Rashes are common in young children. They are identified by the appearance of rough, pimply patches or spots on the skin's surface, which bear no resemblance to the normal smooth texture of skin.
Raised spots can be of varying size and texture. If filled with fluid they can emerge as large blisters or tiny vesicles. Other spots could appear as large papules, lumpy nodules or as pus-filled pustules.
A child may display underlying symptoms of a rash which can include fever, vomiting and a sore throat.
Causes
Rashes can be related to a number of causes such as minor respiratory and gastro-intestinal virus infections, chicken pox, measles and rubella.
However, there are also bacterial causes including meningococcus, which leads to meningitis (the rash manifests itself as a recognisable symptom of the illness). Other reasons for a rash appearing include: Skin infections
Ringworm is a contagious skin rash resulting from a fungal infection.
Impetigo is another very contagious bacterial skin infection which emerges in the form of blisters and red, oozing sores. It can develop from a nappy rash.
Scabies is a red itchy rash often suffered by children which is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin.
Allergies and chemical reactions
Children with a family history of allergies and sensitive skin can be vulnerable to rashes. If attempts to identify and remove the cause of the allergy fail, then a visit to the paediatrician to undergo allergy tests might be called for. Chemical irritants such as urine in nappy rash can also trigger rashes.
Contact dermatitis results from direct contact of the skin with an irritating substance.
Eczema is characterised by dryness, itching, inflammation and thickening of skin. Children with eczema tend to have extremely sensitive skin, which can lead to recurring itchy rashes and dry, red, painful blisters.
Drugs
Some antibiotics can cause an allergic rash reaction or other symptoms in young children. If this occurs the allergy should be reported immediately to the child's parent who should contact their GP.
Environmental factors
Childhood rashes can be triggered by heat and chemical pollutants. For example, if sweat ducts become blocked in a hot environment a rash can occur in skin fold areas such as the armpits, neck and back of knees.
Exposure to chemicals and harsh weather conditions can lead to dermatitis of the hands and feet - an itchy, scaly inflammation.
Diagnosis
A key way of identifying the cause often lies in the type of rash and how it spreads across the body. A meningococcal rash, for example, tends to appear as red flat spots which quickly spread, whereas a measles rash will start as a group of small red flat spots behind the ears, which then rapidly spread across the body. Chicken pox manifests itself as a group of red spots that develop fluid-filled vesicles before crusting over.
Treatment
* Moisturising lotions or creams are often an efficient way of soothing irritated skin. Calamine lotion, antihistamine creams or cool compresses are suitable for itchy rashes. Ointments that contain cortisone should only be taken under medical supervision.
* Antibiotics are often prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections.
* Scabies and lice are treated with special medications.
* Rashes can often be prevented by using sensitive soaps and hypo-allergenic products.
* Cotton clothing is preferable to itchy wool clothing and should be washed in bleach-free soap.
Seeking medical help
Advise parents to consult the child's GP if a rash is not responding to care treatment or:
* if you are not sure what is causing the rash and the child appears to be in discomfort from itching or pain.
* the rash has oozing yellow crusts or blisters which can be a sign of infection.
* it spreads or a new rash develops.
* the rash is accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes.
* if you think it is being caused by meningococcus and the child starts to display symptoms such as fever, a stiff neck, headache or drowsiness.
NHS Direct on 0845 4647 can give immediate advice.
Researched and written by Marcella McEvoy
