Rash in Children: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
A rash is any irritation or inflammation of the skin. Rashes have many possible causes, including allergy, infection, illness, heat, and emotional stress.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Wash the area with water only. Soap can make dryness and itching worse. Pat dry.
- Use cold, wet cloths to reduce itching.
- Keep your child cool and out of the sun.
- Leave the rash open to the air as much of the time as possible.
- Ask your doctor if petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) can help relieve the discomfort caused by a rash. A moisturizing lotion, such as Cetaphil, also may help. Calamine lotion may help for rashes caused by contact with something (such as a plant or soap) that irritated the skin. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.
- If your doctor prescribed a cream, apply it to your child's skin as directed. If your doctor prescribed medicine, give it exactly as directed. Be safe with medicines. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
- If itching affects your child's sleep, ask the doctor about giving your child an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make your child sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the rash.
- Red streaks leading from the rash.
- Pus draining from the rash.
- A fever.
- Your child seems to be getting sicker.
- Your child has new blisters or bruises.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter Q705 in the search box to learn more about "Rash in Children: Care Instructions".
Current as of: November 16, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
