When to Worry About a Child’s Rash
Child Rashes: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Finding a rash on your child can send your heart racing, but most rashes are harmless and will clear up on their own. The key is knowing which ones need attention and which ones can wait. You're being a great parent by staying alert to changes in your child's skin.
What's going on?
Rashes are incredibly common in children because their skin is more sensitive than adult skin. Everything from heat and sweat to new soaps, foods, or fabrics can trigger a reaction. Most childhood rashes fall into a few categories: viral rashes that come with colds or fevers, contact reactions from something that touched their skin, or conditions like eczema.
The good news? The vast majority of rashes look scarier than they actually are. Your child's immune system is learning and responding to the world around them, and sometimes that shows up as red, bumpy, or scaly patches on their skin.
What you might notice
- Red, pink, or purple spots or patches
- Raised bumps or flat areas
- Dry, scaly, or flaky skin
- Itchy or tender areas
- Rash that spreads or changes color
- Accompanying fever or feeling unwell
What helps at home
Keep the area clean and dry, and resist the urge to scrub. Gentle baths with lukewarm water can be soothing, and patting (not rubbing) the skin dry helps prevent irritation. If the rash seems itchy, cool compresses or unscented moisturizer might provide relief.
Avoid new products like soaps, lotions, or detergents until the rash clears. Sometimes the best treatment is simply giving your child's skin time to heal while you figure out what might have caused the reaction.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, or seems very unwell with a high fever and rash. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if the rash is spreading quickly, your child has a fever over 38°C with the rash, or if you notice purple or dark red spots that don't fade when you press on them. Also reach out if the rash is getting worse after a few days, seems very painful, or if your gut is telling you something isn't right.
The takeaway
Most childhood rashes are your child's skin doing exactly what it's supposed to do. Trust your instincts, and remember that you know your child best.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Skin conditions](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/skin_conditions) (Caring for Kids)
- [Common childhood rashes](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=789&language=English) (AboutKidsHealth)
- [When to seek medical care for rashes](https://www.ontario.ca/page/common-childhood-illnesses) (Ontario.ca)