As your child's immune system and skin become acclimated to their surroundings, skin rashes can commonly occur. Chemical irritants, bacteria or infection can lead to development of skin irritation. While most forms of skin irritations can be easily treated, a few types may be cause for concern.
Types
In babies, diaper rash---also known as diaper dermatitis---is one of the most common rashes, according to The Merck Manual. Caused by friction from rubbing against urine or stool too long or a fungus, diaper rash can be remedied through frequent diaper changes. Fungal infections of the scalp or body, including ringworm, may result in hair loss and/or a visible white or red mark on the skin. A red, patchy or scaly rash is known as eczema and most commonly occurs in folds on the skin. Contact dermatitis is the skin's reaction to an irritant, such as detergent or fragrance, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Identification
Skin irritation is typically diagnosed by examining its physical characteristics. The color of the irritation, its texture, location and size can help to identify the irritation. For example, hives are characterized by red lumps on the skin that appear suddenly, according to Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Noting these aspects of a child's rash can help you and/or your physician determine treatment.
Prevention
Switching to fragrance- and detergent-free items can reduce contact dermatitis, according to The Merck Manual. Keep your child away from certain foods known to cause skin irritation and notify any teachers or other caregivers not to offer food items that contain these irritants. Ensuring your child's skin is clean and dry at all times can reduce the risk of fungal and bacterial irritation.
Solution
Once a cause is determined, a rash treatment can be determined. Switching to fragrance- and detergent-free items can reduce contact dermatitis, according to The Merck Manual. If irritation is due to poison ivy or oak, an anti-itch medication may help to comfort your child as the irritation goes away. Antibiotic ointments may be prescribed for bacterial-related conditions. If the your child's skin is itching, taking an antihistamine may help to reduce discomfort.
Warning
Most skin rashes can be treated at home and are not cause for concern, according to Medline Plus. However, some skin rashes may indicate a more serious condition. If your child's skin irritation is accompanied by a fever, does not improve after three days of treatment, blistering or is oozing and appears red, these can indicate a more serious condition. If your child is taking a medication, flat and irregular sores can indicate an allergic reaction to the medication, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
