Rash on baby's arms. Different types of rashes in a newborn and their main differences

“Skin like a baby” - the saying has long become synonymous with smooth and soft skin. However, the authors of the phraseological unit clearly did not hold children in their arms. Babies are often covered in various types of rashes. The rash in a newborn occurs on the face, body, arms and legs. In some cases, it does not pose any danger and goes away on its own, in others, the child should be urgently shown to a doctor to establish a diagnosis and begin treatment.

Types of rashes in a newborn

Depending on the cause, the rash on the child’s body can be divided into three types:

• physiological – hormonal rashes or acne;
• immunological – reaction to irritants (allergens, poor hygiene, overheating, etc.);
• infectious – caused by infectious diseases.

The nature of the rash, location and appearance indicate the cause of its appearance. However, if there is any doubt about the cause of the rash or there is a deterioration in the child’s well-being, you should contact your pediatrician.

Hormonal rash

During the first days of a child's life, a rash may appear on the face and head, as well as throughout the upper half of the body. It looks like small pimples with a white tip. Such rashes are called neonatal pustulosis. They are absolutely harmless and go away on their own in the third month of the baby’s life. The reason for their appearance is hormonal changes in the baby’s body. The child’s body gets rid of the hormones it inherited from the mother through the surface of the skin. Thus, acne represents a child's natural adaptation to the outside world.

What is a hormonal rash in a baby, watch the video

Immunological rash

This type of rash is an allergic rash. Food allergies occur on the cheeks, less often on the body. A child can get an allergen through food while being both bottle-fed and breastfed. The latter means that the nursing woman consumed one of the types of allergens, to which the child’s body reacted. With artificial feeding, this indicates an incorrect selection of the formula and intolerance to some of its components. An allergic rash is most likely to occur when starting complementary feeding. To avoid serious consequences and know exactly which product causes an allergy, it is worth keeping a food diary. In it, the mother notes the introduction of new products and monitors the child’s reaction.

An allergy can manifest itself as a rash all over the body. Small red rashes appear in places where the child's skin comes into contact with allergens: pet hair, dust, and cosmetics. To avoid such a reaction, it is necessary to wash children's clothes only with baby soap and powder, and for the child use only special children's cosmetics that undergo strict quality control. But even this cannot protect against the occurrence of allergies.

Dr. Komarovsky tells how to find the cause of allergies in the video below.

Redness due to hives and prickly heat

A severe form of allergy is urticaria. Red spots spread throughout the child's body, causing burning and itching. Red spots turn into blisters, which vaguely resemble burns from nettle leaves. The danger of urticaria lies in the possibility of developing Quincke's edema, therefore, if red spots appear, you should call an ambulance.

Due to poor heat exchange, with prolonged contact of the child's skin with sweat and warm clothing, there is a risk of prickly heat. It is characterized by the appearance of redness of the skin in places where sweat accumulates, most often in the folds on the baby’s body (in the groin, armpits, under the neck, etc.). Careful care of the child’s skin, avoidance of overheating, and the use of drugs with de-panthenol help quickly eliminate the problem.

Rash due to infectious diseases

Childhood illnesses are often accompanied by rashes. The appearance of a rash on the head, then on the stomach, and then on the limbs may indicate chickenpox. The rash looks like small blisters with cloudy fluid inside. After they open, an itchy crust forms.

With scarlet fever, the rash is a rich red color, localized on the neck and upper body. They leave behind flaky spots.

With measles, the rash appears on the face and then spreads throughout the body. The spots are bright red and seem to protrude above the skin.

If small red spots are added to the signs of the inflammatory process, spreading from the face throughout the body, then rubella infection is likely.

In any of the above cases, you must immediately consult a doctor and, after diagnosing the disease, begin treatment.

Rash localization options

A rash on the face and head in the form of yellow scales is called seborrheic dermatitis and is not a big problem. The reason for its appearance is the insufficient functioning of the sebaceous glands. To remove flakes, it is recommended to comb them out with a special children's comb or brush, and also gently rinse them when washing your hair.

Rashes on the cheeks can be caused by Ritter's disease, in which the rash takes the form of numerous purulent blisters around the mouth. The area of ​​spread gradually expands, and the rash can spread to the body.

A rash can appear on a baby’s stomach for a variety of reasons, in addition to those mentioned, it can be eczema, lichen, scabies, dermatitis and others. Therefore, relying only on localization, it is difficult to establish the cause.

It is also difficult to determine the causes of rashes on the legs. Most often it occurs from insect bites or prickly heat, but there are causes such as roseola, lichen, mononucleosis and others.

Newborns have extremely sensitive skin, so all kinds of rashes are a common companion in the first weeks and months of a child’s life. However, parents should be attentive to any irritation and redness in the baby. The detected rash may well turn out to be not harmless hormonal pimples, but infectious elements.

