1. Understand the Causes
When a rash appears on your little one's body, it can be disconcerting. But the good news is that most childhood rashes are not serious. Irritants and illnesses causes rashes. By learning about common irritants and illnesses, you can quickly identify possible the cause(s) of your child's rash. Irritants are found in our everyday environment. Irritants like heat, chemicals and allergens frequently lead to rashes on children's sensitive skin. Rashes from illnesses can be viral, fungal, bacterial or genetic. Try to figure out what might be causing your child's rash so that you can either remove the irritant or treat the illness if necessary.
2. Learn How to Describe
Learning how to describe your child's rash will help you to understand the root cause and to best handle the rash. Rashes come in all different colors--pink, red, purple or brown. The shape of a rash is also important. Does the rash look lacy, or blistery or pimply? Lastly, the size and location of the rash is also key to understanding its cause. If you do talk with your pediatrician, be sure to describe the rash.
3. Compare the Rash to Pictures
Looking at pictures of various rashes can help you learn what rashes of different types look like. This may help you identify the rash type and decide if it needs treatment. Many childhood rashes can be safely and quickly treated with home remedies. To find the best pictures of rashes, look on the Internet for photos at reputable medical websites, or find a book on children's health with good medical pictures. Realize that each child is different and a particular rash might not look exactly the same, but try to gain a general sense of each rash.
4. Knowing When the Rash is Serious
Some childhood rashes you can treat at home, and many need no treatment at all, but a few should be seen urgently by a physician. Most childhood rashes disappear within a few weeks. If the rash lasts longer than a month, you ought to see the pediatrician for an office visit. Many children don't even notice their rash, but if you notice that they are scratching at it or they seem uncomfortable or irritable, set up a time to have your child seen by her pediatrician. Call your doctor immediately or go to the ER if you notice a rash with tiny, flat spots under the skin that are red or purple in color.
5. Keep Common Treatments on Hand
There are several over-the-counter and commonly recommended home remedies. Cortizone is a mild steroid cream which can be helpful for treating allergy-related rashes. A moisturizing oat bath is good for treating some types of rashes, such as eczema. A sensitive skin moisturizer can help with dry or scaly areas. Regardless of the treatment, look for products without fragrance to prevent any further irritation to already inflamed skin.
