Help! I Think My Child Has a Rash

While most childhood rashes are not a cause of concern, it’s common for parents to worry when they see their child has one and they aren’t sure why. The medical team at Rapid City Healthcare understands and invites you to schedule an appointment or come in for same-day pediatric care whenever your child develops a rash.

Here’s what you need to know about common childhood rashes, including guidance on identifying the rash, managing any symptoms, and seeking appropriate medical attention.

How to identify common childhood rashes

Knowing whether your child needs to see one of our doctors starts with understanding what type of rash your child has. Here are some of the most common rashes seen in children:

Diaper rash

For babies and toddlers in diapers, a diaper rash is a common rash in the diaper area caused by prolonged exposure to wetness. Some children get a diaper rash in response to certain diaper materials, or products used to clean them during the diaper change.

Diaper rashes are typically mild and can often be managed at home with proper care. However, if the rash persists for more than a few days, becomes severe, is accompanied by signs of infection (such as pus, severe pain, or fever), or if your child appears uncomfortable or unwell, schedule an appointment with our team.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by red, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema may be triggered by allergens or irritants, or genetic factors.

If your child's eczema symptoms are severe, do not improve with homecare measures or over-the-counter treatments, or if the rash becomes infected, call the office for an evaluation and treatment. Eczema is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a rash caused when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritating substance. Contact dermatitis causes redness, itching, and sometimes blistering.

Most cases of contact dermatitis can be managed at home, but call the office if the rash is severe, widespread, or if your child is experiencing significant discomfort. Our compassionate medical team can help identify the cause of the contact dermatitis and provide appropriate treatment options.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox used to be a commonly experienced contagious disease resulting in an itchy, blister-like rash, with more than 4 million people getting chickenpox in the early 1990s. As many as 13,000 were hospitalized and 100-150 people died from chickenpox each year. But in 1995, the chickenpox vaccine became available and has since prevented an estimated 91 million cases.

The number of chickenpox cases has decreased by 97%, but it is still possible to get the rash. Schedule an appointment if you suspect your child has chickenpox so we can take appropriate steps to minimize discomfort and spreading.

When to visit Rapid City Healthcare for a rash

If the rash is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should bring your child into the office for an evaluation:

High fever or difficulty breathing
Infection
Severe pain
Lethargy
Swollen glands
Joint pain
Sore throat

You should also bring your child in for an appointment for persistent rashes that don’t seem to resolve, even without other symptoms.

Discovering a rash on your child can be distressing. By being aware of common childhood rashes and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can help your child find relief and recovery. At Rapid City Healthcare in Irving, Texas, we are committed to supporting you and your family's health. Contact us today or schedule an appointment online.