All rashes in infants can be divided into 3 groups:

It is possible to determine what kind of process in a child’s body is manifested by skin symptoms by the nature of the rashes, their appearance, localization zones and accompanying phenomena, for example, temperature, signs of intoxication. In any case, if there is even the slightest doubt, the newborn should be urgently shown to the pediatrician.

Neonatal pustulosis, also known as milia, is the medical name for hormonal “blooming” of the skin in infants. This is a small red rash in a newborn that appears during the first days of a child's life and is localized on the head, face and upper body (neck, back). Hormonal rashes can look like pimples with a white “head” rising above the surface of the skin.

The reason for this phenomenon is a change in the endocrine status of the child. His body is being rebuilt for life outside the mother’s womb, the blood is cleared of the remnants of female hormones, which find their way out through the surface of the skin.

With adequate hygiene, infant acne disappears in a couple or three months without any treatment. However, a hormonal rash in newborns can become a source of fungal contamination. They are part of the normal skin flora, but under certain conditions they pose a danger.

Types and signs of allergic rash in infants

The skin of a newborn reacts sensitively to any irritants, both from outside and from within the body. Pathogens can be food, household, chemical, or natural factors that can provoke an allergic rash in newborns.

Food allergies

Small pink pimples and flaky areas of hyperemia appear on the cheeks, less often on the child’s body, in response to allergens from food entering the digestive tract. This reaction is quite understandable in babies who have already begun to receive complementary foods: first juices, cereals and purees. According to current WHO recommendations, to prevent allergies, complementary feeding can be done no earlier than 4–6 months, depending on the presence/absence of breastfeeding. Complementary foods are introduced according to the schedule, sequentially and gradually, carefully observing the body's reaction.

However, in newborns there can be no talk of foreign food. They receive either baby formula or mother's milk. In both cases, an individual reaction cannot be excluded.

For a formula-fed or mixed-fed baby, the mother must carefully select the formula, paying attention to age-appropriateness, hypoallergenic composition, and pediatrician’s advice. When you feed your baby a new formula for the first time, you need to watch to see if it causes any unpleasant symptoms: a rash, loose, foamy stool.

Red, flaky cheeks indicate that the mixture contains allergenic ingredients. Digestive problems indicate individual intolerance to certain components of artificial milk, for example, lactase deficiency. An unsuitable mixture must be replaced.

The mother of the baby does not need to monitor what the baby eats, but she does need to strictly control her own diet. Breastfeeding women are advised to follow a special diet that excludes potential allergens and gas-forming products:

• citrus;
• red vegetables and fruits;
• chocolate;
• sweets;
• whole milk;
• canned food and smoked meats.

Many young mothers are so afraid of their child’s allergies that they limit their menu to buckwheat, kefir, green apples and dry cookies. You shouldn’t eat so little and the same type. A nursing woman needs high-calorie and varied food, but it is advisable to introduce new foods gradually, no more than once a week, always waiting for the baby’s reaction or lack thereof.

Contact allergy

Household allergies can appear like a rash in a newborn all over the body. It occurs where the child’s skin comes into contact with potentially hazardous substances. Where can a baby come into contact with allergens? Dust, pets, and woolen items can cause a skin reaction in a child.

Particular attention should be paid to underwear, diapers, and bed linen, which, as a result of washing with inappropriate household powders and rinses, become real breeding grounds for allergens. At risk are baby creams, shampoos, foams, wipes, and diapers. Cosmetics and hygiene products, even those designed specifically for children, do not guarantee the absence of side effects.

Drug allergy

Antibiotics, vitamins, and medicinal syrups are often the culprits of a red rash in babies. Stopping taking provoking drugs quickly leads to the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.

If a drug allergy is established, the medicine should be replaced with a safer analogue. Instead of sweet syrups, it is preferable to use other dosage forms, for example, suppositories.

Hives

An itchy rash over the entire body of a newborn, developing into blisters of various shapes and sizes, is called urticaria. Urticaria is a severe form of skin allergy that is dangerous.

If your child develops a rash that resembles a nettle burn, call an ambulance immediately. This reaction can occur to any allergen: food, household, etc. – and often goes away spontaneously. However, the baby may immediately develop suffocation. It is better to relieve an attack of urticaria immediately, without waiting for the consequences. There is a risk that it will take a chronic course with regular relapses.

One of the common causes of red rashes on a baby’s skin is prickly heat. This is not an allergy in the generally accepted sense of the word, but this disease is also immunological in nature. Redness and small bumps occur in response to irritation of the skin in areas of increased sweating.

Due to inadequate heat exchange, a rash may appear on the newborn’s forehead under the cap, in the folds of the neck, in the groin, on the back, and in the armpits. Heat and high humidity indoors and outdoors, warm clothes on a child that are not suitable for the weather, prolonged contact of the body with sweat are factors that contribute to irritation of the baby’s skin.

To avoid prickly heat and diaper rash, the child should be dressed according to the weather, without being wrapped in “a hundred clothes.” A good rule of thumb is to wear one more layer on your baby than on yourself.

