Rashes 101: What’s Normal and When to Worry

Introduction:

Rashes pop up out of nowhere, and suddenly, you’re Googling “red bumps baby” at 2 AM, wondering if you need to rush to the hospital or if it’s just another harmless baby skin drama.

Here’s the good news: most rashes in babies are completely harmless and will clear up on their own. But, of course, some rashes do need medical attention. Let’s go through the common ones, when to see a doctor, and when to call an ambulance.

Common Types of Rashes:

With zero scary medical jargon....

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

"The dry, itchy one"

✅ Usually starts in infancy and causes dry, red, irritated patches of skin
✅ Triggered by dry skin, irritants, or allergies: things like soap, fabrics, or even temperature changes
✅ Not contagious and can usually be managed with gentle skincare and moisture (think fragrance-free everything!)

Heat Rash (Prickly Heat/Miliaria)

"The sweaty one"

✅ Appears as tiny red bumps, usually in skin folds, under clothes, or after a hot day
✅ Happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin and blocks the sweat ducts
✅ Keeping your baby cool and dry usually clears it up quickly

Viral Rashes

"The ‘comes after a fever’ one"

✅ Many common viruses, like hand, foot & mouth disease (HFMD), slapped cheek (fifth disease), and roseola (pictured below), cause rashes
✅ Typically, your baby gets a fever first, then the rash appears a few days later, often as they’re starting to feel better (crazy, right?)
✅ These rashes aren’t dangerous and usually don’t need treatment (other than comfort care)

Hives (Urticaria)

"The itchy, bumpy one"

✅ Red, raised, and super itchy
✅ Can be triggered by allergies, infections, heat, or even stress
✅ Most go away in a few hours to days, but if your baby also has swelling of the lips/tongue, or breathing issues, or appears pale or floppy, this could be a sign of anaphylaxis, so call an ambulance (more on this below)

Nappy Rash

"The ‘ouch, my bum’ one"

✅ Caused by moisture, friction, or irritants like urine and poo
✅ Looks red, inflamed, and sometimes a bit spotty
✅ Frequent nappy changes, barrier creams, and air time can help it heal fast

Why Do We Get Rashes?:

Rashes can be a result of:

✅ Viral infections (these are the most common)
✅ Irritation from dribble, heat, or friction
✅ Allergic reactions

💡Did you know that there's usually a period of illness before a viral rash? Your little one might come down with a fever and be more irritable and unsettled. A few days later, the rash often appears. Although it looks alarming, the rash is usually a sign that your child is getting better!

When to See the Doctor:

Take your child to the doctor if:

👩‍⚕️They have a fever* and a rash simultaneously.

👩‍⚕️The rash is painful or blistering.

👩‍⚕️They have bright red lips or a red tongue.

👩‍⚕️There is significant skin peeling.

*Remember, a child under 3 months with a fever warrants a trip straight to the emergency department... even if they have no other symptoms!* 

When to Call an Ambulance:

Some rashes can be a sign of a serious illness. Call 000  if your baby has:

🚨 A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed (non-blanching rash- see below)
🚨 Blue or grey lips
🚨 Severe swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
🚨 Struggling to breathe or making unusual breathing noises
🚨 Cold, pale, or mottled skin, or your child appears floppy
🚨 A fever with a stiff neck, back pain, or shying away from the light.
🚨 A sudden, widespread rash with vomiting or extreme distress

The ‘Glass Test’ for Serious Rashes:

To check for a non-blanching rash, try the glass test:

1️⃣ Take a clear glass and gently press it against the rash
2️⃣ If the rash disappears under the glass we call this "blanching"
3️⃣ If the rash stays the same (non-blanching), call an ambulance straight away.

If your child ever has a fever and a non-blanching rash, always call an ambulance.

Final Words:

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic!

Rashes can look scary, but most are completely harmless and will clear up on their own. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always OK to check in with a doctor for peace of mind.

And remember: You know your baby best. If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut.