Skin rashes in children

Skin rashes in children | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Skin rashes in children Skin rashes in children Skin rashes in children are common and are often nothing to worry about. Learn about some common skin rashes in children, what their symptoms are and how to treat them. What to do if a child has a rash Phone 999 or go to A&E now if: Your child is unwell with a rash and: has a stiff neck is bothered by light seems confused has a high temperature has difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs), breathlessness, or theyre breathing very fast has a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy On brown and black skin, it may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or phone 111 if: youre worried about your childs rash and youre not sure what to do Cellulitis Image source: dermnetnz.org Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue. Moreabout cellulitis Symptoms and treatments Symptoms The affected area will be: red painful swollen hot It often affects the legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. Your child will probably also have a fever. See your GP immediately if an area of your childs skin suddenly turns red, hot and tender. If you cant see your GP on the same day, go to a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. Treatment Cellulitis can usually be diagnosed by assessing the symptoms and examining the skin. It usually responds well to treatment with antibiotics. Chickenpox Image source: dermnetnz.org Chickenpox is a viral illness that most children catch. Its most likely to affect children under 10. Moreabout chickenpox Symptoms and treatment Symptoms An itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox. It can be anywhere on the body. Some children only have a few spots. Others have them all over their body. The spots turn into fluid-filled blisters. This can be very itchy and some may burst. These spots crust over to form scabs, which after a while drop off. Chickenpox on back Treatment Theres no treatment for chickenpox. But, you can get remedies from your pharmacy that can help symptoms. These include: paracetamol to help bring down a fever calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching Eczema Image source: dermnetnz.org The most common type of eczema is atopic eczema. This mostly affects children but can continue into adulthood. More about eczema Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become: itchy red dry cracked Atopic eczema often develops on the: backs of the knees elbows neck eyes ears Eczema isnt a serious condition. But, if your child becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, it can cause the eczema to flare up into an outbreak of tiny blisters. This is called eczema herpeticum and will cause a fever. Treatment Creams and ointments can help eczema symptoms like itching and redness. You should speak to your GP if you think your child has eczema. Theyll be able to tell you whats the most suitable treatment. Erythema multiforme Image source: dermnetnz.org Erythema multiforme is a skin rash. Its caused by an allergic reaction to the herpes simplex virus and is usually mild. Symptoms and treatment Erythema multiforme causes spots. These look like targets with a dark red centre and paler ring around the outside. The hands or feet are usually affected first, followed by the limbs, upper body and face. Your child will probably feel unwell and may have a fever. In rare cases, erythema multiforme can be triggered by a reaction to certain medications. This can include antibiotics or anticonvulsants. This more severe form is called Stevens-Johnson syndrome and it can be life-threatening. Treatment You should speak to your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell. Hand, foot and mouth disease Image source: dermnetnz.org Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, contagious infection. Its most common in young children (particularly those under 10). But, it can also affect older children and adults. More about hand, foot and mouth disease Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Hand, foot and mouth disease causes: mouth ulcers spots and blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet Treatment Theres no cure for hand, foot and mouth disease. Your childs immune system will fight the virus and it should clear up after about 7 to 10 days. Hand, foot and mouth disease spreads easily. This means you should keep your child away from school or nursery until theyre better. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluid. If eating and swallowing is uncomfortable, give them soft foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt and soup. Impetigo Image source: dermnetnz.org Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection. More about impetigo Symptoms and treatment Symptoms Impetigo causes sores and blisters. There are 2 types of impetigo called: non-bullous bullous Non-bullous impetigo usually affects the skin around the nose and mouth. It causes sores that burst quickly to leave a yellow-brown crust. Bullous impetigo typically affects the trunk (the area of the body between the waist and neck). It causes fluid-filled blisters that burst after a few days to leave a yellow crust. Treatment Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you think your child has impetigo. An antibiotic cream or tablets will be prescribed. This should reduce the length of the illness to around 7 to 10 days. Impetigo isnt usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment. Hives (urticaria) Image source: dermnetnz.org Hives is a common skin reaction that often affects children. It can be known as: hives urticaria weals welts nettle rash More about hives Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Hives is a raised, itchy rash. It can affect one part of the body or be spread across large areas. It occurs when a trigger causes high levels of histamine and other chemicals to be released in the skin. These substances cause the blood vessels in the skin to open up, resulting in: redness or pinkness swelling itchiness There are many possible triggers of hives, including: allergens, like food or latex irritants, like nettles or medicines physical factors, like heat or exercise Sometimes a cause of hives cant be identified. Treatment A hives rash is usually short-lived and mild. It can often be controlled with antihistamines. Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) Image source: dermnetnz.org Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition. It usually begins in childhood and gets worse during puberty. Some people find it improves after this and may even disappear in adulthood. Symptoms and treatment Symptoms The skin on the back of the upper arms becomes rough and bumpy, as if its covered in permanent goose pimples. Sometimes other areas of the body can be affected like the: buttocks thighs forearms upper back Treatment Theres no cure for keratosis pilaris. It often gets better on its own without treatment. But, there are some things you can do that may improve your childs rash. You could use: non-soap cleansers rather than soap an emollient to moisturise their skin Your GP or pharmacist will be able to recommend a suitable cream. Measles Image source: dermnetnz.org Measles is a highly infectious illness that most often affects young children. Its now rare in the UK because of the effectiveness of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine . More about measles Symptoms and treatments Symptoms The measles rash is red-brown blotches. It usually starts on the head or upper neck and then spreads outwards to the rest of the body. Your child may also have a fever and cold-like symptoms. Treatment Phone your GP practice immediately if you think your child has measles. Its best to phone before visiting your GP practice as they may need to make special arrangements. Thisll help to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. Measles usually passes in about 7 to 10 days without causing further problems. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve fever, aches and pains. You should also make sure that your child drinks plenty of water to avoid dehydration . Molluscum contagiosum Image source: dermnetnz.org Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection. It often affects young children aged between 1 to 5. They usually catch it after close physical contact with another infected child. Most adults are resistant to the virus. This means theyre unlikely to catch it if they come into contact with it. Symptoms and treatment Symptoms Molluscum contagiosum causes clusters of small, firm, raised spots on the skin. The condition is usually painless, although some children may experience some itchiness. Treatment Molluscum contagiosum usually goes away within 18 months without the need for treatment. Pityriasis rosea Image source: dermnetnz.org Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition. Most cases occur in older children and young adults (aged between 10 and 35). Symptoms and treatments Symptoms It causes a temporary rash of raised, red scaly patches. The rash can be very itchy. Treatment In most cases, pityriasis rosea clears up without treatment. It usually takes 2 to 12 weeks to clear. But, in rare cases it can last up to 5 months. Emollients, steroid creams and antihistamines can be used to help relieve the itchiness. The rash doesnt usually leave scars. But, the skin can sometimes be discoloured afterwards. Prickly heat (heat rash) Image source: dermnetnz.org Prickly heat (heat rash) is also known as miliaria. It occurs when the sweat ducts in the outer layer of skin (epidermis) are obstructed. Symptoms and treatment Symptoms Heat rash is an itchy rash of small, raised red spots. It causes a stinging or prickly sensation on the skin. You can get a heat rash anywhere on your body but it often affects the: face neck back chest thighs Infants can sometimes get a prickly heat rash if they sweat more than usual. For example, when its hot and humid or if theyre overdressed. Treatment Heat rash isnt a serious condition and rarely requires any specific treatment. Psoriasis Image source: dermnetnz.org Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition. More about psoriasis Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Psoriasis causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person. Treatment Theres no cure for psoriasis. But, there are treatments to help improve the symptoms and appearance of skin patches. This includes topical corticosteroids like creams and ointments. Ringworm Image source: dermnetnz.org Ringworm is a highly infectious fungal skin infection. More about ringworm Symptoms and treatment Symptoms Ringworm causes a ring-like red or silvery patch on the skin that can be scaly, inflamed or itchy. Ringworm often affects the arms and legs, but it can appear almost anywhere on the body. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails. Treatment Ringworm can usually be easily treated with antifungal medicines. These are available from a pharmacy. Ringworm of the scalp can cause scaling and patches of hair loss. Its treated with antifungal tablets, often combined with antifungal shampoo. Scabies Image source: dermnetnz.org Scabies is a contagious skin condition. Its caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. In children, scabies is usually spread through long periods of skin-to-skin contact with an infected adult or child. For example, during play fighting or hugging. More about scabies Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Scabies mites leave small, red blotches. These are often found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. In infants, blisters are often found on the soles of the feet. A scabies rash can be very itchy. Treatment Speak to your GP if you think your child has scabies. Its not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated. Your GP will prescribe a lotion or cream. Scarlet fever Image source: dermnetnz.org Scarlet fever is a highly contagious bacterial infection. It usually affects children between 2 and 8. More about scarlet fever Symptoms and treatment Symptoms Scarlet fever causes a distinctive pink-red rash. This feels like sandpaper to touch and may be itchy. Scarlet fever often starts with a sore throat, fever and headache . The rash then develops 2 to 5 days after infection. The rash usually occurs on the chest and stomach. It then spreads to other areas of the body, like the ears and neck. Treatment Speak to your GP if you think your child has scarlet fever. Antibiotics are used to treat scarlet fever. It usually clears up after about a week. Slapped cheek syndrome Image source: dermnetnz.org Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection thats common in children aged 6 to 10. Its also known as fifth disease or parvovirus B19. More about slapped cheek syndrome Symptoms and treatments Symptoms Slapped cheek syndrome causes a distinctive bright red rash on both cheeks. This can look alarming, but it usually clears up by itself in 1 to 3 weeks. Treatment Unless your child is feeling unwell, they dont need to stay away from school. Once the rash appears, the infection is no longer contagious. But, its a good idea to notify your childs school about the infection. 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