Rashes on the skin of an infant. Types of skin rashes in children: photos of rashes on the chest, back and throughout the body with explanations

The appearance of red, pink or white rashes on the face (cheeks, chin), head, ears, stomach, and limbs of the baby makes young parents very nervous. Sometimes this phenomenon is quite harmless, but in some cases it indicates the development of a serious illness. Why do babies get rashes? What symptoms may accompany it? What to do if rashes are detected? Let's figure it out together.

Types of rashes in infants

Dermatologists classify all types of rashes in infants into 3 large groups. The classification is based on the reasons that caused the appearance of an unpleasant symptom on the baby’s skin. It is possible to determine which class the rash in a particular child belongs to only based on the results of a comprehensive examination. Varieties:

1. infectious – have an infectious nature or are provoked by pathogens of infectious etiology;
2. immunological - this group includes pimples formed as a result of contact with external irritants (temperature, friction, allergens);
3. physiological (neonatal), arising due to hormonal changes in the child’s body.

Possible causes and associated symptoms

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A rash in infants appears for various reasons; it can be a symptom of a serious infectious disease, allergy, or a sign of hormonal changes in the body. Only a highly qualified pediatric dermatologist can accurately determine the nature of the rash, so it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor. You can clearly see the types of rashes and explanations in the photo accompanying the article.

Newborn adaptation

In the first 2-3 weeks (up to a month) after birth, the baby’s body adapts to unusual environmental conditions. During this period, a white hormonal rash often appears. It is also called neonatal or three-week. Dense pimples appear on the baby’s back, face, neck and head, similar to acne with white heads. Following good hygiene will help your child quickly get rid of the unpleasant symptom.

Improper care and poor hygiene

If parents neglect the rules of caring for the delicate skin of a newborn, the risk of a rash is also very high. Most often, babies develop heat rash. The rash is localized in the folds of the baby's skin - on the neck, groin, armpits, and back. This rash in infants and newborns can be eliminated using topical creams and gels and restoration of heat exchange.

Poor hygiene can also cause diaper rash. Urine and liquid feces are caustic and aggressive substances; if the baby’s skin comes into contact with them for a long time, parents note that irritation, diaper rash and sores appear. It occurs in children who spend a long time in wet, dirty diapers, or when diapers are not changed often enough.

Powder and frequent diaper changes are the best prevention of diaper rash and rashes.

Allergy

Babies often develop allergic reactions of varying degrees of intensity. The reasons may be different - from an improper diet of a nursing mother to intolerance to medications prescribed by a doctor.

Itching, burning, other discomfort and rash in a newborn that are allergic in origin require differential diagnosis, since such reactions are divided into several types:

• Atopic dermatitis. Rashes in the form of small blisters appear on the child’s legs, arms, chin, cheeks and buttocks. The rash is very itchy, so the baby becomes nervous and whiny.

• Urticaria (we recommend reading:). A dangerous type of allergic reaction that can lead to anaphylaxis and angioedema. It looks like an abundant and small red rash, similar in appearance to a nettle burn (we recommend reading:). Sometimes blisters appear.
• Allergy to medications. With long-term conservative treatment, a reaction to medications often occurs. It should be borne in mind that the fragile organism of a newborn, weakened by illness, may respond to drugs, even if the therapy is not too long.
• Household/contact allergies. The delicate skin of a newborn or baby is constantly in contact with external irritants. Such ordinary everyday things as pet hair, strong odors of perfume or paint, and aggressive hygiene products can provoke allergies, and therefore rashes.
• Food allergies (we recommend reading:). The red rash is most often observed on the baby's face (especially the cheeks), but can appear all over the body. The reasons are incorrectly selected adapted milk formula or errors in the diet of a nursing mother.

Infectious diseases

If a newborn is covered with red pimples, his body temperature has risen, there is a fever, we can talk about an infectious disease.

Before running to the pharmacy for a remedy for the rash, it is important to show the child to a neonatologist or pediatrician - incorrectly selected medications cause no less harm to the baby’s health than the infection itself. The rash can be caused by:

• Thrush. This disease is caused by a special type of fungus. It responds well to drug treatment, but a whole range of drugs will be required. The rashes mainly spread to the mucous membranes. Some experts recommend treating such a rash with a strong soda solution.
• Roseola (we recommend reading:). The symptoms are similar to those of rubella. The disease is caused by the herpes virus. Pimples tend to unite into large lesions, and the baby’s skin becomes very dry and begins to peel.

• Measles, rubella. They are considered typical “childhood” diseases. Experts say that these diseases are most easily tolerated by patients aged 1-3 years; they have a much lower risk of complications. Heavy spots of the rash are accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature, loose stools, enlarged occipital lymph nodes, redness of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nausea, vomiting and feverish conditions.
• Scarlet fever. A highly contagious childhood disease. The rash quickly spreads over the entire surface of the child’s body, and the tonsils become inflamed. After the pimples are eliminated, flaky spots remain in their place. The disease requires urgent medical attention; the sick child must be isolated from others for 10 days.
• Chickenpox. Heavy rashes spread throughout the baby’s arms, legs, back, stomach, and head. The rash consists of small pimples filled with a colorless liquid, similar to blisters. Over time, the blisters open, the crusts fall off, and stains remain in their place.

