Rashes in Children: Common Types and Treatment

Your child has red spots on their tummy, patches on their cheeks or blisters on their hands. Rashes in children are very common and almost always harmless — but it can be difficult to know what it is and whether you should contact a doctor.

Most rashes in children are caused by viruses, allergies or skin conditions such as eczema. Some clear up on their own within a few days, others need treatment. And in rare cases, a rash can be a sign of something serious that requires prompt action.

Here is an overview of the most common rashes in children, what you can do at home, and when you should call the doctor.

Overview: The most common rashes in children

Atopic eczema

Atopic eczema (childhood eczema) is the most common skin condition in children. Around 15–20 percent of children are affected.

What it looks like

• Dry, red and itchy skin
• Often on the cheeks in babies
• In the creases (inside of elbows, behind knees) in older children
• Can weep and crust during flare-ups
• Itching is often worst at night

Treatment

Moisturizer is the foundation of treatment. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer at least twice daily — more often during dry periods. Moisturizer is more important than any other treatment.

During flare-ups:

• Hydrocortisone cream in short periods — follow your doctor's instructions
• Avoid scratching — keep nails cut short, use cotton mittens at night
• Lukewarm baths (not hot) with bath oil

Prevention:

• Use wool-free, soft clothing next to the skin
• Wash clothes with fragrance-free detergent
• Avoid harsh soaps and bubble baths
• Keep the temperature comfortable — sweating worsens eczema

Hives (urticaria)

Hives cause raised, red and itchy welts that can appear suddenly and move around the body.

What it looks like

• Red, raised patches (welts) in various sizes
• Can look like mosquito bites or nettle rash
• Moves — new welts appear as old ones disappear
• Extremely itchy
• Usually lasts a few hours to days

Common causes

• Viral infections (most common cause in children)
• Allergic reactions (food, insect stings, medications)
• Cold or heat
• In many cases the cause is never found

Treatment

• Antihistamine (cetirizine) relieves itching — available over the counter for children over 2 years
• Cool compresses can temporarily reduce the itch
• Usually clears up on its own within hours to days

Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum)

Fifth disease is a mild viral infection caused by parvovirus B19. The name comes from it historically being the fifth childhood disease with a rash to be described.

What it looks like

• Starts with mild fever, headache and cold symptoms
• After a few days: intensely red cheeks (as if the child has been slapped)
• Then: a lacy rash on the arms, legs and body
• The rash can come and go for several weeks, often triggered by heat, sun or bathing

Treatment

Fifth disease requires no specific treatment. The virus has run its course by the time the rash appears — the child is contagious before the rash comes, not after.

• Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or discomfort
• The rash is harmless and clears up on its own
• The child can return to daycare when they feel well

Hand-foot-mouth disease

Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral infection caused by coxsackievirus. It most often affects children under five and spreads easily in daycares.

What it looks like

• Blisters in the mouth (on the tongue, palate, inside the cheeks) — can make it painful to eat
• Rash with small blisters on the hands and feet
• Sometimes also on the bottom and around the mouth
• Mild fever
• Poor appetite

Treatment

• Give pain relief (acetaminophen) for fever and mouth pain
• Offer cold drinks and soft foods — ice cream and yogurt can soothe
• Avoid acidic foods and juice that sting in the blisters
• The illness clears up on its own within a week

Hand-foot-mouth disease is most contagious in the first week, but the virus can be shed in feces for several weeks. Good hand hygiene is the best preventive measure.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A streptococcus (the same bacteria that cause strep throat).

What it looks like

• Sore throat and difficulty swallowing, often with high fever
• Rash that feels like sandpaper — small red spots packed closely together
• Usually starts on the chest and spreads to the rest of the body
• Redder in skin folds (armpits, groin)
• Strawberry tongue — the tongue can become red and bumpy
• The skin may peel afterwards, especially on the fingertips

Treatment

• Antibiotics (penicillin) for 10 days — always complete the full course
• Acetaminophen for fever and pain
• The child is no longer contagious after 24–48 hours on antibiotics

Chickenpox

Chickenpox (varicella) is a highly contagious viral disease. Most children get chickenpox in childhood, and a vaccine is available and recommended in most countries.