To eliminate heat rash in infants you need:

• keep in dry and clean linen,
• change clothes more often;
• ventilate the skin;
• wash off sweat in a timely manner;
• lubricate the affected areas with baby cream with D-panthenol;
• Use powder in areas of high humidity.

Diaper dermatitis

A rash on a newborn's bottom in areas of contact with wet diapers is called diaper dermatitis. Liquid feces and urine irritate the baby’s delicate skin, first causing irritation, then diaper rash, cracks, and weeping sores.

Strict hygiene rules must be observed:

• Don’t limit yourself to wet wipes, wash your baby every time you change the diaper;
• choose quality diapers;
• leave the child to “go to sleep” more often;
• use protective cream under your diaper;
• at the first signs of rashes on the butt, lubricate the irritation with healing creams based on zinc oxide - “Desitin”, “Sanosan”, “Drapolen” and analogues.

Atopic dermatitis

This allergic disease with an immediate reaction is manifested by an itchy blistering rash that tends to merge with the formation of crusts. Atopic dermatitis can be provoked by contact and respiratory allergens, as well as natural factors. In infants, rashes are most often localized on the cheeks, arms, inner thighs, and buttocks.

Outside of exacerbation, foci of dermatitis manifest themselves as peeling and small rashes. If in the cold the baby’s cheeks instantly become red and rough, you can suspect the presence of a disease. In any case, the doctor makes the diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.

Infectious rashes in newborns

Viral infections accompanied by rashes can be dangerous for a newborn. Unlike a regular rash, such diseases are always accompanied by other symptoms: lethargy, fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, as well as specific signs. In addition, childhood infections are contagious to anyone who does not have lifelong immunity to them.

Small blisters with cloudy contents, which, after opening, become covered with itchy crusts, are the first sign of chickenpox. First, a rash appears on the head of newborns, on the stomach, then on the limbs, on the mucous membranes.

The temperature usually rises sharply and can reach high values. Until all the bubbles burst and dry out, the baby is a carrier of infection. The average recovery time is 3 weeks. At this time, the rash must be lubricated with drying agents - brilliant green, strong potassium permanganate. For itching, you can give Fenistil drops and apply the gel of the same name to pimples - as prescribed by your doctor.

Scarlet fever

An itchy, deep red rash localized to the neck and upper torso of a child? He may have contracted scarlet fever. Symptoms appear quite quickly - within 24 hours after contact with the patient.

Other characteristic signs of scarlet fever are inflamed tonsils and the absence of a rash in the nasolabial area. The baby must be isolated for 10 days. During this time, the rash should go away, leaving behind flaky spots.

If at first the baby has a fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and only after 2-3 days a rash appears, this may be a sign of measles. Papules appear on the face and spread throughout the body. In appearance, they are protruding above the surface of the skin, bright red, and tend to merge.

The infectious period lasts 5 days from the moment the rash appears. Towards the end, the spots begin to disappear, leaving flaky areas with hyperpigmentation.

Rubella

When a child has rubella, the rash does not rise above the skin, but looks like small red spots. Rashes do not appear immediately, but after signs of an inflammatory process:

• temperature;
• cough;
• red throat;
• enlarged occipital lymph nodes;
• vomit;
• loose stool.

The spots appear on the face and then spread to the body. After a day they begin to turn pale, but the risk of infection remains for about 5 days. Contact with rubella is prohibited for pregnant women due to the risk of fetal pathology.

Roseola

In terms of external manifestations, this disease is similar to rubella. At the onset of the disease, the temperature suddenly rises to extreme levels. It remains at a high level for three days, and then decreases with the appearance of a flat rash. The exanthema goes away in a few days.

Since the rash is a symptom of many diseases, treatment cannot begin without proper diagnosis. The baby needs to call a doctor and strictly adhere to medical recommendations. Newborns are prohibited from giving medications on their own, except for children's medications for fever and approved antihistamines to relieve itching and swelling.

Hormonal rash does not require drug treatment. It is enough to carry out hygiene measures daily:

• bathing in water disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, or with the addition of antiseptic herbs - chamomile, celandine, string, laurel;
• air baths;
• frequent change of linen;
• weather-appropriate clothing;
• using items made from natural fabrics, without seams or fasteners;
• refusal of tight swaddling;
• maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity in the room.

Treatment of allergic rashes is carried out at home under the supervision of a pediatrician. In addition to acne, irritation and peeling, the baby also has other manifestations - dryness, restlessness, sneezing, loose stools.

The task of parents is to eliminate all provoking factors from the living space of the newborn:

• exclude allergenic foods from the diet;
• remove animals from the apartment;
• avoid accumulation of dust and pollen;
• To care for your baby’s sensitive skin, use pharmaceutical brand baby products (for atopics);
• wash clothes with hypoallergenic powder based on soap shavings;
• Mom should temporarily forget about perfume and cosmetics, do not wear wool and synthetics.

In case of an allergic rash, the affected skin of the child should be lubricated with drying agents (spot-on), bathed in chamomile and a series alternately, and left naked for air baths.

