A variety of conditions, whether exposure to illness or a response to environmental factors can cause children to develop rashes. Some rashes are associated with other signs and symptoms that may need the immediate attention of the physician, including sign of dehydration, infected-looking rashes and the inability to console the child.
Viral Rashes
Roseola, a common childhood viral infection causes a fever, usually over 103 F, followed by a rash. The rash generally appears 3 to 5 days after the fever; appearing with many small pink spots that are mostly flat. The rash usually starts on the chest, back and belly and then proceeds to the neck and arms, according to the Mayo Clinic website. The doctor should be consulted when your child experiences high fevers; more serious diseases need ruling out. Extremely high fevers or rapidly increasing fevers can cause seizures notes the Mayo Clinic.
Parvovirus, also known as fifth disease, is a highly contagious common childhood infection marked by a distinct bright red rash on both cheeks; it is sometimes called slapped cheek disease, explains Mayo Clinic. Characteristics of the rash include a pink, lacy, often raised rash extending to arms, thighs, central area and buttocks. This rash could come and go over a 3-week period.
Heat Rash
Miliaria, or heat rash, occurs most often in infants but can appear at any age. The initial event that causes the inflammatory response is occlusion of the sweat duct during periods of physical activity or heat exposure, according to Thomas Habif, M.D., in his book "Clinical Dermatology." There are three types of miliaria, classification depends on where the ducts are blocked. In miliaria crystallina, the ducts in the top layers of the skin are affected, causing the rash to look like tiny, clear blisters that break easily. Miliaria rubra occurs deeper in the skin, usually red bumps appearing in babies between the first and third week of life, states the Mayo Clinic. Miliaria profunda, a less common childhood rash, affects the deepest layers of skin and appears as if goose bumps. Most heat rash goes away when sweating is reduced or eliminated.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema occurs in early childhood but may come and go throughout life. Atopic dermatitis results from reactions to the environment such as allergens like pollen, mold and dust or an immunologic response within the child's body. According to the Kids Health website, eczema is common in children who have parents with asthma, hay fever or some other allergic response to allergens. Eczema is most common behind the knees and arms explain Mayo Clinic. Eczema could appear scaly, red patch-like, cracked or with red bumps. Children with eczema later develop asthma or hay fever. If your child has eczema, discuss long-term management strategies with your pediatrician.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Roseola
- Mayo Clinic: Parvovirus infection
- "Clinical Dermatology"; Thomas Habif; 2009
- Nemours KidsHealth: Eczema
- Mayo Clinic: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