Other reasons

The reasons listed above most often provoke the appearance of blisters, pimples and spots on the baby's skin. However, in some cases, the symptom is provoked by diseases such as pemphigus (vulgar, hereditary, exfoliative). It is accompanied by the appearance of large elastic or soft bubbles. This is a serious illness that requires long-term treatment.

When infected with bacterial or streptococcal microflora, a baby may develop erysipelas - most often it is localized in the umbilical area. Sometimes babies develop pseudofurunculosis. This is an inflammatory process that affects not only the skin, but also the hair follicles. At first, the patient develops local redness, later - blisters filled with purulent contents.

How to deal with rashes in infants?

It is necessary to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, under no circumstances do you treat yourself and do not replace prescribed medications with traditional medicine. If the rash is physiological, then special therapy is not required.

Principles of therapy depending on the location of the rash:

• Around eyes. Stop using wet wipes with alcohol and fragrances and choose other skincare products. Treat the affected areas and make lotions from mild tea leaves, give the baby a chamomile decoction as a drink.
• On hands. Get tested to exclude/confirm an infectious disease. In case of allergies, identify and eliminate the allergen. If there is an infection, undergo a course of treatment (antibiotics may be required).
• In the crotch. Regularly treat all folds of the baby's skin, bathe in warm boiled water - you can add a decoction of string or chamomile. Use hypoallergenic diapers and special creams for external use (for example, Bepanten).
• On the stomach. Monitoring the diet of a nursing mother. Daily bathing in a bath with the addition of infusions of string or chamomile. Taking probiotics and antihistamines.
• On the forehead. Refuse to wear hats. Wipe pimples with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Children over 1 year old can be given Fenistil drops orally.
• On the neck. Avoid contact with allergens. To treat acne, you can use anti-inflammatory ointments (for example, Sudocrem).
• On the cheeks. Eliminate food allergens. Give chamomile infusion and/or weak antihistamines to drink.

Newborns have extremely sensitive skin, so all kinds of rashes are a common companion in the first weeks and months of a child’s life. However, parents should be attentive to any irritation and redness in the baby. The detected rash may well turn out to be not harmless hormonal pimples, but infectious elements.

All rashes in infants can be divided into 3 groups:

It is possible to determine what kind of process in a child’s body is manifested by skin symptoms by the nature of the rashes, their appearance, localization zones and accompanying phenomena, for example, temperature, signs of intoxication. In any case, if there is even the slightest doubt, the newborn should be urgently shown to the pediatrician.

Neonatal pustulosis, also known as milia, is the medical name for hormonal “blooming” of the skin in infants. This is a small red rash in a newborn that appears during the first days of a child's life and is localized on the head, face and upper body (neck, back). Hormonal rashes can look like pimples with a white “head” rising above the surface of the skin.

The reason for this phenomenon is a change in the endocrine status of the child. His body is being rebuilt for life outside the mother’s womb, the blood is cleared of the remnants of female hormones, which find their way out through the surface of the skin.

With adequate hygiene, infant acne disappears in a couple or three months without any treatment. However, a hormonal rash in newborns can become a source of fungal contamination. They are part of the normal skin flora, but under certain conditions they pose a danger.

Types and signs of allergic rash in infants

The skin of a newborn reacts sensitively to any irritants, both from outside and from within the body. Pathogens can be food, household, chemical, or natural factors that can provoke an allergic rash in newborns.

Food allergies

Small pink pimples and flaky areas of hyperemia appear on the cheeks, less often on the child’s body, in response to allergens from food entering the digestive tract. This reaction is quite understandable in babies who have already begun to receive complementary foods: first juices, cereals and purees. According to current WHO recommendations, to prevent allergies, complementary feeding can be done no earlier than 4–6 months, depending on the presence/absence of breastfeeding. Complementary foods are introduced according to the schedule, sequentially and gradually, carefully observing the body's reaction.

However, in newborns there can be no talk of foreign food. They receive either baby formula or mother's milk. In both cases, an individual reaction cannot be excluded.

For a baby who is bottle-fed or mixed-fed, the mother must carefully select the formula, paying attention to age-appropriateness, hypoallergenic composition, and pediatrician’s advice. When you feed your baby a new formula for the first time, you need to watch to see if it causes any unpleasant symptoms: a rash, loose, foamy stool.

Red, flaky cheeks indicate that the mixture contains allergenic ingredients. Digestive problems indicate individual intolerance to certain components of artificial milk, for example, lactase deficiency. An unsuitable mixture must be replaced.

The mother of the baby does not need to monitor what the baby eats, but she does need to strictly control her own diet. Breastfeeding women are advised to follow a special diet that excludes potential allergens and gas-forming products:

• citrus;
• red vegetables and fruits;
• chocolate;
• sweets;
• whole milk;
• canned food and smoked meats.