It is important to restore the normal functioning of the baby’s digestive tract, continue breastfeeding as long as possible, and do not rush into introducing complementary foods. For a nursing mother, follow a diet.

The skin of a newborn is very delicate and thin, easily susceptible to various influences, and reacts both to external factors and to the internal state of the body. Often a rash appears on the baby’s face, which should not cause concern. However, some types of it require immediate medical attention.

• formation of the child’s hormonal background;
• prickly heat;
• allergic reactions;
• manifestation of an infectious disease.

Neonatal infantile pustulosis

Another, more understandable name is newborn acne, or hormonal rash. Such rashes appear at 2-3 weeks of life, but not in all children, but only in 30% of them. These small reddish or hard white pimples are located on the face: mainly on the cheeks and forehead of the baby. Sometimes they are not visible, but can be felt well if you run your fingers over them. As a rule, such pimples do not contain ulcers, but when scratched and infected, they become inflamed. In such cases, you cannot squeeze out the contents, otherwise the infection will spread throughout the entire face, and scars will remain on the delicate baby skin.

It must be remembered that newborn acne is a natural physiological process caused by the formation of the baby’s hormonal background, independent from the mother. This rash is not contagious and does not require treatment. It is enough to carry out daily hygiene procedures, which consist of wiping the skin with a napkin soaked in boiled water or herbal infusion. Such manifestations, as a rule, do not cause discomfort and disappear by the third month of life.

Prickly heat

These are small pink pimples that are unevenly distributed on the child’s body, but can also appear on the face, mainly on the scalp. The thermoregulation of a newborn is not fully formed: the sweat glands work like those of an adult, but their ducts are still poorly developed and are not able to remove fluid in full. In addition, the abundant blood supply to the skin leads to rapid overheating, which subsequently leads to the appearance of a rash. Therefore, a baby can tolerate cold much more easily than heat. Young parents forget about this and try to wrap their baby warmly even in the summer.

Miliaria also does not require treatment; hygienic rubbing and adjusting the temperature in the nursery are sufficient. Infants should be dressed according to the weather, avoiding overheating.

How to help your baby

If the rash on the face of a baby is non-infectious, no special treatment is required. However, in case of profuse rashes, you should seek the help of a doctor to prevent suppuration, which can leave scars on the baby’s face. Some of them cause itching, causing anxiety, so before the child is examined by a doctor and a diagnosis is made, the parents themselves can alleviate the suffering:

1. Help your baby wash his face twice a day with boiled water or a decoction of herbs that have wound-healing and disinfectant properties: chamomile, string, sage.
2. If you don’t have herbs on hand, you can wipe the baby’s face with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. When preparing the solution, you need to be extremely careful: too strong a solution or undissolved grains will burn delicate skin.
3. Do not use lotions containing alcohol, which lead to the formation of cracks, irritation and other troubles. Fatty ointments and creams will not get rid of the rash, but will cause bacteria to multiply, which will only worsen the problem. Talc is also not recommended, as it clogs pores.

Allergic reactions

The most unpleasant of all types of non-infectious rashes are allergic reactions. Allergies can occur even in the youngest children and have a rash that is externally varied: rough spots, red dots of varying sizes, swelling and other manifestations. There are food allergies and contact allergies.

Food allergies

A skin rash can be an indicator of malnutrition in a nursing mother if the baby is breastfed. Women during lactation should adhere to a hypoallergenic diet if an allergic rash appears on the child’s face.

Thus, cow's milk protein is the most allergenic, even if it is consumed by the nursing woman herself. It is also contained in most adapted mixtures, so if you have skin reactions to the components of the mixture, you should think about replacing it. You just need to do this after consultation with a pediatrician and always gradually, otherwise you can provoke the appearance of an even more severe allergy.

Contact allergy

Contact allergies often worry the baby. Newborns are too susceptible to synthetics and various chemical components. Children's dishwashing gels, powders and fabric softeners are not a marketing ploy, as many parents think; they contain hypoallergenic components that do not irritate the baby's skin.

A child’s immunity is formed in the first year of life, and before that, many components can cause a rash. If you suspect such changes, you need to reconsider everything that the baby’s skin comes into contact with: from the fabric from which the clothes are made to the powder with which they are washed.

Often, parents mistake newborn acne or heat rash for an allergic reaction and give their children antihistamines. It must be remembered that any medications are prescribed exclusively by a pediatrician depending on the diagnosis, course of the disease, and test results.

Video: How to distinguish hormonal rashes from allergic ones.

Skin care

Proper skin care is of great importance, both for physiological rashes and skin allergic reactions, especially in areas of rashes. Prevention is also important, which is to prevent the appearance of a rash:

1. Nails need to be trimmed as they grow, otherwise scratched pimples will get infected and become inflamed. Temporarily, the baby can wear anti-scratch guards.
2. Newborns should not be wrapped up too much: overheating leads to the appearance of heat rash.
3. The air humidity in the apartment should not be lower than 60%. A humidifier helps with this.
4. A scaly rash can severely tighten the skin, which causes severe discomfort. In this case, the skin should be moisturized with a non-greasy baby cream. A special moisturizing cream, which at the same time has wound-healing properties (bepanthen, for example), is suitable for these purposes.

If itching occurs, Gistan cream or Fenistil-gel will help. You can use traditional medicine. So, gruel of finely grated potatoes or apples relieves itching from rashes well. You can apply a cloth soaked in cold water to the affected areas or wipe with an ice cube: the cold will soothe the skin. Powdered activated carbon, diluted with water to a paste, is applied to the rash to alleviate the baby’s condition.

Video: Allergies in infants and methods of dealing with them.

Rashes due to infectious diseases

A rash on the face may also indicate an onset of illness. Today, many diseases are known that are accompanied by a rash, including measles, scarlet fever, rubella, and even intestinal infections. The so-called pyoderma, or staphylococcal rashes in newborns, is also not uncommon.

In all these cases, the rash will be located not only on the baby’s face, but throughout the body, localized in places characteristic of a particular disease. By its appearance you can determine the disease:

• a reddish-pink, small, profuse rash is a sign of roseola;
• medium-sized bubbles with transparent contents – chicken pox;
• with the formation of papules - small nodules - measles;
• small pinkish spots - rubella.

Unlike the cases described above, when a child develops an infectious rash, he becomes restless, has a high fever and other symptoms. In this case, you need to call a doctor immediately, since viral infections are dangerous for the newborn.

You should not give your baby any medications on your own, including antihistamines or antibiotics. They must be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Don't think that your baby's skin will be as smooth and velvety as in the postcard photo. Skin rashes and other irregularities are common in infants, but it is important to recognize when a rash is a sign of illness. If in doubt, be sure to show your child to the doctor.

A rash is a pathological element on the skin (or mucous membranes) that differs from normal skin in color, texture, and appearance. The rash may consist of blisters, spots, papules, blisters that appear on healthy skin, against a background of redness, or in place of old elements. All this is important for making the correct diagnosis.

Most newborns have white dots on their faces, which are called “miles.” This is completely normal and goes away within a few days.

Causes of the rash

A baby's skin is an extremely sensitive and delicate organ that reacts to literally everything. The causes of skin rashes in infants can be:
food allergies, including to what mom eats
drug rash
contact dermatitis
diaper dermatitis
atopic dermatitis
prickly heat
hives
neonatal acne
infectious rash

Let's look at each type of rash.

Food allergies

Food allergies are a pink or red rash that resembles a nettle sting. Most often it appears on the cheeks and chin in the form of flaky spots, but it can also appear on the legs, stomach, back, and forearms. In case of particularly severe allergic poisoning or regular intake of the allergen, the rash takes the form of a scab and begins to weep.

If the baby is breastfed, the cause of the rash may be the mother's diet. Try to consistently exclude the following allergenic foods: red fish, whole milk, veal, citrus fruits, nuts, tomatoes.

Proteins included in formulas for artificial feeding can also cause a skin reaction. Complementary feeding that is started too early or incorrectly also has a dangerous allergic potential, so it is recommended to consult a pediatrician before.

Drug rash

It occurs as a side effect (not) after taking medications (antibiotics, hormonal drugs, etc.). Vitamin complexes, tablet shells, fluoride, iron, and many herbal preparations also provoke a rash. If you associate the appearance of a rash with some medicine, then the first thing you should do is stop taking it. If after this the rash does not disappear, you should consult a doctor.

Contact dermatitis

It looks like a small rash or chafing of the skin. Most often it occurs in response to washing powders enriched with fragrances and, especially, rinse aids. In addition, the materials used in children's clothing (especially wool and synthetic fibers) can also cause rashes.

Diaper dermatitis

With diaper dermatitis, symptoms (redness, blisters, peeling) appear on the skin exclusively in the diaper area. Its causes are prolonged contact of the skin with wet fabric or folds in diapers. This is not an allergy, so there is no need to use antiallergic drugs. The main principle of treating diaper dermatitis is proper care and timely diaper change. The ointments “Bepanten”, “Drapolen”, “D-panthenol”, “Boro-plus” have an excellent healing effect.

If diaper dermatitis is not treated, it may become associated with a bacterial infection. In this case, you need to consult a doctor. Antibacterial ointments (for example, Baneocin), as well as antifungal agents as prescribed by a doctor, can be used for treatment.

Prickly heat

It can occur in a child of the first year of life at almost any time of the year; it looks like a small pink rash, slightly raised to the touch. Most often found in the neck and chest area. The reason is prolonged sweating of the skin, especially in warm weather. Quite often, prickly heat accompanies overheating and insufficient care. Miliaria is not contagious and in itself usually does not cause negative feelings in a child. When the temperature and care are normalized, prickly heat goes away. To speed up the process, regular baby powder works well.

