Rashes in Toddlers

A rash is inflammation of the skin, accompanied with red spots and change in texture or color of the skin. Rashes can appear either on a localized part or all over the body. Depending on the type of rash, it can either be itchy rash or non-itchy rash, scaly or non-scaly rash. In medical terms a rash is termed as exanthem. Though most rashes go away on their own, it should not be taken lightly. It is important to have your child examined by a physician.

Types of Rashes in Toddlers
These rashes can be caused due to a number of reasons, like reaction to a particular drug, insect bites, allergic reaction, exposure to some chemicals or it can also be an infection. Symptoms vary according to the different rashes that toddlers get. 

• Chickenpox
It is also known as varicella and is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. This rash is not harmful to toddlers, but is contagious and lasts up to two weeks. The symptoms of chickenpox are seen 12-21 days after the toddler is infected with the virus, however, it is important to note that a toddler can be exposed to it and yet not get infected by it. The most common symptoms of this rash include:
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Appearance of an itchy rash
The rash initially usually targets body parts like the armpits, groin or scalp. Usually a blister is formed, which ruptures into a lesion which forms a crust. Once the rash has erupted, there is cure for this rash, however, there are vaccines, which will help in preventing the rash itself.

• German Measles
German Measles is also called Rubella or Three-Day Measles. Rubivirus causes this skin rash in toddlers. The face is the first body part which is hit by this virus. Pink rashes appear on the face, which later spread to the entire body. Often German Measles cause lymph nodes swelling behind the ear in children. Toddlers usually take approximately three days to recover from the rash, hence the name.

• Measles
This type of measles is also called regular or hard measles, so that it can easily be differentiated from German measles. A virus called Paramyxovirus causes measles. A vaccine to prevent measles is available in the market and the vaccine is safe and effective against measles. After the toddler has been exposed to the virus, the symptoms are visible after 10 to 12 days. The symptoms of measles include:
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Nasal congestion
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Decreased appetite
On the third or the fourth day of the symptoms, a brown rash is seen on the face, which then spreads to the entire body. The rash usually lasts three to four days.

• Roseola Infantum
It is caused by human herpes virus 6. Roseola infantum affects children below the age of two. The most common symptom is a high fever that stays for two to five days. As the fever starts to go away the rash appears. The rash is pink in color and has lesions, which first appear on the stomach and spreads to the extremities of the body. In about two to three days the rash disappears.

• Eczema
There are two reasons, which can cause eczema, first of them is genetic and the other is allergy to different irritants or food. Usually toddlers with dry skin are affected with eczema, also called atopic dermatitis. The most common characteristic is itching. Toddlers develop itchy red rashes on their cheeks as the first symptom of eczema. The rash then spreads to inner elbows, behind the knees, neck and then all over the body, specially the groin. It is itching that makes the child restless and irritated, usually at night.

• Diaper Rash
This is a form of dermatitis, which affects the buttocks, genitals, thigh folds and the lower abdomen of the toddler. Diaper rash is caused when the toddler's diaper is not changed frequently and the feces remain in contact with the skin. Usually this rash is flat and red in appearance. If an infant suffers from diaper rash, then it is recommended, that one use cotton diapers at least till the rash has disappeared.

• Scarlet Fever
Streptococcal bacteria causes fever, redness and swelling of the throat and tonsils. It is also known as strep throat. Scarlet fever is strep throat accompanied by rashes. The symptoms of this condition are sore throat and fever. After one or two days of the symptoms, a red rash similar to the coarseness of sandpaper appears all over the child's body. The rash in some cases can also be seen around the vagina and/or anus. This rash is very contagious, but can be prevented, if the child's hands are washed at regular intervals all through the day.

• Hives
This is an allergic kind of rash, which is caused due to allergy to foods, medications, soaps, clothing, grass, etc. The characteristic of this kind of rashes is that they appear on a particular body part to disappear in some time, but the rash recurs on another body part. The shape of this rash is often irregular and can either be single or they can be clustered together. In some cases, hives can make an appearance, if children have fever. The condition can be serious if along with the hives, you also observe symptoms like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, etc.

It is important that the environment around the toddler is kept clean and hygienic. Diaper rashes occur especially due to unhygienic living conditions and not inculcating the right habits. If the child suffers, the parents suffer as well. Hence, it's always better to prevent skin rashes from occurring in toddlers than having to deal with them.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for medical practitioner's advice.