Why does my child have a rash?

A rash is a change in your child’s skin.

• Rashes are the body’s response to exposure. This exposure can be directly on the skin, or a response to something happening inside of the body.
• They are a physical sign that something is going on with your child’s body.
• Your child can have a rash for many different reasons. Some rashes are more worrisome than others. Some rashes are contagious, others are not.
• Here is a list of some common causes of rashes and links to articles where you can learn more about them. 
  • A viral infection has caused the rash.
    • (example:  hand foot and mouth, chicken pox, roseola)
  • A fungus has caused the rash.
    • (example:  ring worm, a yeast infection)
  • Bacteria has caused the rash.
    • (example:  a strep or staph infection)
  • Something your child came in contact with has caused the rash.
    • (example:  grass, pesticides, metal, poison ivy/oak)
  • A bite or sting has caused the rash.
    • (example:  mosquito, spider, bee)  
  • Heat has caused the rash.
    • (example:  excessive sweating, fevers, sun exposure)
  • A medication your child is taking has caused the rash.
    • (example:  an antibiotic, a seizure medication)
    • Your child has a condition called eczema or atopic dermatitis  
  • Sunburn has caused the rash .
  • Your child is experiencing stress or trauma stressors  
    • (example:  changes in living situations, loss of loved ones, abuse or neglect, bullying, suffering from anxiety) 

What are the symptoms associated with rashes?

• If you notice a rash that looks purple or bruised your child needs to be seen.
• You may notice:  
  • Small bumps that might be skin-colored, pink or red.
  • Larger red areas.
  • Dry patches.
  • fluid-filled blisters.
  • Hives – red, itchy bumps that come and go.
  • itchiness
• Your child may have a fever, chills, body-aches, sore throat, cough, congestion, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Your child may be more tired or have a decrease in appetite or fluid intake. 

How can I prevent rashes?

• Rashes due to illnesses:
  • Encourage your child to wash their hands regularly.
  • Avoid sick contacts.
  • Avoid sharing food, drinks, or toothbrushes.
  • Make sure your child’s vaccines are up-to-date.
  • Encourage good hydration and a well-balanced diet.
• Rashes due to irritants:
  • Be sure to keep your keep your child’s skin moisturized. We recommend the use of dye-free, fragrance-free products.  
  • Avoid any exposures that are known irritants for your child.
  • Use a sensitive skin soap if your child has a history of skin irritation/atopic dermatitis/eczema.
  • If your child is prone to dry skin/atopic dermatitis/eczema be sure to keep baths to no more than once to twice per week, as baths can dry out the skin.  
  • If your child is in diapers be sure to keep the area as dry as possible.  
• Discourage your child from scratching or picking at their skin. Picking at the rash will increase the chances of getting a skin infection.  
• If your child has a known allergy to a medication be sure to let your child’s provider know
• Use insect repellant when playing outdoors.
• Be sure to use sunscreen. 
  • For any new sunscreens, perform a patch test: apply a small amount to the leg and 24 hours later apply again, if no reaction, your child should tolerate it on all areas that need application.
  • Apply 30 minutes before swimming or going outside. Reapply at least every 2 hours. 

How can I treat rashes?

• Continue to apply moisturizers to the skin.
• It is okay to use age-appropriate anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone available over the counter.
• Be sure to give any medications as prescribed for treatment.  
• If your child has been exposed to any known allergens, thoroughly clean the skin with soap and water.
• Cool compresses can help with itchiness.
• If your child is in diapers apply barrier creams and change diapers regularly.  
• Try to keep as much skin covered by clothing or bandages as possible to keep your child from picking at their skin.  
• Sunburn can be treated with aloe vera, and sun avoidance is best until fully recovered.  
• Encourage your child to drink lots of fluids.
• Tylenol and ibuprofen can be used if needed for discomfort.
• Be sure to allow proper rest as needed. 

When to contact your child’s provider:

• Your child’s rash looks purple or bruised.
• Your child’s rash looks infected: it is painful to the touch, there is drainage from the skin.
• Your child is getting worse.
• Your child is unable to tolerate fluids.
• Your child is having trouble breathing.  
• Medications prescribed don’t seem to be helping.  
• You think your child needs to be seen. 

This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org

Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 11/2023