Rashes in children: HEAL

Rashes in Children

HEAL

This information has been translated into other languages – see the links at the bottom of this page.

Key Points

Skin rashes are very common in children and are rarely dangerous or harmful
Most rashes are caused by viral infections, and sometimes from an allergic reaction or drug reaction
Rashes can look very dramatic but don’t usually bother your child. Most rashes get better in 5 to 7 days and do not require any special medication

What Is It?

Skin rashes are very common in children and can be caused by many things including: infections, allergies and drug reactions
Most often in children, rashes are due to minor infections (typically viruses) and look more dramatic than they are serious
There are thousands of viruses that can cause symptoms of an infection (such as runny nose, cough, diarrhea, fever) as well as a rash but it can often be impossible to know which virus your child may have

Common Childhood Rashes

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie Virus)

Viral illness that usually affects pre-school aged children
Symptoms start with a fever and then the rash appears
The rash looks like small blisters that can be around the mouth, on the palms and back of hands, on the top and soles of feet and in the diaper area (groin and buttocks)
The blisters can be slightly painful but are usually not itchy
Some children get blisters in the back of their throat making it painful to drink and eat
No special treatment or antibiotics is needed. Offer your child fluids throughout the day and keep your child comfortable with Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Your child is no longer contagious when the rash has crusted over and no more new blisters are appearing

Roseola

Common viral illness that affects children 12 to 24 months old
Children usually have a high fever for 3 to 4 days without cough or runny nose
Within 24 hours of the fever breaking, your child may develop a full body red rash. The rash is not painful or very itchy
The rash goes away after 3 to 5 days
Your child is no longer contagious once their fever goes away

Slapped Cheek / Fifth’s Disease

Common viral illness that can affect children of any age
Children start with cough and cold symptoms and may have a fever
When these symptoms get better, your child will develop red rash across their cheeks and nose – it looks like they have been slapped in the cheeks
Children can also have a lacey-pattern rash on their chest, stomach and arms/legs. The rash is uncomfortable but not usually itchy
Older children and teenagers may complain of swollen and stiff joints
The rash goes away in 1 to 3 days and your child is no longer contagious once the rash appears

Hives

Common rash that can be caused by viral infections or a mild allergic reaction. It can affect children of any age
The rash looks like bright red, raised splotches on the skin. The rash is quite itchy and can move around the entire body
Children are otherwise well – they might have a mild cough or runny nose but should not have any trouble breathing
Children can be given Benadryl® to help make them less itchy
Hives can come and go for up to a week

Eczema

Eczema is a common, chronic skin condition where children get dry, scaly skin that can be very itchy and uncomfortable
Eczema is not caused by a viral illness or infection. It usually affects children under 5 years old
Eczema can ‘flare up’ where areas of skin get very red, itchy and tender.
Eczema is not a life-threatening rash and can take time to get under control. Children with this type of rash should be seen and followed by their family doctor

Symptoms

Rashes can appear quite suddenly and look very dramatic. Skin can be:

Red and hot
Slightly tender to the touch
Itchy

Some children may also have a little swelling to their hands, feet and around their eyes. Although children may be uncomfortable with the rash, they don’t appear sick or have any trouble breathing.

Treatment

Most rashes will go away on their own in one week and do not require any special treatment or medicines
If your child is very itchy and uncomfortable, you can give them anti-histamine medication like Benadryl®. These medicines help to make their skin feel less itchy and irritated, and can also make your child sleepy. Use Benadryl® as directed on the packaging or advised by a health care professional
Avoid any scented creams or soaps

When To Get Help

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care.

Seek immediate medical attention if:

Your child looks unwell with a new or worsening rash (very sleepy, lethargic or irritable)
Your child has any trouble breathing, vomiting or diarrhea or feeling dizzy with a rash, especially if this happens after eating a new food or medicine
Your child has a rash with a fever for more than 5 days
Your child has a painful and swollen rash
Your child has a rash with painful blisters or peeling skin
Your child has a rash that looks like small bruises

Know your options

It can be scary when your child is sick. But in most cases, you don’t need to go to the emergency department. If you’re unsure, visit ahs.ca/options to learn about the options so you can get the care you need.

About AHS HEAL

The Alberta Health Services HEAL (Health Education and Learning) program was created by a team of doctors, nurses and other clinical staff who work at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital, to support families and patients with up-to-date and useful information about common childhood health concerns. Learn more at ahs.ca/heal.

To see this information online and learn more, visit: ahs.ca/heal/page12427.aspx

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Rashes in children: HEAL

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.