As parents, we all have dealt with kids afflicted with skin rashes. From the time our children were infants, we have battled common rashes in kids such as baby (neonatal) acne, diaper rash, and heat rash.

Are there times when a rash can be serious? Although most rashes on kids’ bodies are harmless, some may warrant concern. So, when should you worry?

Here’s help figuring out what to do about skin rashes to help relieve the itches and the bumps as well as your parental anxiety.

Types of rashes on kids and what to do

Kids’ rashes can be caused by a virus, an allergic reaction, or a skin irritation resulting from rubbing, drool, or a toxic substance (like the poison ivy leaf).

Here are the more common rashes in kids that you may come across and what to do to help your little one.

Fungal rash

A skin fungus is typically caused by excess moisture, as from drool or sweat. Children don’t appear ill and are generally afebrile (without fever) with this type of rash.

Some fungal rashes are:

• Diaper rash: A common and treatable type of fungal rash, diaper dermatitis presents as a bright red, sore bottom area. Since fungal rashes occur in warm, wet, and dark places, one of the 1st places you may encounter a rash of this type is in the diaper area.
• Tinea corporis or ringworm of the body: This one presents in a ring shape, hence the nickname. The area is usually slightly raised and may itch somewhat. This rash can appear anywhere on the body.
• Oral thrush: Especially while a baby is teething, excess drool may cause red bumps or tiny white skin patches to appear around the mouth. Usually painless and non-irritating, this rash can look worse than it feels. In bottle-fed or breastfed babies, thrush can develop in the mouth, appearing as white patches on the tongue or cheeks, and it can be painful.

What should you do if you suspect your child has a fungal rash?

Most fungal rashes are treated in a similar manner:

• Examine your child head to toe to see if the rash has spread to other areas of the body.
• Take your child’s temperature to rule out a sickness-related rash.
• Determine if your child has any other symptoms of illness, such as nausea, a sore throat, or a cold.
• Keep the rash area clean and dry. Since moisture has caused the problem, keeping the skin dry will help with the issue. If it’s challenging to keep the site moisture-free, such as around the mouth or the diaper area, apply an unmedicated and unscented skin barrier cream, like Vaseline or Aquaphor.
• Call your child’s doctor to discuss the rash and any other symptoms. Your physician will most likely prescribe an anti-fungal cream to get rid of the skin problem. Remember to follow the doctor’s directions and apply the cream for as long as prescribed. Stopping the treatment before the course is completed may encourage the rash to return with a vengeance.

Plant rashes

We all dread getting a case of poison ivy and hope that our children won’t have to deal with this annoying and itchy rash. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac plant rashes are red, weepy contact skin irritations that are incredibly itchy. The rash may continue to spread over several days.

Other than being extremely itchy, your child should not have a fever or any other illness symptoms with this type of rash.

One of the best ways to deal with plant rashes is by learning how to identify which plants can cause an itchy allergic reaction and then avoid them.

However, if your child has a run-in with poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac, here are some tips to help them get through the irritation.

• After your child plays outside in areas where poison plants may grow, wash their exposed skin areas (such as hands and face) immediately afterward with soap and water. Throw soiled clothing directly into the washing machine.
• The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying a topical rash cream for kids. If the child is very itchy, an antihistamine can be taken to lessen the need to scratch.
• Make sure your child avoids scratching or picking at the rash, which could cause infection.
• Relief can be provided by lukewarm baths with a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which is available in most pharmacies or grocery stores. In addition, AAD suggests dissolving 1 cup of baking soda in a cool bath to reduce itchiness.
• If you have any concerns, the rash looks infected, or it’s not going away after a week, contact your doctor.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common bacterial skin rash caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus pathogens. It presents as honey-colored, fluid-filled, and crusted lesions mainly around the nose and mouth. However, as a school nurse, I have also seen impetigo on the knees and elbows.

This is a highly contagious skin rash that can be transmitted to additional surface areas of the infected child’s body. In addition, others that physically come into contact with impetigo lesions can become infected. Articles that have been contaminated with the fluid from impetigo, such as towels and pencils, may also transfer the bacteria to others.

Extraordinary care is necessary to keep potentially infectious hands and items from spreading the bacteria. Besides ensuring proper hygiene and keeping hands away from the infected area, what should a parent do?

