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Contagious Skin Rashes in Children

Children can develop rashes from touching poisonous plants, by touching a caustic cleaning product, or by catching a virus that causes a rash. Rashes that appear on the skin as a result of touching a chemical, it can be easily treated and does not pose a risk to other children. If the rash is caused by a poisonous plant or a virus, however, parents need to be aware that the rash could spread to others.

  1. Chicken Pox

    • Chicken pox is a viral illness that causes the skin to develop red bumps. These red bumps are usually fluid-filled and extremely itchy, and can appear anywhere on the body including the face, neck, chest, back, arms and legs. It is very important not to let your child go to school until their blisters are all healing, as this illness is highly contagious to others.

    Poison Ivy

    • Poison ivy is a three-leafed plant that grows in woodlands and forested areas. The leaves can occasionally have small, red spots on them and jagged edges. When the skin comes into contact with these leaves, it releases a chemical that causes the skin to develop a red, icthy rash. If another person touches the rash, it can spread the chemicals from the plant onto their skin. Therefore, it is important to isolate a child with poison ivy to avoid accidental exposure to other children.

    Measles

    • Measles is a common illness that causes the face and body to develop a brown rash, and is typically accompanied by nasal congestion and a cough. Measles is very contagious to others, and can be spread from person to person easily.

    Poison Oak

    • Poison oak is another poisonous plant that releases chemicals once in contact with skin. The poison oak plant is a hairy vine that winds up trees in woodlands and forests. Once touched, it can cause the skin to develop an angry rash that itches and burns. Contact with another persons skin could spread the rash, so all contact with other people should be avoided until the poison oak is treated.

    Scarlet Fever

    • Scarlet fever is an illness caused by the Streptococcal bacteria, and causes a severe sore throat and a red, blotchy rash that makes the skin feel rough to the touch. Scarlet fever is extremely contagious and should be treated with antibiotics in order for it to be eliminated. Before antibiotics were invented, scarlet fever was often fatal.

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