Rash on the body of a baby - types, causes and features

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The appearance of a rash on the body of a baby becomes a cause for serious unrest. Rashes can be infectious, viral or bacterial in nature. So that the trouble does not take you by surprise, parents should learn as much as possible about this skin pathology in advance.

Types of rashes

There are several types of rashes in newborns and infants. The causes, characteristics and place of its occurrence directly depend on the type of pathology. Experts say that not every rash requires special treatment, it depends on the cause of its occurrence. In this regard, the following types of skin rashes in infants are distinguished:

• hormonal rashes (acne);
• allergic rash;
• infectious pathology;
• contact dermatitis;
• polyweed;
• atopic dermatitis;
• diaper dermatitis.

In newborns, simple reddening of the skin can often be observed, which should not disturb parents. This is a normal reaction of the skin to a new environment,due to imperfect thermoregulation of the infant. Therefore, slight peeling and redness on the skin of a newly born baby is not a cause for concern and does not require any treatment.

Hormonal rash

A rash on the face and body of a baby caused by hormonal changes looks like small pink pimples with dense white contents. They are similar to common acne. These rashes are typical only for babies, they appear on the 2-3rd day after birth. There are several names for hormonal rashes: acne, milia, neonatal pustulosis. The main cause of acne is the presence of mother's hormones in the body of the newborn, which affect the functioning of the sebaceous glands. The latter are not yet adapted to normal operation, therefore they cause a large accumulation of fat. This contributes to the formation of a rash that spreads mainly on the face (rarely on the neck and body) of the baby. It is worth noting that the well-being of the baby does not suffer from this. Body temperature and behavior of the newborn remain normal. However, mom must remember that scratching pimples can cause infection. Therefore, scratching should be avoided, and open wounds should be treated with a solution of chamomile.

Allergic rashes

Such a rash on the body of a baby appears as a result of the development of an allergy. As irritants, some foods that the mother consumes, medications, milk formula, clothes, household chemicals, etc. can act. Therefore, allergies are divided into food, contact, respiratory and drug allergies. The main sign of the appearance of such a reaction in a baby is red rashes on the body.

The symptoms of a food allergy are:

• skin peeling;
• cheek redness;
• itch;
• scaling of dry skin on the head;
• swelling of mucous membranes.

A food allergen can be an adapted formula, complementary foods or mother's milk. Respiratory allergies occur as a result of the body's reaction to an inhaled allergen. Therefore, the main symptoms are: sneezing, copious nasal mucus, swelling. A secondary sign is the appearance of an allergic rash on the body of a baby (most often on the handles). If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. To determine if the rashes are allergic, the specialist will prescribe an antihistamine. If as a result of its use the rash subsides, then it was definitely caused by an allergen.

Separately, it should be said about allergies to drugs. These include:

• syrups;
• ointments;
• vitamins;
• vaccinated.

The main symptom of such an allergy is the appearance of a red rash all over the body of a baby. Over time, it merges into formations that itch a lot and cause discomfort to the baby. When you cancel the allergen drug, the skin heals quickly enough.

Contact dermatitis

Allergies can be caused by contact with chemicals,contained in washing powder, shampoo, soap, body cream, synthetic fabrics, etc. If left untreated, the allergy will develop into contact dermatitis. It is characterized by the appearance of peeling on the skin and the formation of crusts. This type of allergy provokes the appearance of a rash on the body of a baby only in the place where there was contact with the allergen.

Urticaria

The name of the disease speaks for itself. The urticaria rash looks like a big sting caused by stinging nettles. The child experiences constant discomfort due to itching. If the urticaria is not treated, then large blisters with liquid inside will appear at the site of the rash. They can be of any size and affect different parts of the body. Urticaria is considered a severe form of allergy and can cause angioedema.

The causes of a rash in a baby all over the body with urticaria are as follows:

• overheating or hypothermia;
• strong stress;
• infectious disease;
• tight straps on a car seat or elastic bands on clothes;
• presence of helminths in the children's body.

If parents suspect hives in the baby, you should immediately consult a doctor and start treatment.

Infectious rash

Sometimes a large or small rash on the body of a baby can be caused by infection in the body. Then other symptoms are added to the skin rashes: fever, lethargy, whims, indigestion, etc. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, thereforeWhen these symptoms appear, you should contact the clinic. Infectious diseases, accompanied by the appearance of a rash on the skin of the baby, are as follows:

• Rubella and measles. These are children's pathologies that, at the age of up to three years, are relatively easily tolerated and have no consequences. With rubella, the primary symptoms are cough and sore throat, and the occipital lymph nodes may become inflamed. The rash in such diseases merges into spots and may be accompanied by chills, fever, fever.
• Chickenpox. This disease is also better to get sick at an early age. The chickenpox rash gradually spreads throughout the body and looks like small red pimples with liquid inside. When the bubble bursts, a crust forms in its place.
• Scarlet fever. It is characterized by the appearance of a small red rash on the body of a baby (first on the face, and then spreads to the whole body). A distinctive feature is a clean nasolabial triangle. After the rashes pass, flaky spots remain in their place. At the same time, the baby has inflammation of the tonsils. Scarlet fever is a contagious disease, so the child will need to isolate for 10 days.
• Thrush. This is a fungal disease characterized by the appearance of a rash on the mucous membranes. It looks like a white patch. The disease is treated only with antibiotics.
• Roseola (exanthema). For this exclusively childish pathology, rashes are characteristic, as with chickenpox. They are very itchy and flaky. At the same timethe child will develop a high fever that can last up to three days.