Hives

It looks like a nettle burn and has many causes. In some children, it can occur under the influence of cold, heat, sun, or from strong excitement. Also, a hives-like rash can appear from a too-tight elastic band on clothing or when straps (car seats, backpacks, etc.) rub against each other.

If hives persist for a long time, you should consult a doctor. The basis for the treatment of urticaria is the use of antihistamines: Suprastin, Zyrtek, Fenistil, etc.). For severe itching, ointments with menthol and anesthesin can help. In severe cases, hormonal ointments are prescribed.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease. The reasons for it can be different: this is an incorrect menu for a nursing mother, and complementary foods introduced at the wrong time, and dysbacteriosis, and hereditary predisposition, and improper hygiene procedures, and the use of irritating cosmetics. Atopic dermatitis in an infant may begin with the appearance of a slight swelling on the forehead and cheeks. The skin on the arms and buttocks, then on the legs, also turns red and severely peels. After a while, small bubbles appear, and the baby is bothered by itching. In addition, the tonsils and adenoids may become enlarged.

The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. The main thing in the treatment of atopic dermatitis is to recognize and eliminate the allergen. Antihistamines are used to relieve symptoms. Ointments, herbal decoctions, as well as biological products and medicinal fermented milk products will help cope with dermatitis. Artificial babies are prescribed hypoallergenic soy-based nutrition. When breastfeeding, it is necessary to exclude allergens (honey, condensed milk, nuts, carrots, citrus fruits) from the mother's diet.

Neonatal acne

This type of rash is also known as neonatal acne. This rash affects about 20-30% of children in the first weeks and months of life; it looks like small, invisible pimples on the face, neck and scalp. Neonatal acne is not a contagious disease, it is harmless and does not require medication or other specific treatment. Pimples have no comedones - a clogged pore. They rarely fester and form pronounced foci of inflammation. Most often they look like changes in skin texture (in some cases they can only be detected by touch). Doctors associate their occurrence with the adjustment of the hormonal background of a newborn child, as well as with the colonization of the skin by certain types of yeast fungi, which are normally part of the microflora. In most cases, the disease goes away on its own within 1 to 3 months.

Infectious rash

It occurs as a symptom of infectious diseases and varies in appearance depending on the disease. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor, and it is mainly aimed not at the rash, but at fighting the infection.

– roseola infantum (three-day fever). This infectious disease is also called “sudden exanthema.” It affects only children under 2 years of age; the causative agents are herpes viruses types 6 and 7. At the beginning of the disease, the child’s temperature rises strongly and inexplicably, which drops exactly on the third day. As the temperature drops, the baby suddenly becomes covered with a pink-red patchy rash. It goes away without a trace in 4-7 days. When the temperature rises, you can use paracetamol and ibuprofen.

- scarlet fever. A small, pinpoint rash of scarlet color appears on the neck, back and chest, gradually spreading to the entire body. As a rule, a rash is one of the first symptoms of scarlet fever, but in some cases it appears on the second day after infection. When infectious rashes spread, the face takes on a characteristic appearance - the nasolabial triangle remains white and stands out in contrast. The rash disappears quickly with antibiotics.

- chicken pox. Rash on the 1st-2nd day along with a high fever. First, a spot appears that turns into a blister, the blister bursts and an abscess forms, which heals and a crust forms. The rash affects the entire body at once (250-500 elements). A characteristic sign is the presence of a rash on the scalp. Chickenpox lasts 3-5 days, followed by normalization of temperature, the crusts disappear later.

- measles. With measles, the rash does not appear immediately, but on days 3-5 of high body temperature. The rash is very large, bright, papular, profuse. This disease is characterized by a certain sequence: first, protruding, flaming papules appear on the face and behind the ears, then on the body and arms, and lastly on the lower torso and legs. As a rule, a measles rash is not the first sign of the disease, and its appearance indicates that improvement has begun - as the rash stops spreading, the temperature drops and the patient is on the mend. In addition, the healing of the rash indicates that there is no danger of infection from contact with an ill child.

- rubella. The rash appears on the 3-4th day of fever, characterized by enlargement of the occipital lymph nodes. The rash is often small, localized on the face, torso, and limbs, but less clear than with measles. Keeps for 3-4 days.

– enteroviral infection “mouth-foot-palm”. The rash appears against the background of a mild illness affecting the oral mucosa. This intestinal infection is characterized by damage to the hands and feet.

Usually, a rash on a child’s body causes a lot of concern among parents. Indeed, it is a common symptom of various infections, causing a lot of discomfort. However, timely treatment of skin rashes allows you to quickly forget about itching and burning.

A rash in a child can appear not only on the entire body, but also affect only one area. The number of acceptable diagnoses is reduced and recovery occurs faster

On the head

The rash bothers babies in different parts of the body.

