Rashes are common in childhood, and they can either be benign or highly contagious, spreading from person to person. Most rashes will itch, will become red, and some can even give rise to blisters and open sores. Knowing which rash the child has will help the child receive the proper treatment, which will vary depending on the cause and severity of the rash.
Poisonous Plants
Certain poisonous plants contain chemicals that will react on the skin when touched, causing an extremely itchy and irritating rash. Children who play around wooded areas are particularly susceptible to plant rashes. Two of the most common plants that cause rashes include poison ivy and poison oak. Itching can be extreme, so treating the rash begins with applying an anti-itching lotion such as Calamine lotion. The Calamine lotion should be spread onto the affected area as many times as needed. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can be taken to relieve the pain from the rash.
Contagious Rashes
Contagious rashes occur when certain viral illnesses infect a child. Chicken pox, measles and fifth disease are common childhood viral infections that can easily be spread from child to child. Children who have chicken pox will have blistery red bumps all over their bodies that itch badly. Measles causes a brown rash that begins on the face and spreads down the neck and onto the chest. Fifth disease causes a bright-red rash that starts around the cheeks, then spreads around the body. These infections are usually accompanied by a fever and a sore throat. They are best treated with bed rest, anti-itching lotions and plenty of fluids. Children with viral rashes should not be around other children until they are completely healed.
Stress-Related Rashes
Stress can also cause a rash to appear, but it can be controlled by reducing the amount of stress and anxiety in a child's life. Hives are a type of rash that appears during periods of acute stress, and it can usually be treated with an antihistamine. In some children, high levels of stress causes a histamine reaction in the body, similar to an allergic reaction. Hive appears as fluid-filled, inflamed areas of skin. Consult a doctor about the correct dosage of antihistamine to give your child.
