A skin rash on your infant can be irritating to your child and bothersome to you as a parent. As parents, we all want our infant to be happy and healthy. Any rash, bite, cut or scratch is usually alarming. Most rashes are not life-threatening, but it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the cause of the rash.
Types
Erythema toxicum, or ETN, is a rash that appears in at least half of all full-term infants. According to KidsHealth website, ETN appears within a few days after birth, and goes away without treatment within a week. Another common skin rash in infants is infantile eczema. This rash is a long-lasting skin condition that causes an itchy inflammation of the skin. It is most often seen in infants and children, and usually appears on the arms and behind the knees.
Symptoms
ETN contains tiny, yellowish or white firm bumps surrounded by a ring of redness on the infants face, chest, arms or legs. Sometimes the bumps are filled with fluid and sometimes there is no fluid in the bumps associated with this rash. Symptoms of infantile eczema include a red to brownish-gray rash, which may be itchy, especially at night. This rash includes raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over if scratched. Also, children with eczema will have cracked or scaly skin in that area.
Cause
The cause of ETN is unknown because there are no bacteria or viruses found in the rash area. Even the pus-like fluid that may be found in the rash only contains harmless blood cells. This rash is not contagious. According to MayoClinic.com, the cause of eczema is unknown, but may be a result of a malfunction in the body's immune system.
Complications
ETN does not cause any complications with the infant and after the rash is gone the child feels completely well. The most common complication of infantile eczema is a skin infection. Scratching may break the skin and cause open sores which can become infected. Other complications include neurodermatitis, a condition caused by prolonged itching and scratching resulting in the skin becoming think and leathery.
Prevention/Treatment
There is no prevention for eczema or ETN. With any type of skin rash on your infant, you should avoid harsh soaps and detergents, try to keep your child from scratching the area, moisturize the skin and dress your infant in cool, smooth-textured cotton clothing.
Considerations
If your child has a rash on any part of her body, you should contact your doctor. It may be a symptom of eczema or ETN, or it may be an allergic reaction. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the cause and treatment, if any, your infant may need.
