Updated to include information about additional skin rashes in babies and toddlers, plus new medical review.
Itching and scratching and red patches, oh my.
At some point or another, your baby or toddler will likely get hit with an uncomfortable rash.
So what should you do when you spot a spot (or bumps, or hives)?
Just keep your cutie comfortable and sit tight until her skin is back to normal.
Want to learn a little more about what you might be dealing with?
It starts with paying close attention to the appearance of the rash and considering the possible contributing culprits.
Diarrhea can makediaper rashesmore likely too.
(Skin folds are less prone to diaper rash.)
Diaper rash brought on by yeast or bacterial infections might have sharp edges, pimples, weeping or crusting.
Rashes from an allergy may resemble small bumps, like hives.
As a result, exposure to the irritants tends to make skin flare up.
What it looks like:Eczema patches tend to be dry, red and very itchy.
They can get leathery or scaly, oozy or crusty, and sometimes become swollen.
What it looks like:Dry skin can look tight, rough or flaky.
The infection is highly contagious and can be spread through sneezing, coughing or touching contaminated surfaces.
The rash doesnt usually itch.
Common allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy.
Very serious reactions could lead to swelling of the lips or tongue or trouble breathing.
Adults can get it too, and it can cause complications in pregnant women.
The rash itself isnt usually contagious.
But more than 30% of the time, the cause of hives remains unknown.
What they look like:Hives tend to look like welts with a white center and form in clusters.
They can itch, sting or swell, but sometimes they wont bother your child at all.
Infants are particularly susceptible, since their skin is so thin and delicate.
What it looks like:You might not notice your childs sunburn until a few hours after exposure.
Her skin will look pink or red and feel warm to the touch.
The worse a burn is, the more likely it is to be painful and swollen.
Severe burns can blister.
The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s not contagious.
If it’s severe, your child’s pediatrician might recommend a topical steroid to speed up healing.
Plants like poison ivy can trigger contact dermatitis too.
In some cases they can form blisters and start to ooze or flake.
What it looks like:Poison ivy rashes are red and itchy, and may become blistered or swollen.
The rash forms fluid-filled blisters and eventually starts to scab.
The virus can also cause a fever, headache, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Ringworm
What it is:A fungal infection that can form on the scalp or body.
Ringworm infections are usually mild, but the rashes they cause can make your little one uncomfortable.
Depending on the severity, it can be treated with OTC or prescription antifungal creams.
Your child can have a single patch or several of them.
The bacteria can spread from contact with an infected person, especially in warm, humid weather.
Measles can lead to serious complications in children, including hearing loss, pneumonia and swelling of the brain.
From there, the spots move down the body and can join together to form splotches.
Scarlet fever
What it is:A rash that can develop when your little one hasstrep throat.
Her tongue might be coated in white and then turn very red too.
Causes:Lyme disease is transmitted from the bite of an infected blacklegged or deer tick.
If caught early, Lyme disease is highly treatable with antibiotics.
With a little TLC, the rash should clear up in no time.