Many young mothers are so afraid of their child’s allergies that they limit their menu to buckwheat, kefir, green apples and dry cookies. You shouldn’t eat so little and the same type. A nursing woman needs high-calorie and varied food, but it is advisable to introduce new foods gradually, no more than once a week, always waiting for the baby’s reaction or lack thereof.

Contact allergy

Household allergies can appear like a rash in a newborn all over the body. It occurs where the child’s skin comes into contact with potentially hazardous substances. Where can a baby come into contact with allergens? Dust, pets, and woolen items can cause a skin reaction in a child.

Particular attention should be paid to underwear, diapers, and bed linen, which, as a result of washing with inappropriate household powders and rinses, become real breeding grounds for allergens. At risk are baby creams, shampoos, foams, wipes, and diapers. Cosmetics and hygiene products, even those designed specifically for children, do not guarantee the absence of side effects.

Drug allergy

Antibiotics, vitamins, and medicinal syrups are often the culprits of a red rash in babies. Stopping taking provoking drugs quickly leads to the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.

If a drug allergy is established, the medicine should be replaced with a safer analogue. Instead of sweet syrups, it is preferable to use other dosage forms, for example, suppositories.

Hives

An itchy rash over the entire body of a newborn, developing into blisters of various shapes and sizes, is called urticaria. Urticaria is a severe form of skin allergy that is dangerous.

If your child develops a rash that resembles a nettle burn, call an ambulance immediately. This reaction can occur to any allergen: food, household, etc. – and often goes away spontaneously. However, the baby may immediately develop suffocation. It is better to relieve an attack of urticaria immediately, without waiting for the consequences. There is a risk that it will take a chronic course with regular relapses.

One of the common causes of red rashes on a baby’s skin is prickly heat. This is not an allergy in the generally accepted sense of the word, but this disease is also immunological in nature. Redness and small bumps occur in response to irritation of the skin in areas of increased sweating.

Due to inadequate heat exchange, a rash may appear on the newborn’s forehead under the cap, in the folds of the neck, in the groin, on the back, and in the armpits. Heat and high humidity indoors and outdoors, warm clothes on a child that are not suitable for the weather, prolonged contact of the body with sweat are factors that contribute to irritation of the baby’s skin.

To avoid prickly heat and diaper rash, the child should be dressed according to the weather, without being wrapped in “a hundred clothes.” A good rule of thumb is to wear one more layer on your baby than on yourself.

To eliminate heat rash in infants you need:

• keep in dry and clean linen,
• change clothes more often;
• ventilate the skin;
• wash off sweat in a timely manner;
• lubricate the affected areas with baby cream with D-panthenol;
• Use powder in areas of high humidity.

Diaper dermatitis

A rash on a newborn's bottom in areas of contact with wet diapers is called diaper dermatitis. Liquid feces and urine irritate the baby’s delicate skin, first causing irritation, then diaper rash, cracks, and weeping sores.

Strict hygiene rules must be observed:

• Don’t limit yourself to wet wipes, wash your baby every time you change the diaper;
• choose quality diapers;
• leave the child to “go to sleep” more often;
• use protective cream under your diaper;
• at the first signs of rashes on the butt, lubricate the irritation with healing creams based on zinc oxide - “Desitin”, “Sanosan”, “Drapolen” and analogues.

Atopic dermatitis

This allergic disease with an immediate reaction is manifested by an itchy blistering rash that tends to merge with the formation of crusts. Atopic dermatitis can be provoked by contact and respiratory allergens, as well as natural factors. In infants, rashes are most often localized on the cheeks, arms, inner thighs, and buttocks.

Outside of exacerbation, foci of dermatitis manifest themselves as peeling and small rashes. If in the cold the baby’s cheeks instantly become red and rough, you can suspect the presence of a disease. In any case, the doctor makes the diagnosis and prescribes the appropriate treatment.

Infectious rashes in newborns

Viral infections accompanied by rashes can be dangerous for a newborn. Unlike a regular rash, such diseases are always accompanied by other symptoms: lethargy, fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems, as well as specific signs. In addition, childhood infections are contagious to anyone who does not have lifelong immunity to them.

Small blisters with cloudy contents, which, after opening, become covered with itchy crusts, are the first sign of chickenpox. First, a rash appears on the head of newborns, on the stomach, then on the limbs, on the mucous membranes.

The temperature usually rises sharply and can reach high values. Until all the bubbles burst and dry out, the baby is a carrier of infection. The average recovery time is 3 weeks. At this time, the rash must be lubricated with drying agents - brilliant green, strong potassium permanganate. For itching, you can give Fenistil drops and apply the gel of the same name to pimples - as prescribed by your doctor.

Scarlet fever

An itchy, deep red rash localized to the neck and upper torso of a child? He may have contracted scarlet fever. Symptoms appear quite quickly - within 24 hours after contact with the patient.

Other characteristic signs of scarlet fever are inflamed tonsils and the absence of a rash in the nasolabial area. The baby must be isolated for 10 days. During this time, the rash should go away, leaving behind flaky spots.

If at first the baby has a fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and only after 2-3 days a rash appears, this may be a sign of measles. Papules appear on the face and spread throughout the body. In appearance, they are protruding above the surface of the skin, bright red, and tend to merge.

