Rash

What do parents need to know about rashes?

It’s hard to diagnose rashes because they have several possible causes — including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergies — and there are several different types of rashes, too. That’s why it’s important to rely on the doctors at Naples Pediatrics, who can identify rashes according to their size, shape, appearance, the number of lesions, location on the body, and accompanying symptoms.

Your Naples Pediatrics doctor should especially evaluate two types of rashes:

Rash with a fever: Children who have a rash alongside a fever, or who have a rash and simultaneously feel sick, may have an illness that needs medical attention.

Hives: Hives are often the sign of an allergic reaction that could escalate into something more severe.

What are the most common rashes in children?

Many childhood illnesses cause rashes, such as chickenpox, measles, roseola, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, fifth disease, and scarlet fever. Other common causes of rashes in children include:

• Diaper rash
• Eczema
• Hives
• Impetigo
• Ringworm
• Pityriasis rosea
• Erythema
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Tinea infection

What are contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction. The rash develops within 48-72 hours after contact with an allergen and is usually red, raised, dry, and itchy.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as “eczema,” is an inflammatory skin disease that affects about 20% of children. Children often get atopic dermatitis in their first year, when it may appear as dry, scaly patches of skin. It’s often very itchy, lasts throughout childhood, and needs the attention of your pediatrician.

What rashes commonly occur in summer?

Heat rash: Patches of small, pink or red bumps that appear under clothing or in skin folds, such as the armpits.

Poison ivy and other plants: Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac contain an oil that notoriously causes burning and very itchy rash. Children may also have allergic reactions (redness, swelling, blisters) from contact with a variety of plants.

Eczema: Eczema is a chronic condition that can flare up any time of the year but overheating, sweating, and ingesting chlorine in swimming pools are major triggers for some children.

Insect bites and stings: Beyond the usual welts caused by bug bites, parents should be aware of the spreading, bull’s-eye rash of Lyme disease caused by tick bites. They should also be prepared with an anaphylaxis emergency plan if their child has a known allergy to insect bites or stings.