Skin Rashes in Children

Skin rash is a common disorder observed in children. Skin rash is actually an outburst of several red patches on skin of the various body parts. Skin rash is an inflamed skin area that is sometimes itchy as well. Many common skin rashes in children are a result of various bacterial infections and the viral infections. Sometimes, skin rashes in children are caused by non-allergic and allergic reactions to various drugs, medications, foods, insects, animals and various environmental factors. Read more on skin rash.

Skin Rashes in Children
As said earlier, skin rashes in toddlers and infants is a common thing that affects every kid at least once. There are many types of skin rashes in infants that actually don't have any lifelong effects on their well being. Here are the causes and symptoms of skin rashes in children.

Chickenpox
Chickenpox is caused by a virus called as varicella zoster. Chickenpox is a very contagious disease and spreads very quickly too. Generally, this is not a life threatening disease and its symptoms normally last for just over two weeks. Chickenpox skin rashes in infants that have weak immune system, can cause a bit of havoc, if not treated in time. Symptoms of chickenpox usually start with high fever and then the skin rashes start to show up. These are intense itching rashes that are most commonly found on the scalp, groin and armpit areas. Skin rashes on face and other body parts start to turn red and have a superficial blister in the middle. Later on, it gets converted into a lesion with a tough crust.

Measles
Measles is a skin disease caused by a virus from the genus paramyxovirus. Beginning of measles is usual cough, and runny and congested nose. Several other symptoms of measles include, redness of eyes, fever and extreme weakness. After a while the kid starts to lose appetite and feels more and more tired. After 3 to 4 days of the infection, the kid starts to develop small brown colored rashes on face that spread throughout the body, if not treated in time.

Rubella
Also called as German measles, rubella is a skin disease that is caused by the virus rubivirus. Faint pink colored skin rashes on face is the first sign of recognizing rubella. Any significant symptoms are not observed other than swollen lymph nodes at the back of the ears. Rubella is not a serious skin disease in the children as it is in the pregnant woman and for the unborn children.

Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is caused by streptococcus pyogenes, which is a group A bacteria. Most skin rashes in children, especially the school going children are caused by this fever. Scarlet fever is nothing but strep throat that comes along with skin rashes. Scarlet fever is a contagious disease that appears anytime during winter and early spring. Skin rashes on legs and skin rashes on hands that are found during the scarlet fever are not much serious, but the underlying symptom (strep throat) can create several complications such as long term heart disease and rheumatic arthritis.

Fifth Disease
Fifth disease, also called as slapped cheeks or erythema infectiosum, is caused by a virus called as parvovirus B19. This is an uncommon kind of disease that occurs to one out of every five children during any time of the year. Symptoms are low grade fever, cough, nausea and vomiting, headache, stomach ache, sore throat and diarrhea. The skin rashes in children are seen on the cheeks, as they turn bright red in color, and so is the disease called slapped cheek disease.

Roseola Infantum
Also known as exanthem subitum, it is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It is also caused by a virus named human herpes virus 6. This disease is the most prominent reason behind the skin rashes in infants and toddlers. Symptoms of roseola infantum include fever with spikes that lasts for 3 to 5 days and a rapturous onset of skin rashes. These skin rashes start to appear as soon as the fever is resolved. These rashes are pink in color with flat lesion like structure.

Impetigo
This is one of the most common type of skin rashes in children. Impetigo is caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. Skin rashes in babies, due to impetigo, are possible anytime especially during the warmer months. Beginning of impetigo is usually the common blisters that get ruptured and leave red and inflamed open patches over the skin surface. This is also a very contagious disease and the infection can also spread to other people. Read more on skin rashes that itch.

Skin Rashes in Infants
Along with the above mentioned, there are several skin rashes that predominantly appear in infants and newborns. They are:

• Milia: These are small yellowish white spots that appear on gums as well as face of the infants. There are chances of developement of cysts as well.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Also known as cradle cap, these are greasy, bumpy and itchy sort of skin rashes in infants that can be very annoying. They usually appear behind ears, armpits and near the diaper area.
• Infantile Acne: These skin rashes in infants are also called as normal newborn rash and they are very common in most of the newborns. They start on the second or third day of birth and go away within a week.

Fungal and Parasitic Skin Rashes in Children

• Scabies: This is a sort of fungal infection that causes itchy skin rashes in children that get even worst on bathing. Scabies is causes by Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a type of mite.
• Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungal infection that is caused by Microsporum canis. There are several types of skin rashes like skin rashes on body, skin rashes on scalp, etc. Read more on ringworm tinea.
• Athlete's Foot: This is a type of infection that can cause skin rashes in children. It can be cured with several over-the-counter drugs and medications.

Life Threatening Skin Rashes in Babies
Along with the above mentioned common skin rashes, there are several skin rashes in babies that can be life threatening, if not treated in time. This type of skin rash in babies are very rare and on finding primary symptoms, it is always necessary to visit a health care provider. Several disease like Petechiae, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), Meningococcemia, Lyme disease, hives, Kawasaki disease, Toxic shock syndrome, etc. can be a severe threat to life, if not treated in time.

Treatment for Skin Rashes in Children
First and foremost thing to remember is that there is no treatment available once the child develops the skin rashes. Wait, I am not trying to scare you off. Today, there are various vaccinations and other such preventive measures available for treating various medical conditions. Skin rashes in children can also be prevented by providing the kids with a timely vaccination. Many diseases listed above that are responsible for the skin rashes in toddlers as well as infants, can be prevented by the vaccinations.

The prime most thing to do for your kid's health is keeping a constant eye on him and visiting the health care provider on noticing any of the warning signs of the skin rashes. On this note, I conclude this article about skin rashes in children. All kinds of skin rashes in babies can get cured, provided the watchful parent in you is constantly awake. Take care!