Rash in children

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What are rashes?

Rashes, especially those with a fever, are usually harmless accompanying symptoms of infectious diseases. In some cases, the rash is very typical and can lead to diagnosis, such as chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever, rubella or herpes.

There are also rashes that indicate allergenic tendencies and neurodermatitis. Such rashes keep coming back and have to be treated because of their itchiness. Special rashes occur only very rarely in rheumatic and systemic diseases.

What should I watch out for in the event of a rash?

Since rashes in children can have many reasons, it is often not that easy to classify them correctly.Basically, you should pay attention to three factors if your child has a rash: the body part (localization), the appearance (efflorescence) and the course of the rash. These points can help the doctor understand the possible cause of the rash.

Body part (localization)

The point at which it occurs is important for the more precise determination of the deflection. For example, is the rash only found in the diaper area (often a symptom of the fungal disease thrush)? Is the trunk primarily affected or is the rash more likely to spread to the arms and legs? Is the oral mucosa reddened or does it show blisters (in scarlet fever, chickenpox)? Does your child have chronic dry eczema with tears on the earlobes (often an indication of neurodermatitis)? Are there any rashes on the whole torso, arms and legs (possibly an allergic reaction to a drug = allergic drug eruption)?

Appearance (efflorescence)

The appearance of the rash can also provide clues as to why it occurred. A distinction is made between the following manifestations of rash:

• Dots (macules)
• Nodules (papules)
• Vesicles
• Crusts
• Wheals (usually very itchy)
• dry or weeping districts

With certain diseases, different manifestations can coexist. In chickenpox, for example, nodules, spots, vesicles, and crusts often appear at the same time. In others, the manifestations overlap, for example when small dots result in extensive reddening in scarlet fever.

course

The course of the rash also provides important information. For example, did the rash come on quickly or did it develop very slowly? Does it stay in place or does it migrate (for example with Lyme disease and hives)? Does it itch (possible evidence of an allergy or parasite)? Are there any chronic inflammatory skin changes (often with neurodermatitis)?

It takes a lot of specialist knowledge to correctly interpret the symptoms. Therefore, ask your pediatrician for an exact diagnosis!

What can I do?

In general, you should see a pediatrician if your offspring has a rash. Make sure to mention this when you register. If the clinician suspects a contagious disease (such as chickenpox) as the cause, they will likely ask you and your child to go to a separate room rather than the waiting room.

If the rash is very itchy, it may help to give certain medications (antihistamines). If your child is unable to sleep at night due to the itching or is very restless, it can help to wrap the offspring airily and, preferably, in loose-fitting cotton clothing. This hardly rubs on the skin and cannot irritate it additionally. Tight elastic pants and stiff collars are also unfavorable.

If it is an allergic rash, your child should avoid the allergen as much as possible.

The doctor will give you additional tips if necessary.

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