A rash may cause skin to turn reddish or slightly darker or lighter than normal. Rashes can also irritate the skin and cause it to become scaly, flaky, bumpy or swollen. In some cases, rashes produce blisters and pimples. Children can develop a variety of skin rashes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP. Most skin rashes in children are not serious and go away on their own.
Diaper Rash
More than 50 percent of infants suffer from diaper rash, according the AAP. Diaper rash seems to peak around 8 months of age when solid foods are introduced.
Diaper rash typically develops when the skin is exposed to urine or bowel movements for an extended period. Applying zinc oxide or petrolatum to the affected area during each diaper change can help protect the skin and heal diaper rash.
Yeast infections can also lead to diaper rash, reports Medline Plus. Unlike regular diaper rash, yeast rashes cause skin to become very red and tiny red bumps encircle the rash area. A prescription anti-fungal cream can help clear up yeast diaper rashes.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, occurs when the pores leading to the sweat glands become blocked. Heat rash most often occurs in infants and young children, especially when the weather is hot and humid, reports Medline Plus.
Because babies don't sweat, perspiration stays within the skin and produces tiny red bumps. Sometimes little blisters will form as well. Heat rash typically disappears when a child is moved to a cooler, less humid location.
Contact Dermatitis
Some children develop a type of eczema called contact dermatitis, which is basically an allergic reaction to certain substances. Rough fabrics, bubble baths, clothing dyes and shoe glue are examples of potential irritants. A skin rash usually appears a few hours following exposure to the irritating substance, according to the AAP.
Contact dermatitis may be treated with a cortisone ointment. Itchiness may be relieved by placing a cool compress on the affected area. In severe cases, an antibiotic may be prescribed by your child's doctor.
Atopic Dermatitis
An estimated 10 to 20 percent of children will develop atopic dermatitis, according to the AAP. Atopic dermatitis is a common type of eczema that usually strikes kids who are genetically predisposed to the condition.
Infants can begin to show signs of atopic dermatitis as young as 2 months old. Symptoms include skin redness, tiny bumps on the head, forehead and cheeks, accompanied by itching. If left untreated the rash will spread to other areas of the body.
While there is no cure for atopic dermatits it can be effectively treated with steroid or non-steroidal creams. Antihistamines may relieve itching.
