Skin rashes in children
Introduction
Childhood rashes are common and aren't usually a cause for concern. Most rashes are harmless and disappear without the need for treatment.
However,see your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell, or if you're worried. They'll be able to investigate the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.
This page may give you a better idea about what could be causing the rash, butdon't use this to self-diagnose your child's condition always see a GP for a proper diagnosis.
The most common causes of rashes in children are:
- Skin rashes in children
- chickenpox
- eczema
- erythema multiforme
- hand, foot and mouth disease
- impetigo
- keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
- measles
- molluscum contagiosum
- pityriasis rosea
- prickly heat
- psoriasis
- ringworm
- scabies
- scarlet fever
- slapped cheek syndrome
- urticaria (hives)
The skin rash of meningitis is also covered on the page. Although meningitis has become less common over recent years, it's important to be aware of the rash and the other signs and symptoms of meningitis .
The causes of skin rashes inbabies have a separate page.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Jul 2016
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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