Call your child's health care provider if your child has:

• A fever or other unexplained symptoms associated with the rash
• Any areas that look wet, oozing, or red, which are signs of infection
• A rash that extends beyond the diaper area
• A rash that is worse in the skin creases
• A rash, spots, blister, or discoloration and is younger than 3 months
• Blisters
• No improvement after 3 days of home treatment
• Significant scratching

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. 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:

• When did the rash start?
  • Did it begin suddenly (within hours) or slowly and gradually?
  • Did symptoms begin at birth or in infancy? What age?
  • Did symptoms begin after a fever occurred and was relieved?
  • Did the rash occur after skin injury, bathing, or exposure to sunlight or cold?
• What does the rash look like?
  • Are there pinpoint red spots?
  • Does it look like small red areas or blisters?
  • Does it look like bruises?
  • Does it look like hives (red welts that come and go on different parts of the body and are very itchy)?
  • Does the skin look dry and tough?
  • Is the rash scaling or crusting?
• Where on the body does the rash occur?
  • Is the rash spreading to other areas?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• What type of soaps and detergents do you use?
• Do you put anything on the skin (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes)?
• Is your child taking any medications? How long has the child taken them?
• Has your child recently eaten any new foods?
• Has your child been in contact with grasses/weeds/trees recently?
• Has your child recently been sick?
• Does your child or anyone in your family have allergies?
• Do any skin problems run in your family?

Tests are seldom required but may include the following:

• Allergy skin tests
• Blood studies (such as CBC, blood differential)
• Microscopic examination of a sample of the affected skin

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 doctor 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 doctor may prescribe ointments or cortisone drugs to decrease inflammation.

Images

Erythema toxicum on the foot

Heat rash

Miliaria profunda - close-up

Erythema toxicum neonatorum - close-up

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Rash Overview

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Rash Prevention

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)