Rashes can occur from a number of different conditions in babies, but not all rashes itch. As with any illness in a baby, look at the big picture before calling the doctor, who will want to know if your baby is acting sick or has a fever, cough, runny nose or any other symptoms. It's difficult to diagnose rashes over the phone, so you may need to take your baby to the doctor's office if he has an itchy rash, especially if he's running a fever or acting ill..
Heat Rash
One of the most common causes of an itchy rash in infants is heat rash, also called prickly heat or milaria rubra. Heat rash occurs because small babies have immature sweat glands that become blocked, causing a rash when they become overheated. Heat rash can occur even in the winter if you overdress your baby. Most babies develop a heat rash between the ages of 1 and 3 weeks, MayoClinic.com states. A baby with heart rash normally does not run a fever or have any other symptoms, although the itching may cause him to fuss. Keeping your baby cool usually cures heat rash.
Viruses
Several viruses, including chicken pox and measles, can cause an itchy rash with raised red dots; the rash of chicken pox turns into blisters and is generally much more itchy than measles. In viral illnesses, the baby may run a fever the day before spots appear. A baby with measles may have small white spots in her mouth a day or two before the rash appears. The rash may start as flat spots that become raised.
Vaccines prevent these diseases in immunized infants. For up to age 6 months, babies have immunity if their mother had the disease in her lifetime. By 6 month, over 95 percent of infants lose this immunity to measles, Belgian researchers reported in the May 2010 issue of "BMJ." Call your doctor if you think your baby has a viral infection with rash.
Chronic Rashes
Eczema, a sensitivity reaction that can occur as part of an allergy to foods or substances a baby touches, affects as many as 20 percent of all infants at some time, according to the BabyCenter website. Around 65 percent of babies develop symptoms in their first year. Eczema may look like tiny red bumps or blisters or may turn into scaly, red patches. It can be extremely itchy and may occur at different times, depending on what the baby has touched or eaten. Common locations for eczema include the face and skin creases behind the knees and at the elbows. Ointments, cool compresses, oral anti-itching medications and avoidance of the offending substances help treat eczema.
Allergies
Allergies to antibiotics or other medications can cause itchy skin rashes of various types in infants. If your baby recently started taking a medication and develops a rash, call your doctor. She may want to prescribe a different medication. If your baby has other symptoms in addition to a rash, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, hives or facial swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
