Rashes in babies and children: what's that rash?

According to official advice from the NHS, symptoms of meningitis include a stiff neck, a fever you can't control, a dislike of bright light and confusion.

This is an example of a non-fading rash when doing the glass test. Dr Livingstone says:

'Meningitis has a non-blanching rash, meaning it doesn’t disappear if you roll a glass over it. Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if you suspect your child has meningitis.'

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness. Dr Livingstone says:

‘The spots can start anywhere. They are fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over.’

You can treat your child at home if they have chickenpox. Dr Livingstone adds:

‘You can ease your child’s itching by using calamine lotion, paracetamol or antihistamine medicine.’

Slapped cheek syndrome, or fifth disease, is common in children.

Your child might have a bright red rash on their cheeks, followed by an itchy rash on their body.

Give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen if they have a fever. You may also need an antihistamine if they're itchy.

Dr Livingstone says:

‘Hand, foot and mouth disease is another common childhood illness. It causes red spots, which turn into blisters, on the hands and feet.'

Children with hand, foot and mouth disease will also get mouth ulcers.

It’s a good idea to avoid giving your child hot food as their mouth might be sore.

Hand, foot and mouth disease usually clears up within 10 days.

Make sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations to avoid catching measles.

Dr Livingstone says:

‘Measles its unfortunately becoming more common because people aren’t vaccinating their children. 

‘It’s highly contagious. Contact your GP if you think your child has measles.’

After an increase in cases of a Kawasaki-like disease in kids, linked to COVID-19, one of the key symptoms is a red rash that's sometimes described as measles-like or sunburn-like.

Although the NHS says 'your child will almost always have a skin rash,' it also says that the rash can vary in appearance from child to child.

Alexander Parsons sadly lost his life to Kawasaki. His mother, Kathryn, shared this photo to warn other parents of the symptoms to look out for

A pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch is often a symptom of scarlet fever.

Dr Livingstone says your child will need antiobiotics to treat scarlet fever.

According to the NHS, another symptom of scarlet fever is a white coating on the tongue. This peels, leaving a distinctive red 'strawberry tongue' .

Eczema is very common in babies and children.

'The rash can be scaly, red and itchy', says Dr Livingstone.

'Keep your child's nails short if they are scratching their eczema.'

To avoid irritating the skin, Dr Livingstone recommends using non-biological washing powder, very simple moisturisers and soaps.

The NHS describes a skin allergy or hives as a raised, itchy red rash. It can appear as an allergic reaction to anything from insect stings to food.

Dr Livingstone says:

'If it’s an allergic rash with any swelling round the lips, neck or the face then call 999.'

Scabies is very common and causes itching, especially at night.

Call your GP if your baby is under two-months-old and you think they may have scabies.

Nappy rash is common among babies and toddlers. Dr Livingstone says:

'The more you change your child's nappy the less likely it is they will get nappy rash.'

Other ways to avoid nappy rash include giving your baby lots of nappy-free time, and applying a thin layer of barrier cream at each nappy change.

For particularly bad cases, your GP can prescribe a cream to help clear it up.

Impetigo is a very contagious skin infection. Dr Livingstone says:

'Impetigo spots can can be crusty, red and have a slightly raised appearance usually around the mouth.

'You can also get it on the body as well.'

Speak to your GP if you think your child may have impetigo.

Prickly heat, or heat rash, is caused by heat and sweat. Your child will have small red spots that could be quite itchy.

Not all babies develop a rash during teething. A teething rash won't be accompanied by a fever, so always get your baby's red cheeks checked by your GP if there are other symptoms, too.

Roseola is a common infection that causes a high temperature and a rash.

The rash usually starts on the tummy, chest and back before spreading to the face.

Find out more abour roseola symptoms on the NHS website.

The ringworm rash is usually ring-shaped, and may be red, silver, or darker than the surrounding skin. In spite of the name, it's not caused by worms, but is instead a fungal infection.

If you think your child could have ringworm, see your local pharmacist, who can prescribe anti-fungal medication to clear it up.

Encourage your child to avoid scratching as much as possible, as that could cause the rash to spread.

The rubella rash usually starts out behind the ears, before spreading to the head, neck and body. Rubella can also cause aching joints, a high temperature, and cold-like symptoms.

Rubella normally gets better on its own within a few weeks, but you should still call your GP to let them know, especially if your child seems generally unwell.

Rubella is very contagious, so keep your child off school, and away from pregnant women as much as possible.

A stye is a common and usually minor infection, which can happen when bacteria gets into a hair follicle or oil gland. If your child has a stye, it may be quite sore and red, but should clear up on its own within a few weeks. 

To speed up the healing process, soak a flannel in warm water and hold it against your child's eye for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times a day. See your GP if the stye is very painful or swollen, affecting your child's eyesight, or doesn't get better after a few weeks.

Warts are small lumps on the skin; they feel firm and rough, and usually appear on hands or knees. Some can be round and flat, and they can appear in clusters.

Most people get warts at some point in their lives, and they're usually completely harmless. Warts usually go away on their own within a few years, but see a pharmacist if you have any concerns, or notice any changes to your child's warts.

Verrucas are a bit like warts, except they appear on the feet. You may notice tiny black dots under the hard skin, and a verruca may be painful for your child.

A pharmacist can advise you on the best way to treat your child's verruca. In some cases, you may need to visit the GP for treatment.

It's common for newborn babies to have tiny white or yellow spots on their face for the first few days, known as milia.

These should disappear without treatment within a few weeks.

Baby acne – sometimes also known as erythema toxicum – is another common skin condition that affect many young babies. It can cause raised red, yellow or white spots that may come and go. 

Baby acne usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. Don't use acne products aimed at adults and older children, as they may not be safe for your baby. Speak to a pharmacist if you have any concerns. 

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection that's usually harmless and clears up on its own (though it can take a while). It causes small, firm, raised spots, often around the armpits, knees or groin. They shouldn't be painful, but may be itchy. You may also be able to spot a little dimple in the middle of each spot.

If you think your child may have MC, it's always best to see your GP, just so they can make sure it's nothing more serious. If it is MC, your child can still go to school, but try to keep the spots covered up as much as possible, avoid sharing towels, clothes or baths, and encourage your child to avoid scratching as much as possible.

Cradle cap is common in young babies, and usually completely harmless. You may notice that your baby's scalp is flaky or crusty, and looks greasy, yellow or red.

Cradle cap can also appear on other areas such as the eyebrows, nose and nappy area. Experts aren't sure exactly what causes it, but it's not contagious, and should eventually clear up on its own.

Learn more about cradle cap