There are several rashes that can occur in children under the age of 12. Some are due to viruses, which are not treatable with antibiotics. For viral rashes, you can only treat the symptoms. Other rashes are causes by fungi or bacteria, and can be treated with creams or oral antibiotics. If the rash fails to remove, or if uncertain of the type always inform your pediatrician.
Etiology
Rashes can occur secondary to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. The etiology can change the management of treatment. Some rashes such as eczema occur from an allergic reaction.
Features
Many rashes look alike, but each rash has some special characteristics. Chickenpox occurs in three stages; it starts as red bumps, these bumps turn into fluid filled blisters, they then turn into crusty scabs. Roseola is another common childhood rash caused by a strain of the herpes virus. Children develop a rash that is red, patchy, and flat. It is usually located on the trunk and neck.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a dry, itchy rash that commonly occurs in children by age five. In infants, usually starts on the face and the inner elbow. This rash usually gets worse with scratching and can swell and weep with a clear fluid. Ringworm is a fungal infection that appears as a circular rash that occurs on the body. The rash is itchy and slightly raised and can be contagious. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus and present as small, flesh colored papules.
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Associated Symptoms
Children with chickenpox may also have fever, abdominal pain, headache, and malaise. Roseola usually starts with three or four days of fever before the rash erupts. Eczema and ringworm tend to be associated with itching due to dry and irritated skin. Molluscum are usually painless, but can become sore or swollen.
Treatment
Since chickenpox,roseola, and molluscum are viral illnesses, there are no specific treatment. For children with these rashes, you can only treat their symptoms. Eczema is usually treated with creamy lotions, corticosteroid creams, and oatmeal baths. Ringworm can be treated with antifungal creams.
Length
The length of each rash varies from child to child. Roseola usually lasts about a week. Ringworm usually fades within two weeks with antifungal cream. Molluscum may take up to one year to fully resolve.
