Why rashes in babies

Rashes on babies can cause discomfort but usually clear up with at-home treatment. However, a parent or caregiver should seek medical attention if the baby has other symptoms, such as a fever, lack of appetite, or a stiff neck.

Treatments will vary based on the underlying condition. Anyone unsure about the cause of the rash or the appropriate treatment should talk to a doctor. There are many different types of diaper rash. Knowing how to identify the types of rash can help with treatment and prevention. Learn more here…. Diaper rash is a red, painful rash that thrives in warm, moist environments. The rash may also be scaly, bumpy, or raw in appearance. In this article….

Baby acne and eczema are two skin conditions that commonly affect young babies. In this article, we look at their similarities and how to tell them…. Baby acne can look similar to other types of rash, such as those of an allergic reaction, erythema toxicum, or eczema. In this article, we look at the…. Babies commonly develop rashes on their faces. Most are nothing to worry about, and many clear up on their own. Possible causes include eczema, acne….

Baby rash: Possible causes and more. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Pictures Cradle cap Eczema Diaper rash Acne Impetigo Fifth disease Hand, foot, and mouth disease Allergic reactions Heat rash Chickenpox Meningitis Prevention When to see a doctor While rashes on babies are common, and most are not a cause for alarm, they can be uncomfortable and cause irritation.

Cradle cap. Diaper rash. If cradle cap persists, ask your baby's doctor about other treatment options. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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A rash is a swelling or irritation of the skin making the skin appear red, bumpy, lumpy or scaly. A rash can be itchy, and sometimes may be accompanied by a fever. Rashes are often harmless, but keep in mind that a rash can also be a sign of an allergic reaction, or other condition that may need immediate medical attention. However, not all rashes are listed, so do contact your midwife, health visitor or a doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's skin.

In this section, we describe some of the more common rashes and skin conditions involving rashes in newborns and babies:. To help prevent or clear nappy rash:. Make sure your baby is wearing the right sized nappies. Use our nappy size guide to get the right fit for your baby. Change soiled or wet nappies as soon as possible. Some newborn nappies have a wetness indicator to help you decide when they could be ready for a change. Use alcohol-free wipes or cotton wool and water for this.

Apply a thin layer of barrier cream at each nappy change. Bathe your baby once a day. Avoid using soaps, lotions, bubble baths or talcum powder, and dry your little one gently after each bath.

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a common skin condition causing rash in babies. This type of rash can also appear in the creases of the neck, knees and elbows.

Your baby will usually grow out of the eczema with time; but tell your doctor or health visitor if you think your child has it. To help soothe eczema or prevent it from reoccurring:. Gently apply a non-scented moisturiser to the affected skin several times a day.

Avoid baby soaps and bubble baths. Bathing your baby with plain water is usually enough. The rash can be red, but this may be less noticeable on brown and black skin. Scarlet fever usually starts with a white coating on the tongue, a sore throat, headache and a high temperature. See a GP immediately if you think your child has scarlet fever.

It's treated with antibiotics. Measles usually starts with the same symptoms as a cold, plus a high temperature, sore eyes that are sensitive to light and grey spots inside the cheeks. After a few days, a spotty rash appears on the head or neck and spreads to the rest of the body. The spots can appear red or brown, but they may be less noticeable on brown and black skin. Heat and sweat can cause raised spots or patches known as prickly heat or heat rash. The rash can look red, but it may be less noticeable on brown or black skin.

Skin that's itchy, dry and cracked may be atopic eczema. It's common behind the knees, elbows and neck, but it can appear anywhere. The affected area may change colour.

On white skin, the area may look pink or red. On brown and black skin, it may look grey or purple, or darker than surrounding skin. Hives causes a raised, itchy rash. It can look red, but this may be less noticeable on brown and black skin.