If a baby has a rash that is accompanied by alarming symptoms (fever, cough, fever, etc.), parents should call a doctor at home. This will avoid infecting other children. Do not self-medicate, as improper or delayed treatment of any of the above diseases can cause serious consequences.

Sweating

A colorless rash on the body of a baby with a pinkish tinge may appear as a result of improper skin care. Most often this occurs due to excessive wrapping of the baby. Thermoregulation in babies is still poorly developed, so most often prickly heat occurs in the folds of the body. The axillary, inguinal and lumbar regions are particularly affected. Eruptions in prickly heat are small, round and dry. They do not cause discomfort to the baby and do not pose any threat. To avoid prickly heat, it is necessary to process wrinkles in a timely manner, regulate room temperature, carry out hardening procedures and do not wrap the baby.

Diaper dermatitis

The appearance of a small-dotted rash on the body of a baby can be caused by a long stay in a diaper or diaper. The natural bowel movements of a child often cause skin irritation and even the formation of small sores in the groin and on the buttocks. If the baby has a diaper rash, then it should be thoroughly washed after each shift.diaper. It is also necessary to arrange air baths several times a day and pay attention to the quality of diapers. It is better to purchase diapers made from hypoallergenic "breathable" materials. Affected areas can be lubricated with a baby cream containing zinc oxide. The appearance of diaper dermatitis in a baby should not be ignored, as a bacterial infection may join it, requiring antibiotic treatment.

Atopic dermatitis

This pathology can be caused by heredity or adverse environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis can also develop as a result of the reaction of the child's body to dust, animal hair, household chemicals or plant pollen. The description of the rash on the body of a child, characteristic of the pathology, is as follows: small bubbles with liquid, gradually merging into spots with a dense crust. The affected areas are often the hands, knees and cheeks of the baby. Atopic dermatitis refers to a number of serious pathologies of an allergic nature. The disease is often accompanied by inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of the causes of a rash on the body in a baby is based on the appearance of the lesions, their location, and the analysis of concomitant symptoms. Against the background of a rash, serious pathologies can develop, so it should not be ignored. Warning symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:

• increase in body temperature to high levels;
• rash quicklyspreads and is accompanied by intense itching;
• a sharp deterioration in the general well-being of the baby;
• development of edema;
• emergence of vomiting;
• headache;
• fever and chills.

A dangerous symptom will be the appearance of stellate hemorrhages on the skin in places of rashes. This may indicate a meningococcal infection. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, monotonous cry of the child, the appearance of a petechial rash (small hemorrhages). If you do not seek medical help in time, then there is a risk of developing sepsis (blood poisoning) and meningococcemia (the pathogen enters the bloodstream). These complications usually lead to fatal anaphylactic shock.

The main treatment for rashes in babies is to address the cause of the rash. If the rash is of an allergic nature, then you need to eliminate the allergen, adjust the mother's diet and, if necessary, undergo a course of treatment with antihistamines. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs. Such a condition as acne does not require treatment, after 2-3 weeks it disappears on its own. Diaper dermatitis and prickly heat require special care for the baby's skin and certain temperature conditions in the house. In addition, it is possible to use ointments containing zinc oxide. To treat a rash caused by an infection, the doctor will prescribe antibacterial drugs aimed at eliminating the pathogen. In addition to the medical treatment of a rash in a baby, prescribed by a doctor, it is possible to use powders,drying creams and baths with medicinal herbs. However, it should be remembered that the use of even such harmless means can have negative consequences. Therefore, in any case, it is better to consult a specialist first.

What is prohibited

If the baby has a rash on the skin, parents are strictly forbidden:

• touch pimples with hands and squeeze them out;
• open bubbles;
• abuse brilliant green.

It should be remembered that any dyes quickly penetrate the baby's skin. Even a harmless, at first glance, brilliant green remedy can harm the baby if a large area of \u200b\u200bthe body is lubricated with it. When a rash appears on the baby's body, it is necessary to carefully monitor so that he does not comb it. Any open wound is a direct path to infection. You can buy special thin mittens for your baby and put them on his hands during this period.

The appearance of a rash on the body of a baby can be either an independent phenomenon caused by changes in the internal environment of the baby's body, or a symptom of a serious infectious disease. Therefore, any rashes on the baby's skin should not be ignored. It is better to immediately consult a doctor who will conduct the necessary observations and prescribe adequate treatment.