The infectious period lasts 5 days from the moment the rash appears. Towards the end, the spots begin to disappear, leaving flaky areas with hyperpigmentation.

Rubella

When a child has rubella, the rash does not rise above the skin, but looks like small red spots. Rashes do not appear immediately, but after signs of an inflammatory process:

• temperature;
• cough;
• red throat;
• enlarged occipital lymph nodes;
• vomit;
• loose stool.

The spots appear on the face and then spread to the body. After a day they begin to turn pale, but the risk of infection remains for about 5 days. Contact with rubella is prohibited for pregnant women due to the risk of fetal pathology.

Roseola

In terms of external manifestations, this disease is similar to rubella. At the onset of the disease, the temperature suddenly rises to extreme levels. It remains at a high level for three days, and then decreases with the appearance of a flat rash. The exanthema goes away in a few days.

Since the rash is a symptom of many diseases, treatment cannot begin without proper diagnosis. The baby needs to call a doctor and strictly adhere to medical recommendations. Newborns are prohibited from giving medications on their own, except for children's medications for fever and approved antihistamines to relieve itching and swelling.

Hormonal rash does not require drug treatment. It is enough to carry out hygiene measures daily:

• bathing in water disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, or with the addition of antiseptic herbs - chamomile, celandine, string, laurel;
• air baths;
• frequent change of linen;
• weather-appropriate clothing;
• using items made from natural fabrics, without seams or fasteners;
• refusal of tight swaddling;
• maintaining a comfortable temperature and humidity in the room.

Treatment of allergic rashes is carried out at home under the supervision of a pediatrician. In addition to acne, irritation and peeling, the baby also has other manifestations - dryness, restlessness, sneezing, loose stools.

The task of parents is to eliminate all provoking factors from the living space of the newborn:

• exclude allergenic foods from the diet;
• remove animals from the apartment;
• avoid accumulation of dust and pollen;
• To care for your baby’s sensitive skin, use pharmaceutical brand baby products (for atopics);
• wash clothes with hypoallergenic powder based on soap shavings;
• Mom should temporarily forget about perfume and cosmetics, do not wear wool and synthetics.

In case of an allergic rash, the affected skin of the child should be lubricated with drying agents (spot-on), bathed in chamomile and a series alternately, and left naked for air baths.

It is important to restore the normal functioning of the baby’s digestive tract, continue breastfeeding as long as possible, and do not rush into introducing complementary foods. For a nursing mother, follow a diet.

The appearance of a rash on a baby's body becomes a cause for serious concern. The rash can be infectious, viral or bacterial. To prevent trouble from taking you by surprise, parents should learn as much as possible about this skin pathology in advance.

Types of rashes

There are several types of rashes in newborns and infants. The causes, characteristics and place of its occurrence directly depend on the type of pathology. Experts say that not every rash requires special treatment, it depends on the cause of its appearance. In this regard, the following types of skin rashes in infants are distinguished:

• hormonal rashes (acne);
• allergic rash;
• infectious pathology;
• contact dermatitis;
• prickly heat;
• atopic dermatitis;
• diaper dermatitis.

Symptoms of food allergies are:

• peeling of the skin;
• redness of the cheeks;
• the formation of scales from dry skin on the head;
• swelling of the mucous membranes.

A food allergen can be an adapted formula, complementary foods or mother's milk. Respiratory allergies occur as a result of the body's reaction to an inhaled allergen. Therefore, the main symptoms are: sneezing, excessive nasal mucus, swelling. A secondary sign is the appearance of an allergic rash on the baby’s body (most often on the arms). If you notice such symptoms, you should consult a doctor. To determine whether the rash is allergic, a specialist will prescribe an antihistamine. If, as a result of its use, the rash subsides, then it was definitely caused by an allergen.

Separately, it should be said about allergies to medications. These include:

• syrups;
• ointments;
• vitamins;
• given vaccinations.

The main symptom of such an allergy is the appearance of a red rash all over the baby's body. Over time, it merges into formations that are very itchy and cause discomfort to the baby. When the allergen medication is discontinued, the skin heals quite quickly.

Contact dermatitis

Allergies can be caused by contact with chemicals contained in washing powder, shampoo, soap, body cream, synthetic fabrics, etc. If left untreated, the allergy will develop into contact dermatitis. It is characterized by the appearance of peeling on the skin and the formation of crusts. This type of allergy provokes the appearance of a rash on the baby’s body only in the place where there was contact with the allergen.

Hives

The name of the disease speaks for itself. The hives rash looks like a large burn caused by nettles. The child experiences constant discomfort due to itching. If hives are not treated, large blisters with fluid inside will appear at the site of the rash. They can be of any size and affect different areas of the body. Urticaria is considered a severe form of allergy and can cause angioedema.

The causes of a rash all over the baby's body due to urticaria are as follows:

• overheating or hypothermia;
• severe stress;
• infection;
• tight straps on a car seat or elastic bands on clothes;
• the presence of helminths in the children's body.

If parents suspect that their baby has urticaria, they should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment.

