Rash - child under 2 years Health Article

Call your health care provider if

Call your child's health care provider if your child has:

• A fever or other unexplained symptoms associated with the rash
• Any areas that look wet, oozing, or red, which are signs of infection
• A rash that extends beyond the diaper area
• A rash that is worse in the skin creases
• A rash, spots, blister, or discoloration and is younger than 3 months
• Blisters
• No improvement after 3 days of home treatment
• Significant scratching

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. The baby's skin will be thoroughly examined to determine the extent and type of the rash. Bring a list of all the products used on the child's skin.

You may be asked questions such as:

• When did the rash start?
  • Did it begin suddenly (within hours) or slowly and gradually?
  • Did symptoms begin at birth or in infancy? What age?
  • Did symptoms begin after a fever occurred and was relieved?
  • Did the rash occur after skin injury, bathing, or exposure to sunlight or cold?
• What does the rash look like?
  • Are there pinpoint red spots?
  • Does it look like small red areas or blisters?
  • Does it look like bruises?
  • Does it look like hives (red welts that come and go on different parts of the body and are very itchy)?
  • Does the skin look dry and tough?
  • Is the rash scaling or crusting?
• Where on the body does the rash occur?
  • Is the rash spreading to other areas?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• What type of soaps and detergents do you use?
• Do you put anything on the skin (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes)?
• Is your child taking any medications? How long has the child taken them?
• Has your child recently eaten any new foods?
• Has your child been in contact with grasses/weeds/trees recently?
• Has your child recently been sick?
• Does your child or anyone in your family have allergies?
• Do any skin problems run in your family?

Tests are seldom required but may include the following:

• Allergy skin tests
• Blood studies (such as CBC, blood differential)
• Microscopic examination of a sample of the affected skin

Depending on the cause of the rash, antihistamines may be recommended to decrease itching. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection.

The doctor may prescribe a cream for diaper rash caused by yeast. If the rash is severe and not caused by yeast, a corticosteroid cream may be recommended.

For eczema, the doctor may prescribe ointments or cortisone drugs to decrease inflammation.