Rashes are common skin eruptions that occur in children of all ages. Most rashes in children are benign, but there are some that require prompt medical attention. Rashes are described by their location, color, size, whether they are flat or raised and whether they blanch under pressure. Rashes in children can also be signs of more serious conditions.
Viral Rashes
Viral infections are notorious for causing rashes in children. Some viruses cause a nonspecific rash, which shows up as pinpoint, red, flat rash all over the body. A typical childhood rash is caused by human parvovirus, which causes a "slapped cheek" rash on the baby. Another virus, human herpesvirus 6, causes roseola, a whole body, nonitchy red rash that usually starts on the trunk and then spreads to the rest of the body. This rash usually appears after the child's fever breaks. Finally, the varicella virus causes chickenpox. The rash of chickenpox has three stages: flat, red spots that turn into clear vesicles that eventually scab over. Children with chickenpox have the rash in all three stages at the same time. These rashes do not require treatment, except over-the-counter remedies to prevent the itching associated with chickenpox.
Bacterial Rashes
There are certain bacteria that can cause rashes in children. The most dreaded is the purpura rash. This rash is a purple or red discoloration of the skin. It usually starts as pinpoint spots called petechiae that then coalesce into larger areas of involvement. This rash appears as a result of overwhelming infection with certain bacteria, most notably those that also cause meningitis. Purpura can lead to decreased blood flow to digits and extremities, resulting in auto-amputation.
Other bacterial rashes include impetigo, which shows up as a honey-colored skin eruption; and the rash of scarlet fever, or strep throat, which causes a diffuse bumpy rash on the abdomen and chest that has a sandpaper feel to it. These rashes require topical antibiotics. Strep throat requires oral or injected antibiotic therapy.
Allergic Rashes
Allergies are notorious causes of rashes in children. Urticaria is the rash that accompanies an acute allergic reaction. It is a red, raised wheal that is tender and itchy. Chronic allergies can manifest themselves as atopic dermatitis, or eczema, which are patches of dry skin that can occasionally become inflamed, red and weepy. Younger kids can have scaly areas of irritation from frequent scratching. Frequent use of hypoallergenic moisturizing lotions and steroid ointments usually decrease the inflammation produced by the allergic reaction.
