When to Worry About Rash on Child? Steer Clear from Summertime Rashes

When to worry about a rash on a child?  

Rashes are common among babies and children. Typically, they are harmless and can go away easily. They appear when your child meets certain viruses.  

Measles, for example, is a distinctive virus that causes rashes. It can get contagious and is a serious rash you should be concerned about.  

But when do you know that your child’s rash is getting dangerous? What kind of rash is safe and goes away on its own? If you are having all these thoughts, read this article.  

Can You Tell If A Rash Is Dangerous For Kids?

Rashes can often be so minor that they don’t even need treatment. However, sometimes it can take a severe form, enough to require close medical attention.  

So, if you are asking, ‘When to worry about a rash on a child?’ there’s no answer. There’s no rule of thumb when you should be concerned about your child’s rash. Even pediatricians often find it difficult to understand the nature of a rash briefly.  

The good news is there’s a cure for most types of rashes. Each type of rash has a different symptom. Children might often have a rash all over their skin, but they still feel comfortable and playful. Sometimes, a tiny portion of skin with a rash can put them on bed rest.  

The severity depends on the type of rash your child has.  There’s a rash called roseola. Before this rash appears, your child has an extreme level of fever. It only appears once the fever goes down. Once the rash is out, your child feels all better. 

If you are thinking about whether to worry, check how your child reacts to rash. Are they feeling better after the rash came out? Or if they are struggling to breathe. Looking past the rash and analyzing what caused it first is important.  

Signs & Symptoms Of Rash On A Child 

Rashes come in different shapes, sizes, and appearances. They might be red, flat, or have bumps and blisters. Sometimes, they can appear only at one spot of the skin. Sometimes, it takes over the entire body. It may last for years or weeks.  

In most cases, rashes are mild and don’t affect your child much. Yes, some rashes can be very discomforting and itch painfully. Some are distinctive, making it easy for pediatricians to understand the virus.  

Here are some common culprits (viruses) that cause rashes on your child’s skin – 

• Chickenpox  

• Hand, foot, and mouth disease  

• Measles 

• Molluscum 

• Roseola infantum 

When to Worry about Rash on Child?

Typically, if your child has a rash, they are likely to recover soon once the fever goes down and the rash comes out. Rash also causes fever, which comes first and then disappears once the rash appears.  

When the rash appears, and the fever starts to disappear, it suggests your child’s getting better. But, sometimes, the rash and the fever might come simultaneously. Take your child to a GP if you notice something similar.  

If you suspect the child has measles, you can ask the GP to visit your child at home. This will help you avoid putting others at risk.  

Also, if you are arriving at the doctor’s clinic, inform the receptionist to avoid further infection. 

But be cautious if your child has smaller and bright red or purple rashes. Dangerous rashes can also appear to look like bruises. They also come with headaches, back pain, and stiff neck. Under such conditions, immediately contact the nearest hospital or emergency department.  

Summertime Skin Rashes in Children

Your child might be playing around outdoors, mostly during the summertime.  This is the season when they catch lots of skin problems like rashes. They might be coming back home with itchy and irritated skin. So, what are the reasons for that? 

Heat Rash 

The most common type of rash your child might be coming home with is a heat rash. This type of rash occurs in their skin when the sweat glands get clogged and swelled up. They don’t let the perspiration out.  

How do you notice these rashes? You will see pinkish or reddish bumps on their skins. These usually appear under the clothing, and your skin will appear like this. 

The best way to deal with these skin rashes is to keep your child’s skin cool. Pay attention to their skin and if a specific part is getting hot and reddish.  

Poison Ivy & Plant Rashes

If your child is playing around in the woods, they may encounter plants that can cause an itchy feeling. Such itching can also cause rashes on your child’s skin. Such cognition happens when your child encounters poison ivy, which has a sticky oil named urushiol.  

It’s best to prevent your child’s exposure to such leaves and poison ivy to reduce the chances of rashes. Applying calamine lotions to their skin would help reduce the itching and allergic reaction.  

Eczema  

Here’s something that can affect your kid if their skin is exposed to air with less moisture. Due to such skin rashes, you may see dry, scaly, and red patches on their skin.  

The best way to prevent this rash from appearing is by maintaining moisture on their skin. Start by regularly applying fragrance-free creams. It’s best to do so after a bath. Gently pat their skin using a towel after a bath and apply the moisturizer afterward. Remind them not to scratch their skin if they are experiencing this. If it’s getting worse, it’s time to talk to your pediatrician.  

Insect Bites & Stings 

When to worry about a rash on your child’s skin? Has your child come home with bee bites? Did they get bit by mosquitoes or flies? It starts with minor discomfort that leads to itching and discomfort. This can lead to severe skin irritation and a reaction, called anaphylaxis.  

It’s best to avoid using scented soaps and shampoos if your child is going outside. It attracts insects and can lead to anaphylaxis. If your child is going to the woods or bee hives, it’s best to use insect repellent. Such rashes often lead to difficult health conditions. So, take your child to emergency care.  

Impetigo 

When should you worry about a rash on a child? Impetigo is something to worry about. Check if your child has impetigo. It’s a common type of rash your little one may develop during summer.  

An impetigo rash looks like a rash that appears like a fluid-filled blister. It can also look like an oozing rash with crusted yellow scabs.  

This rash can easily spread among others if they meet your child. First, clean and cover the area where the rash is to prevent it from spreading. Also, ask your child to stop scratching the affected area. Talk to a pediatrician for further treatment.  

Conclusion 

It’s difficult to keep your child protected all the time. Especially during summer, if your child’s skin is prone to rashes, they will have difficulty adjusting to the season. If this is common to them, maintain necessary precautions to avoid rashes and allergies. 

But, if a resh appears due to unknown reasons and takes a severe form, don’t hesitate to contact the GP’s clinic.  

We have mentioned the common summertime rashes in this article to help you steer clear of the negatives. However, if your child is facing something severe, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. 

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