3 Ways to Diagnose a Splotchy Rash on a Child's Face

1. Does the Rash Clear up on Its Own?

Kids, particularly those who spend a lot of time in school or in contact with a lot of other children their age, often develop rashes, skin infections and other minor problems that can go away on their own if left untreated. How can you tell whether to treat or seek help for a splotchy facial rash? Here are a few parameters: the rash continues to grow or change color over the course of days; the rash is co-present with other disturbing symptoms like swelling, fever, nausea, or severe itchiness; splotchiness makes distinct shapes, like rings, ribbons or other patterns that may indicate something other than a minor poison ivy bout or fungal rash.

2. Systematically Rule out Various Causes

Use the scientific principle of "Occam's Razor," which implores diagnosticians to look for the simplest causes first. Instead of running to WebMD to look up exotic potential causes of the splotchy rash, consider the most probable causes first. If your child has been running around in the woods, for instance, he or she may have come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. In this case, you may want to check for additional symptoms of allergic response, such as itchy skin or spreading of the rash via the fingers. If you can rule out this diagnosis, you can move on to another culprit. For instance, maybe other children at your child's school have come down with similar rashes. In this case, you can consult with other parents and teachers to determine the root cause. By methodically going down this list, you'll not only improve your odds of getting the right diagnosis faster, but you'll also be much more effective in talking with your physician if you need to get a professional medical opinion.

3. Go to Your Pediatrician

If your initial sleuthing fails to ferret out the cause of the splotchy rash, your pediatrician may be able to shed light or prescribe tests to determine the nature of the rash. You can help your pediatrician along by researching, taking notes and observing your child.