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Table of Contents
Causes
Common Types
Prevention
When to Seek Medical Care
Babies have sensitive skin that may be more likely to react to irritants and allergens than the skin of adults and older children. Knowing the potential causes of a rash may help determine if your little one needs treatment.
Many types of rashes are made up of tiny bumps on the skin. Rashes may feel itchy and uncomfortable.
A variety of factors can lead to infant rashes. Babies have sensitive skin and developing immune systems. This can lead them to experience rashes from factors including:
A Word From Verywell
—DANIEL COMBS, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Common Skin Rashes in Children
Most infant rashes are relatively mild and can be treated at home. If your little one seems uncomfortable, call your child’s healthcare provider for further guidance.
Cradle Cap
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Cradle caprefers to a scalp, forehead, or face rash.It can also appear in the diaper area, skin folds, and underarms. Cradle cap looks like greasy, yellowish patches of skin that crust over. The skin may also look scaly or flaky.
Cradle cap is most common in children ages 2 weeks to 12 months. It usually resolves on its own. However, if cradle cap does not resolve on its own, your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe a mild steroid cream or antifungal shampoo.
Eczema
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Eczema(atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition affecting up to 25% of young children, and 60% of those affected develop it in their first year.One of the best ways to manage eczema is to avoid any irritants or allergens that cause it.
Blueberry Muffin Rash in Newborns
Diaper Rash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022.
Over-the-counter (OTC) creams that containzinc oxideare usually an effectivetreatment for diaper rashbecause they provide an effective barrier between the skin and any moisture in the diaper.
globalmoments / Getty Images
Drool Rash
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
To manage your child’s drool rash, use a warm washcloth to gently wipe drool or food away. Applying petroleum jelly or Aquaphor cream to protect their skin from moisture may also help.
Impetigo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Impetigois a common bacterial infection in babies and young children and usually looks like open red or discolored sores. The sores leak clear fluid or pus for a few days, then crust over into honey-colored scabs.
Impetigo is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic therapy. See your child’s healthcare provider for a topical or oral antibiotic prescription.
Fifth Disease
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet dermnetnz.org 2023
Fifth diseaseis a viral illness. In addition to a fever, headache, and runny nose, it often causes a bright red or discolored rash on the cheeks. After a few days, the rash may spread to the trunk, arms, and legs.
Home treatment usually includes rest and fluids. Your healthcare provider may recommendTylenol (acetaminophen)for the fever.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseis a common virus in children under age 5. It is very contagious but usually not serious. Most children feel better within seven to 10 days.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease symptoms may include a fever, mouth sores, and a discolored or red rash. Home treatment includes rest, hydration, and OTC medications to manage the fever.
Allergic Reactions
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Allergic reactions may lead to a skin rash and several other symptoms. A serious allergic reaction can cause itchy welts or skin bumps known as hives (urticaria). A reaction to certain foods, medications, or other irritants may cause this rash.
Contact dermatitisoccurs when the skin comes in contact with something irritating, such as a chemical or fragrance. This rash may look like discolored or red blisters that burn or itch.
Heat Rash
IAN HOOTON / SPL / Getty Images
What a Heat Rash Looks Like on Darker Skin (and What to Do Next)
Chickenpox
Mixmike / Getty Images
Chickenpoxis a highly contagious disease that leads to an itchy, blister-like rash on the chest, back, face, and entire body. Chickenpox may be mild but can cause serious illness in infants younger than 12 months. Fortunately, chickenpox is preventable with atwo-dose vaccine.
Measles
Rini Rezeki / Getty Images
Measlesis a contagious virus that is serious, especially for newborns. Measles causes a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and rash. The rash usually appears about three to five days after symptoms start. See your child’s healthcare provider if you believe that they could have measles or were exposed to it.
Measles is preventable with the measles vaccine. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about vaccine schedules.
Drool Rash vs. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): What Are the Differences?
Thrush
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider when a rash lasts longer than a week or is spreading. Your child may need medical treatment if they experience a rash with any of the following symptoms:
Summary
To lower your child’s risk of a rash, change diapers frequently, use fragrance-free laundry detergent, and dress them in light, absorbent layers. See your child’s healthcare provider if they experience a rash with a high fever, pain, lethargy, fussiness, wheezing, swelling, trouble breathing, or a stiff neck.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Newborn rashes and birthmarks.
Nemours KidsHealth.Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) in infants.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Eczema in babies and children.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat eczema in babies.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common diaper rashes & treatments.
Labib A, Does AV, Korbutov J, Yosipovitch G.Silicone barrier cream in treatment of atopic dermatitis: a literature review.Dermatol Ther. 2022;35(12):e15884. doi:10.1111/dth.15884
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Impetigo: all you need to know.
Nemours KidsHealth.Fifth disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Rashes.
MedlinePlus.Babies and heat rashes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chickenpox (varicella).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measles (rubeola).
Nemours KidsHealth.Oral thrush (for parents).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat diaper rash.
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