Toddler Rashes
Toddler Rashes
Toddler rashes can be symptoms of many different ailments. It is hard to determine exactly what it may be unless a visit to the pediatrician is planned. By doing a little research you may be able to get a general idea of what potentially could be causing the rash.
Diaper rash, Fifth disease Scarlet fever, Roseola, Eczema and Hives are all childhood afflictions very frequent in newborns and toddlers. Unfortunately, diaper rash is common until a child is completely out of diapers. The skin may become red and itchy and your toddler may be irritable. It can be treated easily.
A symptom of fifth disease is a pink or red rash that may look like lace. It appears on the cheeks and/or arms. Fifth disease needs to be treated by a doctor. Scarlet fever often accompanies strep throat and a fever. The rash will likely feel rough and may or may not be felt by the toddler.
Roseola is a red rash that generally follows the breaking of a fever due to a viral infection. It is not serious. Eczema is a broad term used for skin rashes of different natures. It often occurs in toddlers with sensitive skin. Triggers may be identified by the parent or a pediatrician and treated. Hives may appear as a rash or welts on the skin. These are often caused by an allergic reaction. They can be serious and may require a visit to the doctor.
Heat rash is also known as prickly heat or summer rash. It is one of the most common toddler rashes. It is an eruption of little bumps on the skin that can show up when a child overheats. The bumps may appear red, especially on light skin. Heat rash is not painful but it can be very itchy and annoying. It also is a sign that your toddler is over heated.
Symptoms to watch for are a pimply rash on neck, chest, stomach, back, under arms, or near edges of diaper or clothing. Tiny blisters will also accompany this rash. If your toddler gets too warm or has too many layers of clothing on and develops a rash you can start by cooling your toddler off. Loosen or remove any clothing. Move the toddler into a cool room or a shady spot. Allow your child to air dry instead of rubbing him with a towel. Using ointments or creams on the rash is not recommended. These can make the toddler rash worse.
Roseola
Roseola – Causes and Information
Roseola is a mild viral illness of sudden onset and short duration that most commonly affects young children. Roseola is most common in children 6 to 24 months of age. The average age is around 9 months. Less frequently, older children, teens, and adults may be infected.
Roseola was once called the sixth disease because it was the sixth disease young children typically developed and it lasted about six days. There is usually a rash associated with Roseola, but you will not see it at the onset. When the fever disappears, then the rash appears. The rash is mainly located on the neck and body, especially, the abdomen, trunk, and back, but it can also be on the arms and legs.
The rash appears as separate little raised dots (papules) or as a flat or macular rash. The skin is mildly red in color and temporarily blanches with pressure. The rash is not itchy or painful. It is not contagious. The rash lasts two to four days and does not return.
This illness is spread from person to person, most likely by transfer of oral secretions. Roseola is not very contagious. The incubation period between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms is nine to ten days. Roseola is primarily caused by a virus called human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and less commonly by human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7). The viruses belong to the family of herpes viruses, but they do not cause the cold sores or genital infections that herpes simplex viruses can cause.
Roseola often begins with a sudden high fever usually 103 F to 105 F. The fever may last two to three days, although it can last as long as 8 days. The rapid increase in temperature may be the first sign of Roseola and often occurs before you realize that your child has a fever. The fever ends as suddenly as it occurs.
After the fever ends, a rosy pink rash may appear mostly on the trunk or torso, neck, and arms. The rash is not itchy and may last one to two days. In rare cases, a sore throat, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.
A child with Roseola may appear fussy or irritable and may have a decreased appetite, but most children behave almost normally. If you wish to treat the fever, acetaminophen products like Tylenol and others can be used to lower a fever. Aspirin should never be used for fever in children or adolescents.
