Rash - child under 2 years

Definition

A rash is a change in the color or texture of the skin. A skin rash can be:

Alternative Names

Baby rash; Miliaria; Prickly heat

Considerations

Most bumps and blotches on a newborn baby are harmless and clear up by themselves.

The most common skin problem in infants is diaper rash. Diaper rash is an irritation of the skin caused by dampness, urine, or feces. Most babies who wear diapers will have some type of diaper rash at some point.

Other skin disorders can cause rashes. These are most often not serious unless they occur with other symptoms.

Causes

Causes may include:

Home Care

DIAPER RASHES

Keep the skin dry. Change wet diapers as quickly as possible. Allow the baby's skin to air dry as long as is practical. Launder cloth diapers in mild soap and rinse well. Avoid using plastic pants. Avoid irritating wipes (especially those containing alcohol) when cleaning the infant.

Ointments or creams may help reduce friction and protect the baby's skin from irritation. Powders such as cornstarch or talc should be used cautiously, as they can be inhaled by the infant and may cause lung injury.

If your baby has a yeast diaper rash, the health care provider will prescribe an antifungal cream to treat it.

OTHER RASHES

Heat rash or prickly heat is best treated by providing a cooler and less humid environment for the child.

Powders are unlikely to help treat heat rash and should be stored out of reach of the infant to prevent accidental inhalation. Avoid ointments and creams because they tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.

Erythema toxicum is normal in newborn babies and will go away on its own in a few days. You do not need to do anything for it.

White or clear milia/miliaria will go away on their own. You do not need to do anything for it.

For hives, talk with your provider to try to find the cause. Some causes require prescription medicines. Antihistamines may help stop the itching.

BABY ACNE

Normal washing is all that is necessary to treat baby acne most of the time. Use plain water or mild baby soap and only bathe your baby every 2 to 3 days. Avoid acne medicines used by adolescents and adults.

CRADLE CAP

For cradle cap, wash the hair or scalp with water or a mild baby shampoo. Use a brush to remove the flakes of dry skin. If this cannot be removed easily, apply an oil to the scalp to soften it. Cradle cap most often disappears by 18 months. If it does not disappear, it becomes infected, or if it is resistant to treatments, consult your provider.

ECZEMA

For skin problems caused by eczema, the keys to reducing rash are to reduce scratching and keep the skin moisturized.

While the majority of children with eczema will outgrow it, many will have sensitive skin as adults.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your child's provider if your child has:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The provider will perform a physical exam. 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:

Tests are seldom required but may include the following:

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 provider 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 provider may prescribe ointments or corticosteroid drugs to decrease inflammation.

References

DiBiagio JR, Lloyd CM. Dermatology. In: Kleinman K, Mcdaniel L, Molloy M, eds. The Harriet Lane Handbook. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.

Gehris RP. Dermatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 8.

Valeyrie-Allanore L, Obeid G, Revuz J. Drug reactions. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2018:chap 21.



Review Date: 1/24/2023
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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