Allergic Rashes in Children

As defined by MedicineNet.com, rashes are defined as an outbreak of bumps on the body. This outbreak transforms the way the skin looks and feels. Common types of rashes are non-infectious, scaly patches of skin, patchy skin caused by a fungus or bacteria and red bumps all over the body. Although rashes are most often temporary and not dangerous, they are still the result of harmful cotangents in the body. Adults suffer from little more than mild embarrassment at the outbreak of a rash; however, children, and their under-developed immune system, can suffer far more.

Chickenpox

• Because children are not as prone to washing hands or staying away from sick friends as teenagers and adults are, they are more likely to contract a virus or infectious rash. One of the most common bacterial rashes is chicken pox. Symptoms usually last two weeks and most often, chickenpox does little more than make a child uncomfortable. It can be very serious to a child with a deficient immune system or a preexisting condition such as HIV/AIDS. Vaccinations have been developed in the last 15 years that suffice in protecting children from chickenpox. These should be given before a child reaches his first birthday. The earliest way to tell if a child has chickenpox is to see if he develops red, itchy bumps on the body; the bumps will be accompanied by a fever or headache. Chickenpox is incredibly contagious and should be treated as such. Oatmeal baths are effective in subsiding the itchiness associated with chickenpox.

Measles

• Measles is another rash that isn't as dangerous as most others and can be prevented with a vaccination shot at an early age. Early symptoms of measles include nasal congestion, fever and redness in the eyes. Children with measles usually feel and look sicker than they actually are. Long-lasting effects of measles are very rare. If your child is suffering from measles, give them plenty of fluids and bed rest as there is no treatment for the disease outside of the vaccination.

Petechiae

• Petechiae is characterized by red and purplish spots on the skin. They aren't bumps like chickenpox and are caused by broken capillaries in the skin. The dots are blisters under the skin of broken blood vessels. Most children will have a severe fever as well, which is caused by a viral illness.

  Children with petechiae can appear very healthy or very sick. If your child exhibits any of the external symptoms, have her see a doctor immediately. Failure to seek medical attention can be fatal. X-rays and blood samples can determine the cause of the petechiae.

Scabies

• There are several rashes that are caused by fungi or parasites, scabies being one of the most common. The rash will come as a result of being in close contact with a mite. It takes about two weeks for the mite to burrow itself into the child, so symptoms should start around this time frame. Prevention is the best way to combat scabies. Teaching your child good hygiene will go a long way in helping them avoid not only scabies but most other infections and rashes as well. Have your child learn the importance of not sharing clothes or hats, as this will often lead to scabies and other skin conditions. Make sure to be prepared once your child has been diagnosed, as scabies is incredibly contagious. If one family member contracts the condition, all in the household must be checked right away. There are prescription medications available to those suffering from scabies.

Milia

• One of the most common skin rashes that newborns can contract is called milia. It is characterized by small yellow and/or white bumps all over the body. It is caused by a cyst build up of skin cells. Greasy skin cells can build up in the arm pits, the diaper or on the scalp. While it looks incredibly painful and dangerous to your baby, it is not dangerous and can be treated easily by your family pediatrician.