Skin rashes in children
Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition. The skin on the back of the upper arms becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. Sometimes, the buttocks, thighs, forearms and upper back can also be affected.
Keratosis pilaris typically begins in childhood and gets worse during puberty . Some people find it improves after this and may even disappear in adulthood.
There's no cure for keratosis pilaris,and it often gets better on its own without treatment. However, there are some measures you can take that may improve your child's rash, such as using non-soap cleansers rather than soap, andan emollient to moisturise their skin. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to recommend a suitable cream.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Information and advice about common childhood rashes, including chickenpox, eczema, impetigo, measles, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies and slapped cheek syndrome.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue. The affected area will be red, painful, swollen and hot. It often affects the legs, but can occur anywhere on the body. Y
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral illness that most children catch at some point. It most commonly affects children under 10 years of age. A rash of itchy spots turns into fluid-filled blisters.They crust over
Erythema multiforme
Erythema multiforme is a skin rash(usually mild) that's caused by an allergic reaction to the herpes simplex virus . The spots look like targets, with a dark red centre and paler ring around the ou
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, contagious infection that causes mouth ulcers and spots and blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It's most common in young children (p
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common and highly contagious skin infection that causes sores and blisters. It isn't usually serious and often improves within a week of treatment. There are two types of impetigo bullou
Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition. The skin on the back of the upper arms becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. Sometimes, the buttocks, thighs, fo
Measles
Measles is a highly infectious illness that most commonly affects young children. It's now rare in the UK because of the effectiveness ofthe measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine . The measles r
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causesa temporary rash of raised, red scaly patches to develop on the body.Most cases occur in older children and young adults (aged between
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person.For s
Ringworm
Ringworm is a highly infectious fungal skin infection that causes a ring-like red or silvery patch on the skin that can be scaly, inflamed or itchy. Ringworm often affects the arms and legs, but it
Scabies
Scabies is a contagious skin condition that's intensely itchy. It's caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. In children, scabies is usually spread through prolonged periods of skin-to-skin
Slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome also known as fifth disease or parvovirus B19 is a viral infection that's common in children aged six to 10. It causes a distinctive bright red rash to develop on both cheek
Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria also known as hives, weals, welts or nettle rash is a raised, itchy rash that can affect one part of the body or be spread across large areas.It'sa common skin reaction that often affects c
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