What it looks like

• Starts with fever and fatigue
• Then a rash: red spots that develop into fluid-filled blisters
• The blisters dry out and form scabs
• The rash comes in waves — you see spots, blisters and scabs at the same time
• Extremely itchy

Treatment

• Give antihistamine for itching and acetaminophen for pain
• Keep nails cut short to prevent the child from scratching the blisters open
• Cool compresses or oatmeal baths can soothe the itch
• Avoid ibuprofen with chickenpox — it can increase the risk of skin infections

Read more in our detailed article on chickenpox and the vaccine.

Rashes in newborns and babies

Newborns often get rashes that can look dramatic but are completely harmless.

Baby acne (neonatal acne)

Small red or white spots on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Completely normal, caused by maternal hormones. Needs no treatment and disappears on its own within a few weeks.

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis)

Yellow, greasy flakes on the scalp. Apply baby oil, leave it for a few hours and gently brush off the flakes. Harmless and temporary.

Diaper rash

Red, irritated skin under the diaper. Caused by prolonged contact with urine and feces.

Prevention and treatment:

• Change the diaper frequently
• Allow the bottom to air dry
• Use zinc oxide cream as a barrier
• With a fungal infection (red spots around the edges): antifungal cream from the doctor

Read more about baby skincare in our guide to baby's first bath.

The glass test: When a rash could be dangerous

There is one rash you should never ignore — and the glass test helps you identify it.

How to do the glass test

1. Take a regular drinking glass
2. Press it firmly against the rash
3. Look through the glass

If the rash disappears under pressure: It is probably harmless (most rashes do this).

If the rash does NOT disappear under pressure: It may be petechiae — small bleeds in the skin that can be a sign of meningococcal disease (meningitis/blood poisoning).

What a meningococcal rash looks like

• Small red or purple spots that do not disappear under pressure
• Can look like tiny bruises
• Often starts as tiny dots and spreads rapidly
• Can develop into larger, dark patches

When should you contact a doctor?

Contact a doctor if:

• The rash is combined with high fever and general deterioration
• The child has a sandpaper rash + sore throat (suspected scarlet fever)
• The rash spreads rapidly and the child is clearly unwell
• Eczema that does not respond to moisturizer and hydrocortisone cream
• The rash lasts longer than two weeks without improvement
• You are unsure what the rash is

Call 911 if:

• The rash does not disappear with the glass test
• The child has breathing difficulties along with the rash (anaphylaxis)
• The child is unconscious, limp or difficult to rouse

Frequently asked questions

Can I send my child to daycare with a rash?

It depends on the type of rash. Eczema and diaper rash are not contagious — the child can go to daycare. With contagious illnesses (chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease) the child should stay home until they are symptom-free and in good general health. Check your daycare's own rules.

Should I take my baby to the doctor for baby acne?

No. Baby acne is completely normal and clears up on its own. Do not squeeze or scrub the spots. Wash the face gently with lukewarm water. Contact a doctor only if the rash doesn't improve after three months or looks infected.

Does hydrocortisone cream help?

Hydrocortisone cream is effective against eczema and some other inflammatory rashes, but should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor. It does not help with viral rashes, allergic rashes or infections. Use mild creams (1%) on the face and slightly stronger on the body — always for short periods.

Can a rash be caused by food allergy?

Yes. Food allergies can cause rashes — either as hives (acute) or worsening of eczema (delayed). The most common food allergens in children are cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and fish. If you suspect food allergy, talk to your doctor about allergy testing.

Are all rashes in children contagious?

No. Eczema, hives, diaper rash and baby acne are not contagious. Viral infections such as chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease and fifth disease are contagious. Scarlet fever (bacterial) is contagious until the child has been on antibiotics for 24–48 hours.

Should I photograph the rash?

Yes — it's a good idea. Rashes can change quickly, and a photo makes it easier for the doctor to assess. Take photos in good light with and without flash. If the rash spreads, take photos a few hours apart to show the progression.

Read more

• Common parenting concerns — Comprehensive overview of symptoms and health advice
• Eczema in children: Treatment and prevention
• Chickenpox in children
• Fever in children: When should you contact a doctor?
• Vaccines for children
• Baby's first bath

Useful tools on Babysential

• Baby Health Tracker: Log symptoms and rashes
• Pediatrician visit checklist

Sources

1. HealthyChildren.org — Skin Conditions
2. CDC — Childhood Skin Conditions
3. AAP — Eczema and Skin Allergies
4. NIH — Common Childhood Rashes