• On the back of the head, small pink dots most often indicate overheating and the development of prickly heat.
• Abundant bubbles and blisters on the back of the head or cheeks indicate infection with scabies.
• Inflammations in the cheeks and beard indicate allergies to food or medications.
• If a child has a rash on his eyelids, it means that the child has been given inappropriate hygiene products. If the rashes on the eyelids look like scales or become crusty, dermatitis is likely to develop.

Around the neck

On the hands and wrists

In the abdominal area

A rash on the abdomen in the form of red blisters occurs in newborns from toxic erythema, which goes away on its own. The abdominal area and hip area most often suffer from pemphigus. The disease begins with slight redness, blisters appear and begin to burst. Similar symptoms are typical for exfoliating dermatitis.

When the bacterial microflora is disturbed in the abdominal area, erysipelas appears. Don’t forget about acceptable minor rashes from allergies, prickly heat and infections such as chickenpox or scabies.

On the lower back

On the inner and outer thighs

Rashes on a child’s thighs usually appear due to poor hygiene. Often the baby simply sweats in his diapers and suffers from poor-quality clothing. The result is prickly heat. Allergic reactions often provoke inflammation on the inner thigh.

A rash on the thighs indicates the presence of measles, rubella, chickenpox or scarlet fever. In rare cases, rashes indicate diseases of the circulatory system.

In the groin area

A groin rash is the result of infrequent diaper changes or skin contact with dirty diapers. Red diaper rash appears on the skin, and bacteria multiply in it. Miliaria in the groin area in the form of pink spots often appears in a baby as a result of overheating in the sun. Sometimes the source of the rash is candidiasis. Finally, the baby may develop an allergy to diapers.

On the buttocks

The rash on the butt has a nature similar to the causes of groin irritation. Rarely changing diapers and violating hygiene rules lead to an inflammatory process. The butt area can suffer from allergies to food or diapers, prickly heat and diathesis.

On the legs, knees and heels and can itch

A small rash on the legs usually appears as a result of dermatitis or allergies. If it itches and resembles mosquito bites, most likely the baby actually suffered from insects.

The cause of a rash on the legs can be an infection or injury to the skin. If your child has itchy heels, the rash is most likely caused by a fungus. An allergic reaction on the heels manifests itself in the form of flaky patches that itch and cause swelling of the feet. On the knee joints, a rash can appear with eczema, lichen and psoriasis.

On all parts of the body

Inflammation of the skin throughout the body often indicates infection. If a child is covered with a small rash and it itches, the reason is probably an allergic reaction (see: allergic rash) of the body to a strong irritant. If there is no itching from the rash, these causes can be excluded. Most likely there is a problem with metabolism or the functioning of internal organs.

When the rash all over the body is also colorless, most likely the baby’s sebaceous glands are working too actively. Vitamin deficiency and hormonal imbalances in a child’s body can make themselves felt through rashes without color.

Nature of the rash

If you look closely at your baby's rash, you will notice distinctive signs. Color, shape and structure.

Like nettle

A rash that resembles nettle spots indicates a special type of allergy - urticaria. Pink blisters on the skin are very itchy and accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Most often, urticaria is provoked by hot water, stress, and strong physical exertion. The rash resembles small blisters on the chest or neck.

Like a mosquito bite

If the rash resembles a mosquito bite, the baby has an allergy to poor nutrition. In newborns, this reaction often indicates irregularities in the nursing mother’s diet. Mosquito bites indicate the impact of any blood-sucking insects on the skin, such as ticks or fleas.

In the form of spots

A patchy rash is a very common form of skin inflammation. Most often, the reason lies in a disease of the integument itself or in the presence of an infection. The size of the spots and their color play a big role. Rashes similar to spots appear with lichen, allergies, dermatitis and eczema.

Rough to the touch

The rough rash is most often caused by eczema. In this case, the backs of the hands and face are affected. Rough rashes that resemble sandpaper are sometimes caused by keratosis, a form of allergy. Small pimples affect the back and sides of the arms, but sometimes inflammation appears on the inside of the thighs.

In the form of bubbles and blisters

A rash in the form of blisters appears on the baby’s body as a result of urticaria (see: urticaria in children), miliaria, pemphigus. Among the infectious diseases, rashes with blisters are caused by rubella and chickenpox.

To match your skin color

Flesh-colored growths on the skin are called papules. A rash of this color indicates eczema, psoriasis or contact dermatitis. Sometimes a colorless rash is caused by hormonal changes in the child's body.

Redness due to infections

The signs accompanying the rash often indicate the development of a serious illness in the baby.

For sore throat

Often, observing the primary signs of a sore throat in a baby (fever and cough), after a certain time parents notice a rash on his body. Here, the development of an infectious disease against the background of weakened immunity is likely. Sometimes redness appears due to tonsillitis. Do not forget that in the process of treating a sore throat, a child often develops an allergy to antibiotics.

For ARVI

The appearance of a rash in combination with the usual symptoms of ARVI has similar causes. A child may be intolerant to drug components or allergic to folk remedies. Most often, redness occurs after a course of antibiotics for ARVI.

