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Viral rashes look spotty. These “spots” are often red or pink on babies with lighter skin, and dark red, purple, or brown on babies with darker skin. They tend to spread across larger areas of the body, including the chest or back, and cover both the left and right sides of the body.
What diseases cause rashes in children?
The most common causes of rashes in children are:
- cellulitis.
- chickenpox.
- eczema.
- erythema multiforme.
- hand, foot and mouth disease.
- impetigo.
- keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”)
- measles.
When should I worry about a rash on my child?
Contact your doctor immediately if your child has the following: A rash that doesn’t get better after a few days or with over-the counter treatment. Fever with a rash. Painful urination with a rash.
When should I be worried about a viral rash?
The rash typically goes away once the illness has run its course. Although the rash itself is not usually a cause for concern, the underlying virus may require medical care. Anytime a new rash develops, and the reason is unknown, it is best to see a doctor.
How do you treat a rash on a child?
Itchy Rash Treatment:
- Wash the skin once with soap to remove any irritants.
- Steroid Cream. For relief of itching, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (such as Cortaid). Put it on the most itchy areas.
- Cool Bath. For flare-ups of itching, give your child a cool bath.
- Scratching. Try to keep your child from scratching.
In children, a viral infection is one of the most common causes of rashes. Anything from colds to measles can cause a viral rash. Viral rashes are not allergic reactions. They are the result of an infection.
What does it look like when a baby has a rash?
Once these symptoms clear up, a rash develops. A child’s cheeks may become very flushed and appear as if they were slapped. The rash can have a lacey appearance as it resolves or spreads to the arms, legs, and trunk. Also known as German measles, rubella has been pretty much eliminated in countries with widespread vaccinations.
Are there any viruses that cause rashes in children?
There are many viruses that cause rashes. Some of these viruses have become less common with the widespread use of vaccinations. Roseola, also called roseola infantum or sixth disease, is a common childhood virus that’s mostly caused by the human herpesvirus 6. It’s most commonly seen in children under the age of 2.
What causes a rash on the head of a child?
blistery, itchy rash that generally starts on the torso and head. It can then spreads to other parts of the body before crusting over and healing. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically caused by coxsackievirus A. It usually affects kids younger than 5. Adults and older kids can get it as well.
Rashes caused by viral infections may cause reddish or pink spots over large parts of the body, such as the chest and back. Many viral rashes don’t itch.