37 Rashes On Babies What You Should Do
/Being a new parent is an anxious experience, and it can be easy to get carried away when you see a rash on your baby. Of course, you want the best for your baby and want to protect them from any harm, but more often than not, a rash is nothing to worry about. As babies grow and develop, there can be multiple things that cause rashes, and not all of them are serious. However, having said this, it is still very important to be aware of your baby's body, so you can notice any changes and seek medical advice if necessary. This article will be a guide to rashes on babies, we will discuss some rashes that may occur on your baby, and what you should do if you spot them.
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Nappy Rash
When it comes to rashes in babies, nappy rash is one of the most common types of skin rash to get. All babies have to wear nappies, so it makes sense that so many of them will get some form of nappy rash in their life. Nappy rash can be caused by a number of things, but it is mostly due to the nappy rubbing against the baby's skin. Skin rashes are annoying for most people, but babies may not be able to tell you what's going on. Additionally, if your baby is not being changed frequently enough, or they are left sitting in their wee or poo, then it can cause irritation to the skin. Although it is called nappy rash, there are some other causes for it besides the nappy. Bubble bath or washing powder are both things that can cause irritation on your baby's skin, so make sure you only get ones that are specially designed for sensitive skin. As well as this, if you use alcohol-based wipes, then you may find that your baby's skin reacts badly to them
You will notice the nappy rash pretty easily as it will appear very red around your baby's bottom and your baby will likely be in discomfort. You may also notice that their skin is very hot to the touch, and there could also be spots or pimples on the rash too. Thankfully, because nappy rash is so common, plenty of treatments are readily available. Applying a layer of nappy cream at each nappy change is a great way to prevent any further nappy rash. Ultimately, prevention is always better that treatment, so make sure that you are changing wet nappies as soon as possible and that you are properly cleaning the area at every nappy change. Bath your baby daily and make sure that you aren't using any bubble baths or potentially irritating soaps. And when you do change your baby's nappy, make sure that it fits properly, and it is not too loose or too tight.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, or prickly heat, is a common type of rash that can occur in babies after they have been exposed to high temperatures. The rash is caused when the body sweats excessively, and the sweat glands get blocked. Once the glands are blocked, the sweat becomes trapped, leading to a rash developing a few days later. Unlike adults, babies cannot control their temperature that well, which can lead to them getting heat rash more often. Heat rash will present itself as small, raised spots and you may notice your baby trying to itch the area. There may also be some mild swelling, but heat rash is not contagious, so it isn't a huge concern.
If you do notice heat rash on your baby, then you should take them somewhere cool and do your best to keep their skin cool too. Make sure they are wearing lightweight or loose-fitting clothing and that they are getting plenty of fluids. At night, ensure they are kept cool with a fan and lightweight bedding (if they have any). When you notice prickly heat, you should apply a cold, damp cloth directly to the area, to soothe any irritation and cool down the skin. It may be difficult, but try your best to stop your baby from scratching the rash as it will likely worsen.
Chickenpox
The next rash we are going to discuss is chickenpox. Chickenpox is an extremely contagious rash that mainly affects younger children and babies. While some countries vaccinate for chickenpox, in the UK, every child is expected to contract the rash at some point, and this is what builds immunity. There has been some recent debate about whether children in the UK should be vaccinated against chickenpox, but as it stands currently, naturally built immunity is the way to go.
In terms of symptoms, chickenpox is presented as an itchy spotty rash that can occur anywhere on the body. The first stage of the rash is small red spots that can appear anywhere on the body. Depending on your baby's skin tone, the spots may appear the same colour as the surrounding skin. The next stage of chickenpox is the spots filling with fluid and becoming blisters. These blisters will be very itchy for your baby, and they can burst too. After the blister stage, scabs will start to form, and they can either be dry and flaky or they may also leak fluid. Your baby may also have a temperature and just generally feel unwell. As mentioned above, the vaccine is not currently given for chickenpox, so the best at-home treatment is to keep your baby hydrated, apply cooling gel, and give them paracetamol.
Measles
Measles is a very serious infection that can spread very easily. Contracting measles can cause serious health problems which is why it is so important to get it treated as soon as possible. The first signs of measles within children are cold-like symptoms which will leave your child feeling run down and ill. They will likely experience a very high temperature, a cough, blocked nose, and watery eyes. After the cold-like symptoms will come a rash as well as small white spots inside the cheeks and lips. The rash will spread to the whole body, but it will first start on the face and behind the ears. While the rash isn't usually itchy, the spots of the rash will appear raised and can sometimes form together to it looks like one big patch.
If you do think your child has measles, you must consult your doctor immediately or call 111 for some advice over the phone. The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine, but if your child hasn't had it yet, then you will need to seek immediate medical help. In the meantime, make sure your baby is kept hydrated and if they have a temperature, then give them some paracetamol to bring their fever down. As measles is so contagious, you will need to stay home from work in order to prevent spreading the infection. Coughing and sneezing can quickly spread the infection, so make sure you are thoroughly washing your hands with soap and hot water and that you use tissues when you cough or sneeze. Measles will usually start to get better after about a week, so it is important you do what you can to keep your child well and avoid spreading the infection.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.
