Parents are very worried when any rashes appear on the baby's body. Sometimes they are associated with improper skin care, but there are also more formidable conditions, for example, meningococcal infection.
A rash in children can appear for many reasons, including:
- non-infectious (inadequate skin care, allergies, blood and vascular diseases, insect bites);
- infection (measles, rubella, scarlet fever, chickenpox and others).
Non-infectious causes of rash
1. Inadequate skin care.
Pimples or spots in the folds of the skin can appear in a very young child, this is due to the immaturity of the thermoregulation system. The appearance of diaper rash, diaper dermatitis and prickly heat are susceptible to those babies who are heavily wrapped, rarely washed and left for a long time in wet diapers. The skin of young children should “breathe” regularly. To do this, it is enough to leave the baby naked for a while.
2. Allergy.
An allergic rash in children is associated with immaturity of the immune system. The reason may be food, cleaning and detergents, new toys, plants or clothes. Spots appear that have an irregular shape, merge with each other and are accompanied by itching. In rare cases, the temperature rises.
An allergy can appear after the introduction of complementary foods into the baby’s diet, the appearance of toys, clothes with a strong smell. These are the phenomena of contact dermatitis. A rash in children can be from medications and vitamins, because they have a chemical nature.
If you suspect an allergy, you need to give your baby an antihistamine, exclude any contact with the allergen and consult a doctor.
3. Diseases of the blood and blood vessels.
Low blood coagulation and vascular pathology can cause bruising or a small pink rash on the skin, even after slight pressure. Like any bruise, the rash will change color within a few days.
If parents noticed causeless bruises in their baby, this is an occasion to contact a hematologist.
4. Insect bites.
Traces of mosquito bites may appear after sleeping in open areas of the body in the form of pink spots. Some children experience severe itching with such bites, so they need to be lubricated with anti-allergic gel, and also use insect repellents.
A scabies tick can also bite a child . A small paired rash appears on the child’s hands (between the fingers, on the palms), as well as on the stomach, causing itching pain (especially at night). Scabies is contagious, so it must be carefully treated under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Infectious rash
Chicken pox (chickenpox). A rash in children appears after 2-3 days of temperature. First, the elements of the rash resemble a tubercle, then they turn into a bubble. Over time, it dries and crusts. The rash appears for a long time and gradually, affecting the entire surface of the body (even the scalp), causing severe itching.
Measles. Spots appear 4-5 days after fever, runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis, they are prone to fusion. First, the scalp is affected, then the torso, and in the end there is a rash on the legs of the child. Stains with measles do not itch, they quickly disappear and do not leave any traces.
Rubella. Its difference from measles is that the rash appears abundantly throughout the body. An increase in the occipital lymph nodes is also observed.
Measles, chickenpox and rubella do not require hospitalization and specific treatment. More important is child care. With chickenpox, you can use antiallergic drugs to eliminate itching.
For prophylaxis, children under one year of age are recommended to be vaccinated against measles and rubella.
Scarlet fever is a more serious disease, it begins with fever and sore throat. And after a while, the child in the natural folds of the skin appears a pink rash (small point), after which after 7-10 days peeling appears on the feet and palms.
With scarlet fever, you should definitely call a doctor, because antibiotics are prescribed to prevent complications. It is necessary to observe bed rest and give the child a lot of fluid.
Infant roseola is considered a viral disease that begins with fever, loose stool with mucus. The condition of the child may remain normal. The rash appears on the face, then falls on the stomach, after the disappearance of traces does not leave and does not require specific treatment.
Meningococcal infection. With this disease, there can be only a few elements of the rash, but the child’s condition is very serious, he has high fever, vomiting and impaired consciousness. Urgent hospitalization is needed.
Almost all infectious rashes in children are accompanied by fever, malaise, chills, and loss of appetite. Sore throat, runny nose, cough, abdominal pain, or diarrhea are also possible.
What to do if a child has a rash?
1. A rash in children should be examined by a doctor. Prior to his arrival, it is impossible to treat the elements of the rash with iodine or brilliant green, because this will complicate the diagnosis.
2. If you experience vomiting and loss of consciousness, you need to call an ambulance.
3. Contact with other children, as well as pregnant women, before making the correct diagnosis, the sick child should be avoided.