What you need to know about RASHES
Rashes are soooo incredibly common, but they all look different, have different severity, and they seem to come and go as they please.
So, how do you know when to worry? Well, this week I’m here to help you determine when you can let your little one’s rash heal on its own, and when you should have them seen by a professional.
First, I want to acknowledge that as a mother, seeing your little one with a rash can be scary. Perhaps its red, bumpy, itchy … there is nothing worse than seeing your little one uncomfortable. Fortunately, most rashes are not actually medical emergencies, and in fact, not dangerous at all. Knowing which rashes can be serious and which ones are okay to watch at home can save you the worry (and hassle!) of an ER visit.
RED FLAGS FOR RASHES:
In general, any rash that DOESN’T BLANCH can be more serious and should be evaluated by a medical provider urgently: A NON BLANCHING RASH is a rash that does not fade when you press on them. They occur due to bleeding beneath the surface of the skin.
By contrast, BLANCHING rashes fade or turn white when you press on them.
BLANCHING VS. NON-BLANCHING RASHES
Blanching Rash
The white area is where the rash faded after someone pressed their hand on the rash
Non Blanching Rashes:
Purpura: A rash of purple spots due to small blood vessels leaking into the skin, joints, intestines, or organs
Petechiae: Tiny round brown-purple spots due to bleeding under the skin.
If a rash is ACCOMPANIED by any of the following, seek medical help:
Shortness of breath
Skin peeling away or blisters in the mouth (not sores)
Swelling or tightness in the throat
Areas of tenderness
Joint pain
Severe headache
Streaks of redness
Now, let’s go over the 10 MOST COMMON PEDIATRIC RASHES:
Hives (Urticaria)
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Viral Exanthem
Insect Bites
Impetigo
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Molluscum
Poison Ivy
Fifth Disease
Chicken Pox
Let’s take a closer look at each of these listed above.
1. HIVES
Hives (also called urticaria) are pink or red bumps, or slightly raised patches of skin.
Sometimes they have a pale center. They usually itch, but can also burn or sting.
They can be tiny or very large, and they can change locations and come and go.
Hives are most commonly caused by an allergy, but can be caused by many things such as nervousness, or infections caused by viruses.
Usually hives can be treated at home with close observation and the use of antihistamines if needed. Cool, moist compresses can help with discomfort
2. ECZEMA
A chronic condition that causes patches of dry, scaly red skin.
Tends to flare up during colder months, when there’s less moisture in the air.
Overheating, sweating, and chlorine can also trigger eczema.
Often associated with other conditions, including allergies and asthma.
Can be treated by moisturizing the skin, and choosing soft, breathable clothing that prevents overheating and irritation.
Try to keep your child from scratching the area.
Talk with your pediatrician about any other treatments that might be helpful
3. VIRAL EXANTHEM
A rash that is often related to a viral infection.
Can vary in appearance; most cause red/pink spots over large parts of the body.
Most of the infections that cause viral exanthems can also cause fever, headaches, sore throat and fatigue.
Most viral exanthem rashes will run their course in a few days or a couple of weeks, and will clear up without any specific treatment.
4. INSECT BITES
Can be irritating, but in most cases, symptoms resolve quickly.
If a bee leaves behind a stinger, try to remove it as quickly as possible using a scraping motion, without pinching the venom sac at the end.
Keep areas with bites and stings clean.
A cool, moist compress can help relieve discomfort.
If needed, an antihistamine, Tylenol, or ibuprofen can also help.
5. IMPETIGO
A bacterial skin infection caused by Staph or Strep.
The face and extremities are the most commonly involved sites.
The rash looks like honey-colored crusted erosions.
Since this rash is caused by a bacteria, antibiotic treatment is required.
This rash is contagious, so be sure to use good hand-washing.
Kids should not return to school for 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
See your pediatrician if you are concerned about impetigo.
6. HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE
Is usually caused by the Coxsackie virus.
Starts with symptoms such as fever, feeling tired, sore throat, and poor appetite.
After about 2 days, sores in the mouth and a rash that is usually on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet start.
Treatment is just supportive care. Use tylenol or ibuprofen if needed for pain.
Do your best to keep your child hydrated.
7. MOLLUSCUM
A skin rash caused by a virus.
The rash has small clear or flesh-colored bumps.
While often painless, the rash can get itchy and sore, or red and swollen.
If kids scratch or pick at the bumps, they can become infected.
The rash can appear alone or in groups or rows. It can show up almost anywhere on the skin except for the palms and the soles.
It can spread to other parts of the body or from person to person.
Usually the rash goes away on its own in 6-12 months, but it can take longer.
8. POISON IVY
A plant that can cause an itchy rash when touched.
The rash usually includes blisters, itching, and sometimes swelling.
It can look like straight lines if the plant is brushed against the skin in that way.
After a few days, the blisters stop oozing and become crusty and flake off. The rash can start immediately after contact or even up to 5 days later. It may take 2-3 weeks to heal.
For treatment, remove any clothing that touched the plant. Wash the skin gently with soap and water, and avoid scratching the area. Cool compresses can help with discomfort.
For itching, an oatmeal bath or calamine lotion can help.
9. FIFTH DISEASE
Is a viral illness caused by a virus called parvovirus B19.
Most common in kids ages 5-15.
It causes a distinctive red rash on the face that looks like a “slapped cheek.” The rash later spreads down the body and lasts 1-3 weeks.
This illness often begins with a low grade fever, headache, and cold symptoms. These symptoms usually go away and the rash develops a few days later.
This illness is contagious.
The important thing to remember about Fifth Disease is that it can be dangerous for the fetus of pregnant women, especially during the first half of pregnancy.
10. Chicken Pox
A viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
Causes a fever and an itchy rash with spots all over the body.
Usually starts with a fever, headache, sore throat, or stomach ache. These symptoms usually last a few days.
The rash usually starts on the stomach, back, or face and then spreads elsewhere.
The rash starts with many small red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites, and after 2-4 days, they develop into blisters filled with fluid. The blisters break, leaving open sores which crust over.
Is very contagious.
Can be spread through droplets in the air by coughing or sneezing, or in mucus, saliva, or fluid from the blisters. It is contagious from about 2 days before the rash starts until all of the blisters are crusted over. Kids should stay home until this happens.
I hope this information helps you next time your child has a rash. Remember, knowledge is power. Knowing what to look for will help make the best decision and whether you need to seek medical assistance.
For more information on common medical emergencies and illnesses at home, check out my signature online course by clicking here Mastering Medical Emergencies at Home.