Skin Rashes
| A rash is a change in the skin which affects its appearance or texture. It may be localized to one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, dry, cracked or blistered, swell and may be painful. |
Children Skin Rashes
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Skin Rashes
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Skin Rashes and Treatment
Definition
It is a term for a group of spots or red, inflamed skin that is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or disorder. Often temporary, a rash is only rarely a sign of a serious problem.
Description
A rash may occur on only one area of the skin, or it could cover almost all of the body. Also, a rash may or may not be itchy. Depending on how it looks, a rash may be described as:
• blistering (raised oval or round collections of fluid within or beneath the outer layer of
layer of skin)
• papular (small solid slightly raised areas)
• pustular (pus-containing skin blister). |
Treatment
| Treatment of rashes focuses on resolving the underlying disorder and providing relief of the itching that often accompanies them. Soothing lotions or oral antihistamines can provide some relief, and topical antibiotics may be administered if the patient, particularly a child, has caused a secondary infection by scratching. The rash triggered by allergies should disappear as soon as the allergen is removed; drug rashes will fade when the patient stops taking the drug causing the allergy. For the treatment of diaper rash, the infant's skin should be exposed to the air as much as possible; ointments are not needed unless the skin is dry and cracked. Experts also recommend switching to cloth diapers and cleaning affected skin with plain water. |
Types of Skin Rashes for Children
Rashes in the Newborn
| When you first bring your baby home from the hospital; every little bump or red patch causes alarm. It is normal for your baby to have some skin rashes. Diaper rash and cradle cap are par for the course with newborns. If you suspect that your child has more than a simple skin irritation, it is best to see a doctor. |
Milia
• Symptoms
o Small yellow to white dots on the face and the gums occur in healthy newborns.
o A small cyst of skin cells is the cause.
• Treatment
o Milia go away by themselves and require no therapy.
o These dots are not contagious.
Seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap)
• Symptoms
o Cradle cap is a greasy, scaly, red, bumpy rash that can occur on the scalp, behind the ears, in the armpits, and the diaper area.
• Treatment
o This rash is not harmful and can be easily treated by your doctor. No emergency care is required. |
Miliaria (Prickly Heat)
| This rash includes small, clear blisters usually on the nose. It is caused by the production of sweat in a warm environment and plugged sweat glands. This rash is more common when the child is dressed too warmly. It gets better on its own. |
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