Infectious rash

Sometimes a large or small rash on a baby’s body can be caused by an infection entering the body. Then other symptoms are added to the skin rashes: increased body temperature, lethargy, moodiness, indigestion, etc. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, so if the listed symptoms appear, you should go to the clinic. Infectious diseases accompanied by the appearance of a rash on the skin of the baby are as follows:

• Rubella and measles. These are childhood pathologies that, up to the age of three, are tolerated relatively easily and have no consequences. With rubella, the primary symptoms are cough and sore throat, and the occipital lymph nodes may become inflamed. The rash in such diseases merges into spots and can be accompanied by chills, fever, and elevated temperature.
• Chickenpox. It is also better to get over this disease at an early age. The chickenpox rash gradually spreads throughout the body and looks like small red pimples with liquid inside. When the bubble bursts, a crust forms in its place.
• Scarlet fever. It is characterized by the appearance of a small red rash on the baby’s body (first on the face, and then spreading to the whole body). A distinctive feature is a clean nasolabial triangle. After the rashes go away, flaky spots remain in their place. At the same time, the baby experiences inflammation of the tonsils. Scarlet fever is a contagious disease, so the child will need isolation for 10 days.
• Thrush. This is a fungal disease characterized by the appearance of a rash on the mucous membranes. It looks like a white coating. The disease is treated only with antibiotics.
• This exclusively childhood pathology is characterized by rashes, like chickenpox. They are very itchy and flaky. At the same time, the child will develop a high fever, which can last up to three days.

If a rash appears in the baby, which is accompanied by alarming symptoms (fever, cough, fever, etc.), parents should call a doctor at home. This will avoid infecting other children. You should not self-medicate, as incorrect or delayed treatment of any of the above diseases can cause serious consequences.

Prickly heat

A colorless rash on a baby's body with a pinkish tint can appear as a result of improper skin care. Most often this occurs due to excessive wrapping of the baby. Thermoregulation in babies is still poorly developed, so prickly heat most often occurs in the folds of the body. The axillary, groin and lumbar areas are particularly affected. Miliaria rashes are small, round and dry. They do not cause discomfort to the baby and do not pose any threat. To avoid prickly heat, you should promptly treat the folds, regulate the room temperature, carry out hardening procedures and do not wrap the baby up.

Diaper dermatitis

The appearance of a pinpoint rash on a baby's body can be caused by prolonged exposure to a diaper or diaper. Natural bowel movements of a child often cause skin irritation and even the formation of small ulcers in the groin area and on the butt. If your baby has diaper rash, he should be washed more thoroughly after each diaper change. It is also necessary to arrange air baths several times a day and pay attention to the quality of diapers. It is better to purchase diapers made from hypoallergenic “breathable” materials. The affected areas can be lubricated with baby cream containing zinc oxide. The appearance of diaper dermatitis in a baby cannot be ignored, as it may be accompanied by a bacterial infection that requires treatment with antibiotics.

Atopic dermatitis

This pathology can be caused by heredity or unfavorable environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis can also develop as a result of a child’s body reacting to dust, animal hair, household chemicals or plant pollen. The description of a rash on a child’s body, characteristic of the pathology, is as follows: small bubbles with liquid, gradually merging into spots with a dense crust. The most common places to be affected are the baby's hands, knees and cheeks. Atopic dermatitis belongs to a number of serious pathologies of an allergic nature. The disease is often accompanied by inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of the causes is based on the appearance of the lesions, their location, as well as an analysis of accompanying symptoms. Serious pathologies can develop against the background of the rash, so it should not be ignored. Alarming symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:

• increase in body temperature to high levels;
• the rash spreads quickly and is accompanied by severe itching;
• a sharp deterioration in the baby’s general well-being;
• development of edema;
• the appearance of vomiting;
• headache;
• fever and chills.

A dangerous symptom will also be the appearance of star-shaped hemorrhages on the skin in areas of the rash. This may indicate meningococcal infection. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, monotonous cry of the child, and the appearance of a petechial rash (small hemorrhages). If you do not seek medical help in time, there is a risk of developing sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningococcemia (pathogen entering the blood). Such complications usually cause anaphylactic shock, which is fatal.

The main treatment for rashes in babies is aimed at eliminating the cause of its appearance. If the rash is of an allergic nature, then you need to eliminate the allergen, adjust the mother’s diet and, if necessary, undergo a course of treatment with antihistamines. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe hormonal medications. A condition such as acne does not require treatment; after 2-3 weeks it goes away on its own. Diaper dermatitis and prickly heat require special care for the baby's skin and certain temperature conditions in the house. In addition, it is possible to use ointments containing zinc oxide. To treat a rash caused by an infection, your doctor will prescribe antibacterial drugs aimed at eliminating the pathogen. In addition to drug treatment of a rash in an infant prescribed by a doctor, it is possible to use powders, drying creams and baths with medicinal herbs. However, it should be remembered that the use of even such harmless means can have negative consequences. Therefore, in any case, it is better to first consult with a specialist.

What is prohibited to do

If a baby has a rash on his skin, parents are strictly prohibited from:

• touch pimples with your hands and squeeze them out;
• pop bubbles;
• abuse greenery.

