Childhood Rashes: Worry Or Not?

From a general point of view, childhood rashes are actually a very common phenomenon, and like many other symptoms, a rash tends to resolve once the cause of it is properly identified. When it comes down to it, rashes are just the skin’s way of letting you know that something is irritating it. Although the majority of rashes are pretty harmless, some of them could be quite worrisome and even dangerous, and identifying the clue regarding which we should worry about or not is key in dealing with those skin affections.

So, does that rash on your kid's skin make you worry? That's fair, but It could simply be an innocent rash. But in order to recognize if it poses a danger to your child or not, let us identify the most common types of rashes that develop in childhood and how to deal with them. Armed with the right knowledge, you won't have to worry anymore, and you can make sure your child is safe. Let's take a look.

Here is a list of all the most common skin rashes that occur during childhood and how you can identify and treat them:

The Chicken Pox Rash

Chicken pox is a very contagious disease caused by primary infection with a virus from the herpes family, called the Varicella Zoster Virus (VSV). The chicken pox rash is characterized by fluid filled vesicles all over the body. It begins as red marks that resemble mosquito bites. Within a few hours, the marks develop into blisters that would end up bursting out, potentially leaving some scabs on the skin.

Alongside with the rash, your child might also present with flu-like symptoms (a low grade fever, a headache or a sore throat). Like previously mentioned, this rash is highly contagious, and remains so until all the blisters have dried and crusted. This generally takes up to 6 days, within which the child should be isolated to avoid him transmitting the disease to others. So yes, the chicken pox rash is something we should worry about. The chicken pox blisters can also get infected if the child scratches the skin (it is very itchy), which would cause lesions.

One dose of vaccine is given during childhood. However, because the immunity is not long-lasting, a booster is generally required 5 years after the previous dose.

Measles Rash

Also called rubella, measles is another highly contagious disease caused by a virus, the Measles Virus (which belongs to the family of Paramyxoviridae). The virus is transmitted via respirator droplets and nasal secretions, from one child to another through hand shaking or other forms of close contact.

The measles rash starts few days after an episode of fever and appears as a generalized rash all over the body.

It is reddish to brownish in appearance, and is described as “maculopapular”.

Another key characteristic marker of measles is the presence of Koplik’s spots, which are small areas of red-blue white spot in the oral mucosa. The rash of Rubella (German Measles) commences as macules and papules all over the forehead; that diffusely spread to the face, the trunk and the extremities. 

Read More: Once An Almost-Forgotten Disease, Measles Outbreak Strikes Children And Adults

Heat rash

Another name for the “oh-so common” heat rash is Miliaria. Heat rash is one of those we should not worry about, as it tend to disappear with decreased exposure to heat and sun.  Heat rash presents as tiny raised red bumps on the surface of the skin, on heat exposed areas (face, neck, arms, legs, etc.) For some people it is itchy, while for others it is not. 

Scarlet Fever Rash

Scarlet Fever is a disease caused by a bacterium that belongs to the Group A Streptococci family. The bacterium in question is called Streptococcus Pyogenes. Scarlet fever rash is the rash that children with strep throat generally have. The bacteria produces a toxin that attacks the skin, resulting in a rash. At first, the rash seems to be a very bad sunburn, with only tiny bumps. But as the disease process progresses, the rash starts to spread on the face, head and neck, as well as the chest and the back. Eventually, the rash is present on the entire body. 

Impetigo Rash

Impetigo rash can be caused by two main bacteria: Staphylococcus Aureus or Streptococcus Pyogenes. The rash starts as a red sore close to the nose or the mouth, which breaks and leaks bacterial particles all around, causing more sores to develop. It may affect the skin anywhere on the body, but most of the time the blisters develop on the neck, hands, diaper area and in the face. And if the skin is already subject to topical irritation (allergies, itching creams, pimples, etc.) the risk of developing impetigo climbs. The impetigo rash is not painful, but it’s itchy. It is also very contagious, so it is definitely something to worry about. Unlike other rashes, the impetigo rash can actually be treated with antibiotics therapy.

Roseola

 Also known as the sixth disease, roseola is actually a rather mild illness. It is caused by the human herpes virus 6. Initially the child seems like he has a cold, but the fact that he develops an extremely high fever (around 101F) is a red clue that something is wrong. The high fever ends abruptly, and as soon as it does the rash develops. It looks like flattened and lightly raised bumps, of a pinkish color (hence the name “roseola”, which comes from “rose”, pink in the French language).

Hives Rash

Depending on how intense the allergic reaction is, the rash could be significant or not. It can be triggered by many things like food, latex, certain type of clothes fabrics, insect stings, medications, etc. The rash is usually short-lived (it lasts three to four days) and mild and can be controlled with antihistaminic medications. A hives rash presents as erythematous raised plaques.

Molluscum contagiosum rash

This is another common childhood rash, caused by a virus. It takes the form of small, raised bumps on the surface of the skin, around 2 to 5mm wide. The rash could be pale, pale pink, flesh colored or yellowish, depending on the skin color of the individual. The bumps have a dent in the center, and may be tender or slightly itchy.  In general, they would disappear without treatment within a few weeks, or may persist (only in rare cases). So this is another rash that is worth your attention.

Read More: Scarlet Fever in Children

When should you worry about a rash?

You should see your doctor if:

• The rash comes with a fever;

• The rash has been infected;

• The rash is painful;

• The rash comes with some dizziness or fainting;

• The rash started after taking some medications;

• The rash lasts for more than 3 days;

• The rash comes with difficulties breathing;

Your medical practitioner would be the best person to provide you with assistance and re-assure you.