Rashes in Children: When to Worry and When to See a Dermatologist

Rashes are very common in children and often worry parents. Most are harmless and clear quickly, but some need a doctor's examination and, rarely, urgent help. This article helps you tell when to worry and when to see a dermatologist.

Call an ambulance right away (103)

Do not wait if:

• a rash does not fade when pressed and your child has a fever. It is easy to check: press a clear glass against the rash — if the spots are still visible through the glass, call 103 at once;
• your child is very floppy, drowsy, irritable or will not stop crying;
• breathing becomes difficult, or the lips, face or tongue swell;
• widespread blisters appear and the skin peels;
• a baby under 3 months has a fever and a rash.

The most common rashes in children

• Atopic dermatitis — dry, red, itchy skin on the cheeks and in the elbow and knee creases. More: atopic dermatitis.
• Hives and allergy — itchy welts that come and go quickly. More: hives and skin allergy.
• Nappy rash — redness under the nappy; frequent changes, nappy-free time and a barrier cream help. Bright redness in the folds with small spots around it may be a yeast infection.
• Heat rash — tiny red spots on the neck, chest and back from overheating; do not over-wrap your child.
• Viral rashes — chickenpox, rubella and other infections, often with fever. Do not pop chickenpox blisters.
• Molluscum contagiosum — small pearly bumps with a dimple in the centre. More: molluscum contagiosum.
• Warts — firm growths on the hands and feet. More: warts in children.
• Scabies — night-time itching, a rash between the fingers, often in the whole family. More: scabies.
• Fungal infection of the skin and scalp — ring-shaped patches or round patches with broken hairs, often from cats and dogs. More: fungal skin infections.
• Cold sores — blisters around the lips. More: herpes.

What parents should not do

• Do not use adult creams and medicines on a child.
• Do not use steroid cream on your own — especially on the face and under the nappy.
• Do not paint a widespread rash with iodine, brilliant green or alcohol: they burn the skin and make it harder for the doctor to see the rash.
• Do not pop blisters or pick crusts; keep your child's nails short.
• Before sending a child with a rash to nursery, find out whether it is contagious.

When to see a doctor

• the rash does not clear in 2–3 days or spreads;
• severe itching disturbs sleep;
• the rash weeps, oozes pus or hurts;
• other family members have a similar rash;
• the rash is linked to a new food or medicine.

Before the visit, take a photo of the rash — some rashes fade quickly.

Paediatric dermatologist in Fergana and Kokand

At Radeski Skin Clinic a paediatric dermatologist examines the rash, performs dermoscopy and a scraping when needed, and chooses treatment and care suited to the child's age.

• Dermatology department;
• Dermatologist in Fergana and in Kokand.

A child's skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult's: show a rash to a doctor before trying to "treat" it yourself.