It should be remembered that any dyes quickly penetrate the baby’s skin. Even a seemingly harmless product, brilliant green, can harm the baby if it is applied to a large area of ​​the body. When a rash appears on your baby’s body, you must carefully ensure that he does not scratch it. Any open wound is a direct path to infection. You can buy special thin mittens for your baby and put them on his hands during this period.

The appearance of a rash on the body of a baby can be either an independent phenomenon caused by changes in the internal environment of the baby’s body, or a symptom of a serious infectious disease. Therefore, any rashes on the baby’s skin cannot be ignored. It is better to immediately consult a doctor who will conduct the necessary observations and prescribe adequate treatment.

Clean and smooth skin in a baby is the exception rather than the rule. Rash, peeling and redness during the newborn period most often have a physiological nature associated with the adaptation of the skin to new conditions. If you follow the rules of hygiene for caring for the baby, such phenomena go away on their own and do not require treatment.

Rashes that cause discomfort to the child, such as itching, burning, pain, and are also accompanied by fever and other symptoms, indicate pathology and can be caused by allergic reactions, infectious or autoimmune diseases.

Article outline:

Causes of rash in newborns

The organs and vital systems of a newborn are in their infancy and continue to develop. The skin, as the largest human organ, is no exception. Thus, in the first month of life, the work of the sebaceous glands is improved, the microflora of the skin is formed, and the functions of thermoregulation and sweating are imperfect. All this leads to manifestations in the form of a rash, typical for this period.

Often, primary, physiological rashes in infants, in the absence of proper care, are complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection and require drug treatment.

Types of rashes in babies and how to treat them

More than 280 diseases, syndromes and pathologies are known that can cause skin rashes in an infant. Let's look at the most common types of rashes, their manifestations and methods of treatment.

Physiological erythema

During the period of natural adaptation to new living conditions, 60% of newborns develop erythema - red spots spreading over open areas of the body. This change in skin color is explained by a thin layer of dermis and a rush of blood through the capillaries. On the 3-4th day after birth, the rash gives way to peeling, which does not cause any discomfort to the child and goes away on its own.

Sebaceous cysts

Small whitish lumps on the skin occur due to blockage of the narrow ducts of the sebaceous glands of the newborn. The skin around the cysts is clean and without signs of inflammation. The neoplasms themselves look like white or yellowish balls, similar to grains of semolina, concentrated in the area of ​​the nose, cheeks and scalp. The rashes do not require treatment and disappear without a trace within 3-4 weeks.

Neonatal rash

At the end of the first week of life, the hormonal background of the newborn changes. His body gets rid of maternal hormones that were produced by the placenta and continue to be supplied with breast milk. During this period, a third of infants develop rashes on the skin of the face, neck and back. Pediatricians call this rash acne, milia, neonatal pustulosis or neonatal bloom.

The rashes look like small, colorless or reddish lumps localized on the forehead, cheeks, collar area, forearms and groin. By the end of the first month of life, the hormonal rash goes away on its own.

Seborrheic dermatitis

During the period when the baby’s skin is colonized by fungi and bacteria, which make up the natural microflora, so-called milk crusts or seborrheic dermatitis may occur. Peeling and rejection of the keratinized layers of the epidermis is localized on the scalp; in small quantities it can spread to the forehead, chin, area behind the ears and forehead of the child.

Most often, the rashes disappear on their own by the 2nd month of a baby’s life. Fatty crusts do not cause burning or itching, but are not aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, parents prefer to eliminate them with a special soft brush, which is used after bathing the baby. The scales on the skin of the face are moistened with special oil and wiped with a cotton swab.

To improve the condition of the skin, the baby is bathed in decoctions of string and calendula, and the skin is moisturized with hypoallergenic lotions. Following a diet by a nursing mother will speed up recovery and prevent complications.

Prickly heat

The mechanism of thermoregulation is directly related to the secretion of sweat, which cools the skin. In infants, the sweating system is still immature, which leads to blockage of glands and channels with subsequent inflammation. The cause of overheating of the baby may be clothing made of synthetic fabrics, tight swaddling, prolonged crying, or unsuitable indoor climate conditions. Sometimes small pimples or red spots appear after sleep and disappear without a trace by mid-day.

There are white, crystalline prickly heat, which is characterized by a rash in the form of small vesicles filled with clear liquid, and red, which occurs when the deeper layers of the epidermis overheat.

Miliaria is benign in nature, but may be accompanied by a burning sensation, which makes the child restless. For the treatment and prevention of hyperhidrosis, doctors recommend:

1. Choose loose cotton clothes for your child.
2. Provide fresh air to the damaged skin by leaving your baby undressed while awake.
3. Bathe your baby in herbal decoctions.
4. Ventilate and humidify the air in the room.

Diaper dermatitis

It manifests itself in the form of irritation, swelling and a small, red rash with frequent and prolonged contact of the skin of the buttocks with urine and feces. With the advent of disposable diapers, which instantly absorb the baby's waste products, diaper dermatitis is considered a relic of the past and is very rare, for example, with prolonged diarrhea.

