A red, itchy, angry-looking rash on a child's skin can certainly be alarming for parents. But the good news is that rashes are rarely harmful and often don't even need medical treatment. A rash can be caused by many different factors, but there are often things you can do to help alleviate any discomfort and help the rash heal. A rash can often linger for weeks, but a child who is showing signs of sickness should be evaluated by a doctor.
Illness or Infection
Some sort of illness or infection, most often caused by a virus, is often the culprit when it comes to a rash appearing on a child's torso and back. Chicken pox and roseola may be easily recognizable, but plenty of other viruses cause rashes too. These rashes typically start on the child's trunk, but may spread to the arms and legs. The rash may be bumpy, blotchy, flat or really have any appearance. A rash that is accompanied by general malaise and a fever is most likely caused by some sort of virus and will clear up as the child recovers from the illness.
Allergic Reaction
A skin rash is often caused by some sort of allergic reaction. This rash is known as hives. Hives can occur as a result of a food allergy or allergy to medication, or an allergic reaction to an irritating substance such as clothing, detergent or soap. Hives look like red welts that appear on the skin, and may come and go over a period of hours. The Dr. Sears website recommends looking for more serious warning signs of allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, vomiting, wheezing or tightness of the throat. Hives alone may be managed with Benadryl, but a more serious allergic reaction requires a trip to the emergency room.
Skin Conditions
A number of skin conditions can cause a rash on a child. Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions that causes a rash. Eczema is a combination of an allergy to an irritating substance and dry, itchy and irritated skin. Children with eczema often have family members with eczema, according to Dr. Sears. Eczema can appear as white patches, or red, swollen and itchy areas. Eczema may occur on the trunk, but also the extremities and areas such as the elbows and knees. Moisturizers and sometimes a mild hydrocortisone cream can manage eczema.
Heat Rash
Children, especially babies, are susceptible to heat rash from getting overheated. Whether wearing too many layers of clothes or being in a hot environment, the skin can break out in a spotty, bumpy or pimply red rash when it gets overheated. Heat rash often starts on the back and neck, but can also extend to the trunk. Keeping the child cool, cooling the skin with a damp cloth and letting the air get to the skin can help calm heat rash.
