A variety of conditions and factors can cause red bumps to form on a child's body. The red bumps are the result of the body reacting to a virus or to environmental conditions. Red bumps can appear over the entire body or may appear in groups or alone. The red bumps vary in characteristics between the different causes. Most often, red bumps will disappear spontaneously without medical treatment. Some red bumps may itch or hurt, and treatments can help provide relief from these symptoms.
Viral Rashes
Many viruses can cause a red rash to appear on the skin. A child easily contracts viruses from others around him. Examples of viral infections that may cause a red rash include fifth disease, chickenpox and measles. Fifth disease outbreaks often occur during the spring and spread through breathing in contaminated droplets from an infected person exhaling, according to the Merck Manuals. A lacy, red, raised rash appears on the arms, legs and trunk following a blotchy red rash on the cheeks of the face. Chickenpox rashes appear as red, itchy bumps filled with fluid that will break open and form a scab. The measles causes small pinkish-red, flat bumps to appear on the face and neck and can spread to other areas of the body. A vaccine will help prevent viruses such as chickenpox and measles.
Heat Rash
A heat rash causes small, red bumps to appear on a child's face, neck and shoulders. The bumps form due to blocked sweat glands, according to Skinsight.com. This condition, also referred to as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, occurs most often in hot, humid areas and on children who have a fever or who are overdressed. The red bumps may also cause itching and pain. The condition improves after decreasing the excessive heat to the body.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when a child develops inflammation due to repeat exposure to an irritating product. Some items such as poison ivy, medications or detergents will cause an allergic reaction. Touching the substance can cause red bumps to form on the skin in the area of the exposure. Allergy testing can help determine what is causing the reaction for children with recurring contact dermatitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Insect Bites
When an insect bites a child, it leaves a red bump on the skin because of the venom injected during the bite. Depending on the insect, it may bite multiple times or several similar insects may bite during the same exposure time. The bites may sting, itch or become painful. Protecting against insect bites is possible with the use of insect repellents.
Bacterial Infection
Scarlet fever, a series of tiny, rough, raised red bumps that feel like sandpaper, occurs when a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat, goes untreated. A fever may accompany the red rash. Treating the infection will also treat the rash.
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