To eliminate irritation, it is enough to ensure that the child constantly changes diapers, bathe him in decoctions of chamomile, string and oats, lubricate the skin with drying and anti-inflammatory ointments, for example:

• Bepanten;
• Sudocrem;
• Drapolene;
• Salicylic-zinc paste.

During the period of diarrhea, it is justified to use sunflower oil, which creates a film on the skin that prevents contact with feces.

Allergic rashes

Skin rashes in the form of red dots or inflamed red spots, like a nettle burn, can occur once when a newborn comes into contact with a substance new to his body. The baby’s immune system, especially in the period after an illness, perceives the allergen as a stranger. In this case, inflammatory mediators are released into the blood, which provoke allergic rashes.

An atypical immune reaction can occur in a baby due to an improper diet of a nursing mother or contact with clothing that contains traces of powder (contact dermatitis). Before treating allergic rashes with medication, the cause of the allergy should be identified and the irritant eliminated. As a rule, such short-term episodes of an allergic rash go away on their own and do not recur as the baby grows older.

If a child has a hereditary tendency to allergies, digestive disorders, or autoimmune diseases, atopic dermatitis may occur, which is manifested by dry skin, the formation of plaques, eczema and cracks on the cheeks, elbows and knees. To eliminate itching and relieve symptoms during exacerbations, antihistamines and ointments are used.

Rashes of an infectious nature

During the newborn period, which is the first month of life, the child’s immunity is supported by antibodies transmitted by the mother and which continue to flow through breast milk. For this reason, viral diseases accompanied by skin rashes, such as chickenpox, measles, and rubella, are very rare. They are manifested by the appearance of a characteristic rash, fever, anxiety or lethargy of the baby.

Viral diseases are difficult for newborns and often cause complications in internal organs. Treatment is symptomatic. Antiviral medications are used only for infections with Epstein-Bar viruses, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex.

Rashes of a bacterial nature can occur when an infection is introduced in the maternity hospital or when it is associated with a lack of hygiene due to skin dermatitis.

The main causative agents of skin rashes:

• Staphylococcus aureus;
• streptococcus;
• meningococcus

Treatment is carried out in a hospital. Based on the results of bacteriological culture, an antibiotic is selected; in case of severe intoxication, droppers are prescribed to restore electrolytic balance and eliminate bacterial waste products.

Important: if a rash of unknown origin appears, accompanied by an increase in body temperature, it is categorically not advisable to lubricate the damaged skin with brilliant green until examined by a doctor, as this may complicate the diagnosis.

For any changes in the skin, you should consult a doctor who, based on the nature of the rash, its location and accompanying symptoms, will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, if necessary. The task of parents is not to ignore pathological manifestations on the skin and not to self-medicate.

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The skin of children is highly sensitive to various internal and external factors. A rash on a child’s body appears suddenly and may indicate hormonal rashes - a natural physiological process when the child’s body gets rid of the mother’s hormones, as well as serious diseases caused by an infectious or viral nature.

Types of rashes in infants

Rashes on a child’s skin can be divided depending on the nature of their origin, as well as appearance. In the first option, the types of rash in a child are as follows:

• Physiological. Does not pose a danger to the health and development of the baby. It includes hormonal rash (another name is neonatal acne);
• Immunological– formations that are the body’s reaction to any irritant - allergen, hot season, friction, cold, contact with urine, improper care, etc. This group includes dermatitis of an allergic nature, prickly heat, urticaria, atopic and diaper dermatitis;
• Rashes of an infectious nature.

The definition of the pathological process is determined by skin symptoms - the nature of the rash on the child’s body, appearance, areas of localization. Concomitant manifestations must be taken into account - body temperature, signs of intoxication of the body.

A body rash in infants may look like this (main elements):

1. A spot is a limited area of ​​the skin of a changed shade (red, white, etc.). Does not protrude above the skin and cannot be felt. The structure of the skin is not changed.
2. The papule is characterized by a tubercle up to 0.5 cm in diameter, there is no internal cavity; protrudes above the skin and can be felt.
3. A plaque is a large area neoplasm raised above the surface of the skin. If there is a clear pattern and thickening, then we can talk about lichenization.
4. Bubbles and vesicles are pathological neoplasms that have liquid in the cavity; vary in size. When the vesicle exceeds 0.5 cm in diameter, it is called a vesicle.
5. A pustule is a cavity filled with purulent masses.

Important: a hormonal rash in a newborn appears on days 5-25 of life outside the womb. No treatment is required and goes away on its own within 2-3 weeks.

Neonatal pustulosis: etiology and symptoms

In the first few weeks after birth, the baby experiences a hormonal crisis, which is characterized by skin rashes. In boys, the scrotum swells, in girls the mammary glands, and discharge mixed with blood is observed from the genitals.

While the child’s body contains mother’s hormones, the sebaceous ducts, which are just beginning to function, from time to time fail, as a result of which more fat is produced. A hormonal rash appears on the child’s face – forehead and cheeks. Less commonly, single formations on the neck and chest.

The main differences between neonatal pustulosis and other diseases:

• Good health of the baby;
• The main localization is the face.

