What Are the Types of Children's Skin Rashes?

According to Visual DX Health, simply defined, a rash "is an outbreak of many red bumps or patches on the skin." Rashes are quite common in children, but most are not dangerous to your child or to others. Often, they can be treated at home--with the guidance of your child's pediatrician--and typically resolve quickly. The cause of your child's rash can generally be determined by its appearance, location and extent of the rash. Some rashes are more common in children than others.

Irritant Diaper Dermatitis

• Irritant diaper dermatitis, generally known as diaper rash, is an extremely common condition in infants and is characterized by a puffy, red irritation that occurs on the skin covered by a diaper. According to Visual DX Health, diaper rash is caused by exposure to urine and feces in combination with a tight or ill-fitting diaper or a diaper being left on too long. Diaper rash can be avoided by frequent diaper changes, using diaper wipes with no color or scent additives and by using a cream containing zinc oxide to create a barrier between your child and her diaper. If symptoms do not improve, worsen or spread beyond the diapered area, consult your pediatrician.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

• Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by skin contact with an allergen, and generally occurs 48 to 72 hours following exposure. According to Your Total Health, it typically presents as itchy, red blisters that eventually rupture and crust over. Secondary infections can occur without treatment. The most common allergens are chromates (shoe leather), nickel (jewelry, belt buckles), rubber chemicals (elastic, balloons), neomycin (antibiotic lotions and ointments, ear and eye medications), cosmetics, soaps and dyes. Treatment includes cleansing the rash with cool water, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion and avoiding the offending allergen. If the rash consistently reoccurs or worsens, call your pediatrician.

Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is an allergic reaction that causes skin to become inflamed with an extremely itchy, red rash. The rash typically has a dry, scaly appearance and may crack and ooze liquid. According to Your Total Health, eczema is usually a hereditary condition that occurs in people with allergic rhinitis or asthma. It can also be caused by contact with a chemical irritant. If left untreated, eczema can become a chronic condition lasting through adulthood.

Varicella

• Varicella, commonly known as chicken pox, is a contagious illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It generally occurs in children from 1 to 10 years of age. According to Visual DX Health, the first sign of chicken pox is a rash which presents as itchy, red lesions with depressed centers. Lesions typically appear first on the scalp and trunk and then spread to the arms, legs, face and even into the mouth and nose. The most common complication from chicken pox is infection due to scratching the itchy lesions. Although most children develop approximately 100 lesions, if your child has received the varicella vaccine he will probably develop fewer. Treatment can almost always be done at home, but if your child contracts chicken pox, a visit to his pediatrician is warranted.

Urticaria

• Urticaria, or hives, is, according to Your Total Health, is more common in children than adults and is characterized by itchy pink or red bumps that can arbitrarily appear and disappear in patches anywhere on the body. Swelling in the feet, hands, mouth, eyes and genitals can accompany an outbreak of hives. According to Visual DX Health, hives can be acute (of sudden onset lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (lasting longer than six weeks). Doctors believe that hives can be a reaction many factors including medication, stress, certain foods, insect bites, pollen, mold, environmental elements and infection, 90 percent of hives cases are idiopathic, that is, they are of unknown origin. You can take care of your child's hives with cool baths, rest and an antihistamine. Call 911 immediately, however, if your child cannot swallow, has difficulty breathing or feels lightheaded.