Many rashes resolve on their own, while others may require medical attention. However, they are rarely an emergency. This article reviews different types of baby rashes and their the symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Causes
Babies develop rashes for a variety of reasons, including:
Sensitive skin IrritantsHeatAllergic reactionsInfections
While these are more common reasons for babies to develop rashes, rashes are associated with a variety of conditions and triggers.
Types of Rashes
Allergic Reaction
Babies can have allergic reactions to medications, soap, animals, or specific foods. Allergic reactions cause a raised rash with red bumps and may include vomiting.
When a rash occurs due to an allergic reaction, infants may also exhibit the following allergy-related symptoms:
Swelling of the face, lips, or eyesItching Red, itchy, runny eyesCongestion Runny noseWheezingNausea or vomiting
Baby Acne
Neonatal or newborn acne appears as tiny red or white bumps on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and scalp. It is common in babies 2 weeks to 6 weeks old and usually resolves on its own within a couple of months.
Trouble breathing or stops breathing Swelling of the upper airway (hoarse voice or high-pitched breathing sounds) Loses consciousness or fainting Unusually fast heart rate Unusually slow heart rate
Infantile acne is less common and develops when your baby is 6 weeks or older. It causes comedones, which are small, skin-colored bumps with a white or dark surface.
Chicken Pox
Itchy red spots filled with clear fluid are often the first sign of chicken pox. It is caused by a virus called varicella. The rash starts on the chest, back, head, and face and spreads to the arms and legs. Rarely, it spreads to the mouth, eyelids, or genital area.
Infants with chicken pox may develop other symptoms such as:
FeverSwollen glandsAbdominal painTirednessLoss of appetite
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap, crusty yellow or slightly red patches on the scalp, is most seen in babies 2 months old to 12 months old. It can spread to the face, neck, armpits, diaper area, and ears. This condition usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks.
Diaper Rash
A rash in the diaper area is common in infants. It causes red splotches that may become sore and scaly and can spread to the stomach and upper legs.
Causes of a diaper rash include:
A diaper that stays on too long Infection Allergic reaction to diapers, baby wipes, or soap Yeast infection (most often seen with antibiotics given to the baby or breastfeeding parent)
Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) creates itchy, dry, and scaly patches of skin that may be red and swollen or bleed when scratched. Excessive scratching can cause bleeding or rough, thicker, and darker skin. It is not contagious.
Eczema often begins between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. It typically starts on the cheeks and forehead and then skin creases, elbows, and knees. Allergies cause it to worsen, and it will come and go based on exposure to irritants such as:
Scented soaps, lotion, or detergentsDry airIllness or stressDust mitesPet danderDrooling
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a contagious viral infection caused by the human parvovirus B19. This rash may look as if a child has been slapped and is sometimes referred to as the “slapped-cheek rash.” It is a flat, red rash that can spread to the chest, stomach, arms, and legs. When it is fading, it looks a bit like lace.
Children with fifth disease may also have symptoms including:
Low-grade feverHeadacheRunny nose
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious, viral disease that creates blisters in the mouth or a rash on the hands and feet. It’s passed through saliva, stool (poop), respiratory droplets, and fluid in blisters.
Infants with this disease may also have the following symptoms:
Poor appetiteSore throatIrritabilityDroolingFever
Symptoms are usually mild and resolve on their own within a week. However, healthcare providers may prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms.
Heat Rash
Heat, humidity, and sweat can block pores and create a rash with small red bumps or fluid-filled blisters. They usually go away on their own, especially when the baby is cooled down.
Hives
Hives are itchy, raised, swollen welts on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. Their appearance varies and might include:
Red, pink, or skin-colored bumpsTiny spots Clusters of spotsBlotchy patches
Hives are usually an allergic reaction to food, irritants, pollen, or medication. Illness, infection, and extreme temperatures can also cause hives.
Impetigo
Impetigo, a common bacterial rash, causes red itchy sores that form blisters. The sores sometimes break and ooze a clear fluid that creates a yellow crust. This fluid is highly contagious when others come in contact with it.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping infants with impetigo home from daycare for 24 hours after the start of antibiotics.
Treatments
Treatment for baby rashes will depend on the cause and severity of the rash. The following are general guidelines for each type of rash:
Allergic reaction: It’s best to seek medical attention for allergic reactions. Your healthcare provider may want to perform allergy testing and prescribe medications such as antihistamines, allergy medication, steroids, or an epinephrine pen (EpiPen). Baby acne: For newborns less than 6 weeks old, acne typically resolves on its own and does not require treatment. Babies 6 weeks or older should be examined by a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions) to rule out other skin problems and decrease the risk of permanent scars. Chicken pox: A lukewarm bath with small amounts of uncooked oatmeal helps with itchy rashes such as chickenpox. Apply calamine lotion to the rash after bathing. Give Tylenol (acetaminophen) for fever or discomfort. Infants younger than 3 months should have approval from their healthcare provider before giving acetaminophen. Cradle cap: Gently remove scales with a soft brush and wash the baby’s hair once a day. A small amount of baby oil can be used to soften scales, if needed. Diaper rash: Apply a diaper rash cream such as Boudreaux’s butt paste or Desitin after every diaper change. For rashes around the opening of the diaper at the leg or waist, try switching diaper brands. Eczema: Use a cool compress or a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal and apply an eczema-friendly moisturizer. It’s best to see a healthcare provider for long-term solutions. Fifth disease: Fifth disease is usually mild and resolves on its own. You can treat symptoms such as fever, swelling, or pain with Tylenol. Hand, foot, and mouth disease: HFMD usually resolves on its own with no specific treatment. Ensure your baby gets plenty of fluids and treat fever or pain with Tylenol. Heat rash: Keep the baby cool and out of hot, humid weather. Try to avoid powders and creams because they can clog pores further. Hives: Many cases of mild hives will resolve on their own. However, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to help you identify triggers to avoid in the future. Your provider may prescribe allergy medications, steroids, or an epinephrine pen. Impetigo: Babies with impetigo should see a healthcare provider. They may want to prescribe oral or topical (skin) antibiotics.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider for any of the following:
Your baby is not eating or drinking enough. Fever lasts longer than three days. There’s no improvement after 10 days. Your baby is experiencing symptoms and is less than 6 months old. Your baby has a weak immune system. The rash gets worse after treatment .
Prevention
General guidelines to help prevent baby rashes include:
Practice good hygiene and handwashing. Avoid allergens. Avoid tight clothes or diapers. Change diapers as soon as they are wet or dirty. Avoid harsh fragrances, soap, or detergents. Avoid exposure to hot, humid conditions. Dress the baby in loose-fitting, breathable clothes.
Techniques to prevent contagious diseases from spreading include:
Wash clothes and linens that touch sores daily. Prevent scratching with mittens or clean cotton socks on their hands. Wash your babies hands often. Cover open sores with light bandages. Frequently was surfaces, toys, and pacifiers. Bathe your baby daily.
Summary
Babies can develop rashes due to irritants (including harsh detergents or fragrances), allergens, or certain health conditions. Contagious infections such as impetigo or chicken pox also cause rashes, which often include other symptoms such as fever. Many of these rashes resolve on their own, while others may require medical attention.
If you are concerned about your baby’s rash, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. If your baby has severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, fainting, very low or high heart rate, or is not responding, call 911.
A Word From Verywell
While it is common for babies to develop diaper rashes or cradle cap, it can be stressful for parents. Keep in mind that rashes are very rarely an emergency. That said, there’s no shame in asking for an opinion from your child’s healthcare provider. Knowing what the rash is and how to treat it can make your child more comfortable faster.