The harm of the rash lies solely in its unattractive aesthetic appearance. No treatment is required, everything goes away on its own. The only danger is damage to the pimple, and an open wound is a direct route for infection.

Allergic rashes: types and causes

The baby's skin is extremely susceptible to any irritants of an internal or external nature. Food, household, natural and chemical factors can act as pathogenic irritants that lead to a rash on the child’s body.

Food allergies

A small red or pink rash covers the child’s cheeks and is much less commonly observed on the body. Accompanied by hyperemia of the skin of varying severity.

The reason is the penetration of allergens into the digestive tract. The etiology of development is determined by the food that the baby receives during complementary feeding - first juice, porridge, puree. In accordance with WHO recommendations, it is permissible to feed a child no earlier than 4-6 months, depending on the presence or absence of breastfeeding.

Complementary feeding should be consistent and gradual. You always need to watch how the baby’s body reacts to the introduction of foods.

Babies receive formula or mother's milk. In these cases, a physiological reaction of the body also cannot be excluded. When choosing a mixture, you should pay attention to the following aspects:

1. For appropriate age group.
2. Compound.
3. Hypoallergenic.

After feeding your child a new formula for the first time, it is recommended to carefully monitor his condition and the presence of alarming symptoms - rashes, loose stools mixed with foam.

If the rash is accompanied by peeling of the skin, it can be said with 100% probability that it contains allergens for the child. When problems with the functioning of the digestive tract are identified - individual intolerance to the components.

During lactation, the mother should be careful about her menu. It is recommended to follow a specialized diet that excludes potential allergens and products that cause increased gas formation:

• Sweet and dairy products;
• Smoked products, preservatives;
• Oranges, tangerines;
• Vegetables are red.

Advice: a nursing woman should eat a varied and high-calorie diet. Products are introduced into the diet gradually, no more than once every 7 days, always waiting for the presence or absence of the baby’s reaction.

Contact allergic reaction

A red rash on a child’s body may indicate a household allergy. Develops as a result of contact of the skin with any irritant. These include house dust, woolen items, animal hair, etc.

It is recommended to pay special attention to bedding, children's clothing, laundry detergents - powder, fabric softener. The risk group includes creams, gels, powders and other products for hygiene procedures.

Allergies of a medicinal nature

Vitamin and mineral complexes, syrups and antibiotic drugs can provoke a red rash on the body of babies. Stopping treatment leads to normalization of the situation without prescribing medical correction.

If the fact of the negative effect of the drug is reliably established, it is replaced with a similar drug that does not cause allergic manifestations in the baby.

Hives

The pathology is characterized by a small red rash on the child’s skin that can transform into blisters of different shapes and sizes. Urticaria appears as an advanced form of skin allergy and is fraught with the development of Quincke's edema.

Important: if your baby has a rash that resembles nettle burns in appearance, it is recommended to immediately call a medical team.

Allergic manifestations can be caused by any irritant. They usually go away on their own. However, a newborn may instantly develop suffocation. There is a possibility that the acute form of urticaria transforms into a chronic disease with constant relapses.

Prickly heat

The rash in a baby may be prickly heat. The pathological process is not an allergy in the literal sense of the word, but refers to the immunological types of rashes. It manifests itself as hyperemia and small tubercles throughout the body. Due to improper thermoregulation, it is observed on the forehead, under the cap, in the groin, on the back, and in the armpits.

The etiology of development is due to heat and high humidity indoors, outdoors, and warm clothes worn inappropriately for the weather. These factors lead to disruption of heat exchange, resulting in a rash in newborns.

Diaper and atopic dermatitis

A rash on a baby (as in the photo) in places of contact with diapers or wet diapers is called diaper dermatitis. Waste products contribute to irritation of sensitive skin, leading to pathological rashes.

In the absence of proper care, the rash transforms into severe diaper rash, cracks, and weeping ulcers form. To prevent it, you need to use high-quality diapers and wash your baby every time you change diapers.

Atopic dermatitis is a pathology characterized by a small red rash on the skin of children. The rashes can merge into large colonies and become covered with crusts. The rash in infants most often affects the cheeks, arms, inner thighs and buttocks.

Types of infectious rash

Viral rashes in newborns are dangerous. If the nature of the disease is viral, then there are other alarming manifestations - increased body temperature, lethargy, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

Infectious diseases manifested by a rash in babies:

1. Roseola is characterized by an instantaneous jump in temperature in infants. It stays at a high level for three days and then decreases. Simultaneously with the normalization of the temperature regime, a flat rash appears - exanthema.
2. Rubella. Appears as a small red rash. Along with the rash, there is a high fever, cough, diarrhea, and vomiting.
3. Chickenpox is characterized by small bubbles with cloudy contents. After opening, the blisters become covered with crusts and there is a characteristic itching.
4. Scarlet fever manifests itself as a pronounced red rash, localized on the baby’s neck and upper body. Additional signs: inflammation of the tonsils, absence of rashes in the nasolabial area.

Rashes in children have different etiologies. Some are easy to deal with using hygiene procedures and normalizing the temperature in the room. Others require adequate drug treatment, which is prescribed exclusively by a doctor.