From chickenpox

Chickenpox causes itchy spots in babies that almost immediately become large blisters. The rash occurs on the palms, face, torso and even in the mouth. The disease is accompanied by high fever and headaches. When the bubbles burst, the baby's skin becomes crusty.

The answer to the question of how long it takes for the rash to completely go away depends on the timeliness of treatment. Usually 3-5 days are enough.

When measles develops

In the case of measles, the baby usually suffers from fever and large red spots that almost merge with each other. The rash from measles appears first on the head, and then spreads to the torso and limbs. The first signs of measles resemble a common cold. This is a strong dry cough, sneezing and tears. Then the temperature rises. How many days does it take for the rashes to go away? As a rule, the skin recovers on the third day.

From infection with scarlet fever

Scarlet fever signals itself by the appearance of small dots on the 2nd day of illness. There is especially a lot of small rash in the elbow and knee bends, on the palms, and in the folds of the skin. The speed of treatment usually does not affect how many days the redness disappears. The rash disappears on its own after 1-2 weeks.

For meningitis

A bright red or purple rash appears on the body of children with meningococcal infection. The disease affects the blood vessels of the skin, so inflammation on the skin forms in various forms. With meningitis, there are rashes on the mucous membranes, on the legs and arms, and on the sides of the body.

When to call a doctor

• The child develops a fever and the temperature rises to 40 degrees.
• A rash appears all over the body and unbearable itching occurs.
• The baby begins to experience headaches, vomiting, and confusion.
• The rash looks like star-shaped hemorrhages.
• Swelling and difficulty breathing appear.

What absolutely should not be done

• Squeeze out pustules yourself.
• Rip off or pop bubbles.
• Scratch the rash.
• Apply brightly colored preparations to the skin (this will make it difficult to make a diagnosis).

In general, a rash is a symptom of many diseases. Sometimes it leads to serious problems, and sometimes it goes away on its own. In any case, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor.

Prevention

1. Timely vaccinations can protect a child from infections (But remember, vaccinations are not always beneficial, everything is individual!). There are now vaccinations against meningitis and rashes caused by it. Ask your doctor for more details.
2. Proper introduction of complementary foods can protect a small child from allergic reactions. It is recommended to teach your child a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. This will not only prevent many diseases and strengthen the immune system, but also reduce the risk of allergic rashes.
3. If you suspect that your baby has contracted an infection, immediately limit his contact with a potential source of infection.

Let's sum it up

• Its localization plays a big role in determining the cause of the rash. The areas of the body that come into most contact with clothing or diapers usually suffer from dermatitis and heat rash. The baby's face often becomes covered with an allergy rash. A rash all over the body indicates the development of an infection or a metabolic disorder in the body.
• Pay attention to the shape of the rash and its color. Small dots indicate allergic reactions, and large spots indicate infections. A colorless rash is not contagious, but a rough one indicates problems in the child’s body.
• Monitor the general condition of the baby, because other symptoms allow you to accurately determine the factor causing redness of the skin. However, keep in mind that these diseases, like acute respiratory viral infections and tonsillitis, very rarely cause a rash on their own. It is worth observing the child's daily routine, because the rash often appears after visiting the pool and similar public places.
• If a child's rash is accompanied by coughing, vomiting and high fever, we are talking about an infectious disease. At the same time, the whole body becomes covered with spots and itches. With proper treatment, rashes in children disappear after 3-5 days. Sometimes a rash and vomiting are signs of dysbiosis.

1. If a rash becomes a cause of concern in a newborn baby, the range of its causes is small. Often, pimples without pus appear on the neck and face of children 2 weeks after birth, disappearing on their own. In children under one year of age, small rashes are most often caused by heat rash due to wearing diapers or tight clothing. Red and pink rashes in a small child are associated with allergies to new foods.
2. When a rash appears after sun exposure, the baby is said to have photodermatosis. Sun allergies are accompanied by itching, redness of the skin and boils. The rash is usually rough on the limbs, face and chest. Crusts, scales, and bubbles form.
3. Allergic reactions in a child’s body can manifest themselves to a variety of irritants. Often, after visiting the pool, a rash appears on the body of children due to the abundance of chlorine in the water. It has already been said that rashes can form even after a course of antibiotics for a sore throat. If we are talking about the treatment of serious diseases such as leukemia, allergies appear within a month.
4. A small, bright rash in children under the third year of life can appear when new teeth erupt. Here, the rashes are accompanied by a slight fever and weakened immunity due to the appearance of teeth. Most often, teething rashes are located on the neck.
5. If the rash in babies is not constant (appears and disappears), most likely, there is contact with an irritant that causes an allergy or dermatitis, which occurs periodically. In addition, the rash disappears and appears again with the development of infectious diseases (measles and scarlet fever), urticaria.
6. To prevent a severe rash in a child, do not try to introduce new foods into his diet too quickly. If your baby shows signs of allergies after swimming in the pool, choose another establishment where the water is not treated with chlorine.