A rash over the body of a breastfed baby may be caused by things that have nothing to do with your feeding method. Rashes are very common in infants. However, most aren't serious; they frequently clear up on their own or with the application of some mild topical treatments. Some causes of infant rashes include heat, fever, infections like roseola, food allergies and contact dermatitis. If your baby has a rash for several days, take her to the pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment instructions.
Heat Rash
A heat rash causes pink boils around the neck, chest and back. The boils cause a lot of itching and discomfort for your baby. This rash occurs because the sweat glands in infants are not developed enough to regulate body temperature. To help a baby with heat rash, cool the room and dress him in cotton clothing. Apply calamine lotion and prickly heat powder.
Fever
A high fever of over 103 degrees Fahrenheit can also cause a body rash or skin that becomes splotchy. Fever rash usually disappears with the fever, but contact her pediatrician if the rash remains.
Roseola
Roseola is a viral illness that usually infects kids between six months and two years of age. Roseola is caused by herpesvirus types 6 or 7. The virus usually causes a very mild upper respiratory illness and then a high fever. After about a week, a rash appears and spreads over the body. Roseola is not serious and resolves in a few days. Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever.
Food Allergies
Cow's milk and dairy products top the list of foods that trigger allergic reactions, according to La Leche League International. Your breastfed baby can be exposed to cow's milk through your diet, possibly causing a rash. Other foods that commonly cause allergy symptoms include eggs, shellfish, soy, wheat and peanuts. Your baby might also show signs of allergy if you eat other foods, especially if you eat a lot of something. To help your baby with a food allergy, keep a journal indicating the foods you eat and what reactions they caused in your baby.
Contact Dermatitis
Many agents may cause rashes in your infant from contact with his skin, like detergents, soaps and bubble baths. Contact dermatitis usually involves a rash with mild itchiness and redness, often improving with a moisturizer and lubricant. Allergic contact dermatitis has a worse skin reaction and can occur seven to 10 days after exposure. Common causes include poison ivy, cosmetics and metals. This type of rash is extremely red and itchy with oozing, crusting and swelling skin. Talk to your pediatrician about the best topical treatment for an infant.
