Paediatrician shares guide on identifying and managing common childhood skin rashes

Skin rashes in children can stem from various causes ranging from simple allergies to serious infections, according to a leading medical expert. Dr Prakash Vaidya, senior consultant in paediatrics at Fortis Hospital Mulund in Mumbai, notes that a skin rash is one of the most frequent reasons parents contact him. Viral illnesses frequently trigger rashes in children, including influenza, dengue, and hand, foot and mouth disease. In dengue cases, a faint reddish rash often appears first, followed later by a dense, intensely itchy red rash. Other viral infections may cause a rash only after a fever has subsides.

Specific Conditions And Warning Signs

Certain conditions produce blister-like eruptions, such as chickenpox and hand, foot and mouth disease, where the placement of the rash helps doctors make a diagnosis. Itchy rashes can result from hives, insect bites known as prurigo, or atopic dermatitis, which is commonly called eczema. Eczema causes dry and inflamed skin on the cheeks of infants or the elbow and knee creases of older children. Meanwhile, nappy rash affects areas covered by a napkin, while prickly heat occurs in hot and humid weather. Infections that spread through touch include impetigo, a bacterial skin sore, and ringworm, a fungal infection creating itchy ring-shaped patches. Dr Vaidya warns parents against using steroid-containing prescription creams without a doctor's advice. He also highlights petechiae, which are tiny red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin that can signal a low platelet count.

Context

Skin conditions in children often require careful evaluation because the same symptom can point to a minor irritation or a severe underlying illness. Doctors look at accompanying signs like fever, drowsiness, or changes in behaviour rather than relying on a quick look at the rash alone. Parents are advised to seek urgent medical help if a child with a rash appears unwell, breathless, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed.