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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Rashes (Children)

Rashes in young children can be upsetting, but they're common and often not serious unless there are other symptoms.

Call Doctor If:

  • Your child is younger than 6 months
  • Has a fever along with a rash
  • Has a rash that oozes or appears red or wet, which could be an infection
  • Has a rash that goes past the diaper area
  • Has a rash that is more serious in skin creases
  • Has a rash that doesn't get better after 2 days
  • Has flat, small red spots on the skin that don't fade if you press them
  • Looks unwell or is not feeding well
  • Has hives
  • Has bruises not due to an injury

 

1. Find the Cause

  • Try to figure out whether the rash is due to coming into contact with a common irritant such as poison ivy, chemicals, soaps, nickel jewelry, or a pet.
  • Could it be a diaper rash? Make sure you are changing the diapers frequently and applying protective diaper cream after cleaning the area. If this does not help, see your doctor.

2. Clean the Skin

  • Wash the rash with mild soap but don't scrub. Rinse with warm water.
  • Pat the skin dry, rather than rubbing it.
  • Don't cover the rash.

3. Treat Symptoms

  • Put a wet cloth on the rash to ease pain and itching.
  • Trim your child's fingernails to help prevent scratching.
  • Put soft gloves on your child at night to avoid scratching.

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by Hansa D. Bhargava, MD, FAAP on August 03, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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