticks that affect the skin.
Types of rash in children up to a year
In young children, who are greatly wrapped up or bath incorrectly, prickly heat can often be found. It manifests itself as a scattering of small, non-itchy blisters of a red hue, which are concentrated in the natural folds of the skin.
Against the background of a tendency to allergies and immunodeficiency, diaper rash is formed, which is an area with a bright red, wet and swollen surface. Often located in the folds of the neck, buttocks and groin.
Often diaper rash turns into gluteal erythema - this is the concentration of bright red erosion and nodules.
Often, a children's rash occurs due to an allergic factor, such ailments include urticaria and various dermatitis.
Toxic erythema, which forms in the first year of a child’s life, is considered completely non-dangerous. This is a mixed rash consisting of papules and vesicles. Within a few weeks, the rash will disappear on its own.
Pemphigus of a newborn is a rather dangerous disease caused by staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or streptococci. After a slight reddening, bubbles with a cloudy content begin to appear, which burst and form erosion. Often found on the hips and around the navel.
Among the infectious diseases that cause the rash, congenital syphilis can be distinguished, the main symptom of which is syphilitic pemphigus. In this case, the rashes are presented in the form of dense bubbles filled with a clear liquid, which, after the lapse of time, becomes cloudy. Inflammation is very often present on the trunk, face and almost always on the palms and soles.
Urgent Care
It is already known what types of rashes occur in children, now you need to figure out what to do in order to help your baby.
When, in addition to redness, the following symptoms are present, immediately call a doctor:
- significant and sharp increase in temperature;
- the child has difficulty breathing;
- hemorrhagic stellate rash is present;
- rashes cover the entire body and cause significant itching;
- loss of consciousness and vomiting begins.
Prevention
In order to protect the baby from infection, you need to vaccinate him on time. In order not to get an allergic reaction, it is necessary to correctly introduce complementary foods and not rush with new products. You need to accustom your child to a healthy diet and temper. This will help to adjust children's immunity in the right way and the child will not have such problems.
Tips
If a rash has been noticed on the body, do not panic and call the doctor immediately. It is necessary to find out whether the case is really critical or is it just a reaction caused by an eaten chocolate or an insect bite.For bathing, it is better to use decoctions of herbs, and buy clothes from cotton fabric. Dyes also often cause a reaction on the body.
When the rubella or chickenpox epidemic begins in the kindergarten, it is recommended to leave the baby at home, as the disease very quickly passes from infected sources.
In summer, it is necessary to ventilate the room, and then use the fumigator.
Do not allow children to squeeze pimples and open them. This often provokes the spread of infection.
Each parent is required to know the types of rash and the causes of the rash in children in order to help the child in a timely manner.
If the baby has a fever, then you should definitely call a doctor.