Some simple measures that will help your child are:

• Examine your child from head to toe to see if the rash has spread to other areas of the body.
• Take your child’s temperature to rule out an illness-related rash.
• Observe if your child is experiencing any other symptoms of illness, such as nausea, a sore throat, or a cold.
• Keep the rash area clean and dry. As hard as it may be, make sure your child avoids touching the lesions to keep the rash from spreading across the body and to others. Have your kid wash their hands with soap and water frequently and launder all clothing, sheets, and towels separately from others in hot soapy water.
• Call your doctor immediately to discuss treatment, which should consist of antibiotic skin cream in addition to an oral antibiotic. Once again, complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed to avoid a super-infection.

Fifth disease (Erythema infectiosum)

Otherwise known as “slapped cheeks syndrome,” fifth disease is a common viral rash in school-aged children. It manifests with red cheeks and a fine, lacy, light pink rash on kid’s chests and extremities.

While working in the nurse’s office of an elementary school, I would see fifth disease every spring in many children. They would present with bright red cheeks and possibly a low-grade fever. However, they felt relatively well and didn’t complain of any discomfort or itchiness. A child often doesn’t even have to go home as once the rash develops, they are no longer contagious.

However, if your kid does have fifth disease, you can help them by taking the following measures:

• Examine your child head to toe to see if the rash has spread to other areas of the body.
• Take your child’s temperature to rule out an illness-related rash.
• Find out if your child has any other symptoms of illness, such as nausea, a sore throat, or a cold.
• Encourage plenty of fluids and rest.
• Give your child pain relief medication for fever or discomfort and antihistamines for the itchiness. Call your doctor for medication dosage and treatment recommendations.
• Have your child take lukewarm baths with a colloidal oatmeal preparation, which is available in most pharmacies or grocery stores. In addition, AAD suggests that a cool bath with 1 cup of baking soda added may help to relieve itchiness.
• It’s best to report suspected fifth disease to your pediatrician for additional guidelines and recommendations.

Viral rashes

A viral infection can affect many areas of the body, the skin included. Viral rashes can sometimes be more challenging to diagnose than many typical skin eruptions. Therefore, your healthcare provider needs to rely on other clues to help figure out what is causing your child’s rash.

As a family nurse practitioner, I always felt like a detective when assessing and diagnosing skin conditions. I couldn’t focus on the skin alone; I needed a thorough health history and did a complete physical assessment to come up with a proper diagnosis.

Viral rashes almost always appear with other symptoms of illness, such as fever, a runny nose, congestion, or a headache.

If your child is ill and develops a rash, it’s recommended that you do the following:

• Check your child all over to determine if the rash has spread to other areas of the body.
• Monitor your child’s temperature.
• Determine what symptoms of illness your child is displaying.
• Encourage plenty of fluids and rest.
• Contact your pediatrician for treatment and medication recommendations.

COVID rash in kids: a viral rash of concern

The phrase “COVID in kids” strikes terror in every parent’s heart. Although a COVID rash is not common, it’s important to be familiar with this symptom due to the serious nature of the condition. As you may be aware, kids typically don’t get very ill with the coronavirus. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, being vigilant about possible severe complications from the virus is warranted.

The COVID rash in kids may present in many different forms anywhere on the body but mainly on the torso and limbs. Typically, it appears as a red, round, slightly raised rash. However, hives and other rash descriptions have also been associated with COVID.

A rash on kid’s chest, face, and feet has also been identified as COVID rash. “COVID toes” has become a familiar medical term that describes a red rash on the toes of individuals infected with this virus.

It’s best to report any rash to your pediatrician if your child has COVID or has recovered from it in the past few weeks. Any skin eruption or irregularity can be a sign of a severe complication of COVID-19 in children.

What should you do if your child has a COVID rash or develops one after recovering from the virus?

• Monitor your child’s temperature.
• Contact your pediatrician right away if any rash develops in addition to bloodshot eyes, abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

The takeaway

As parents, we have plenty to worry about when it comes to our children. Hopefully, you’re feeling a little more at ease about kids’ rashes after reading this article. Most skin rashes in kids may be a bit uncomfortable, but they are relatively harmless, with the exception of the COVID rash. Talking with your doctor, following treatment advice, and applying a few comfort measures will go a long way in keeping your child calm while recovering from their skin condition.