Red round sores on an infant are typically caused by irritation of the skin and are generically referred to as dermatitis. However, many diseases are known to cause similar lesions. These disorders may range from innocuous to life-threatening conditions. Consult with a dermatologist or pediatrician for any lesions that do not clear in a day or two.
Cutaneous Lesions
The November 2006 issue of "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology" published a study that investigated the causes of cutaneous lesions -- localized sores or those that cover the entire body. Researchers -- who studied 500 newborn babies in an India hospital -- identified erythema toxicum neonatorum, a common rash on newborns, in 21 percent of the cases. Miliaria rubra, commonly known as "prickly heat," was discovered in 20 percent of infants; cradle cap, a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the scalp, was found in 10 percent of cases.
Measles
The July 2011 issue of the "Journal of Infectious disease" stated that measles, characterized by red spots or sores, is a leading cause of infant mortality in Bahrain, with 2.7 million cases reported in 2009. Researchers found a correlation between under-vaccinated children and the disease's prevalence. Nonetheless, the authors report that Bahrain has seen great improvements in the disease's reduction since the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination began in 1985.
Chicken Pox
The Varicella zoster virus is the causative agent of chicken pox, which is characterized by red sores over the head and trunk, but usually not involving hands and feet. A study published in the March 2011 issue of "Vaccine" investigated a vaccine's effectiveness for chicken pox in Taiwan. Researchers stated that more than 1 million Taiwanese children received immunization for Varicella from 2000 to 2007. Of these children, the median age at vaccination was 1.6 years and only 2 percent acquired the disease after treatment.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease -- a viral infection that mostly affects infants and children under age 3 -- causes red round sores around the mouth and on the hands, buttocks and feet. A study appearing in the March 2011 issue of "Pediatrics" investigated poor hygiene's effects on the spread of the disease. Researchers found that the largest risk factor was exposure to crowded facilities. Additionally, they found that 50 percent of cases had poor hygienic behaviors, as determined through a questionnaire given to the children's guardians.
References
- "Pediatrics"; Risk Factors for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Herpangina and the Preventive Effect of Hand-Washing; F. Ruan, et al.; April 2011
- "Vaccine"; Varicella Breakthrough Infection and Vaccine Effectiveness in Taiwan; Wen-Chan Huang et al.; March 2011
- "Journal of Infectious Disease"; Toward Measles Elimination in Bahrain -- A Middle East Country Experience; J. Jawad et al.; July 2011
- "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology"; Cutaneous Lesions in New Born; M. Sachdeva et al.; November 2006
