A detailed review of the causes of the formation of a red rash in children all over the body. The most common causes of a rash on the body of a child, on the arms, on the face, legs, back, neck, abdomen Rash in children all over the body

Newborn babies don't look like pink smiling babies in pictures. Red, wrinkled, they squeak, grunt, something constantly happens to them - hyperemia, a rash, the skin begins to peel off.

Basically, all these phenomena are functional, so the baby adapts to life: the endocrine system removes unnecessary hormones, local immunity is formed, so sometimes worry is unnecessary, but it is necessary to know the types of rashes and their origin in order not to miss a really dangerous signal.

There are several types of rash in children:

• A spot is a non-relief formation on the skin that differs in color - reddened or, conversely, white.
• Papule - nodular rash without cavities, can reach a size of 3 cm.
• A plaque is a thickening protruding above the skin.
• Vesicles and blisters are cavitary formations containing a clear liquid.
• Pustule - a cavity with purulent contents.
• A hemorrhagic rash appears as spots or dots of red color of various sizes, if the skin at the site of the spot is stretched or pressed against it, the spot will not disappear and will not change color.

Factors that cause a red rash on the body

All rashes on the body of a child can be divided into main groups:

1. Diseases of an infectious nature.

Scarlet fever, measles, chickenpox and others. The disease is usually accompanied by fever, the rash precedes the temperature or appears after the end of the acute period. The disease can be accompanied by cough, runny nose, poor health of the baby.

1. A rash is the body's reaction to an allergen.

With various allergic reactions, the rash is localized in different ways: on the arms and legs, on the back or abdomen. As a rule, itchy, rash appears in the form of spots, small blisters, with urticaria, they can increase and merge into one spot. The rash does not affect the child's well-being, however, the baby's capriciousness due to itching may be observed.

1. Diseases of the blood and blood vessels.

In case of diseases of the blood or blood vessels, a hemorrhagic rash forms on the body in the form of star-shaped spots, non-relief dots or bruises of different locations and colors. It most often appears on the legs.

1. Incorrect or insufficient hygiene, about which a rash can form.

If hygiene is insufficient or incorrect, the rash is localized in the elbows, under the knees, in the groin - where the natural folds of the child are present.

The main causes of a small rash in newborns

1. Toxic erythema.

A fairly common occurrence in newborns, manifested by 1-2 mm pustules, with white-yellow contents and a red border. The rash can cover the entire body of the baby, not affecting only the feet and hands, or be localized on the folds of the arms and legs, on the buttocks. The rash does not affect the general condition of the baby in any way, after some time it goes away on its own, however, with a very profuse rash, there may be an increase in temperature and an increase in lymph nodes. The disease does not require specific treatment, except symptomatic.

1. Acne of newborns.

The cause of acne in newborns is the activation of the baby's sebaceous glands. It manifests itself in the form of pustules, mainly on the face, less often on the head and neck.

Just like erythema, it refers to physiological conditions and does not require special treatment. The rash goes away on its own without leaving scars.

1. Prickly heat.

Prickly heat occurs as a response of the child's skin to non-compliance with the temperature regime. If the baby is too warmly dressed, sweat does not have time to completely evaporate, irritation appears. It is usually localized in the places where the arms and legs are bent, on the back, on the back of the head in the form of white or translucent blisters no larger than 1 mm in size. Prickly heat quickly disappears when the cause of overheating is eliminated and good hygiene is observed: there is no need to wrap up the child, clothes should be made from natural fabrics so as not to impede sweating, after bathing, do not rush to immediately dress the baby - air baths are very useful for children.

1. Diaper dermatitis.

The name itself speaks of the source of the disease - an untimely change of diapers; even more dangerous, when the diaper is saturated with a mixture of urine and feces of the child, especially caustic substances are formed in this environment that irritate the baby's skin. Scuffs and redness form in the groin area and on the buttocks.

In the absence of proper hygiene, a severe form of dermatitis can develop - blisters, weeping erosions.

Proper care and hygiene will not only eliminate the symptoms of the disease, but also prevent its recurrence.

Disposable diapers are a good way to prevent diaper dermatitis, because, by absorbing and absorbing urine, they do not allow it to combine with feces. Diapers should be selected strictly according to the weight of the child and changed every 3-5 hours.

Diseases caused by infection, and accompanied by red spots on the arms, legs, back and abdomen

1. Measles.

• It can take up to 4 weeks between exposure to the virus and the first manifestations of the disease.
• The possibility of infection increases in the last five days of the latent period.
• The onset of the disease is characterized by high fever, cough and runny nose, loose stools, weight loss in infants for about four days.
• On the inner surface of the cheeks, small white spots appear, similar to semolina, it is for them that measles is diagnosed. At the peak of these manifestations, the rash, starting from the head, moves to the upper body, arms and legs. Approximately on the 4th day the child is covered with a rash. Against the background of an increase in rashes, the signs of a cold disappear, the child becomes mobile.
• A measles rash leaves spots that first peel off, then disappear completely.
• There is no special treatment for measles, only symptomatic, to alleviate the child's condition - antipyretic drugs, cough and cold remedies, and plenty of fluids.
• After the baby has been ill with measles, he acquires lifelong immunity.
• Measles is a highly contagious disease, the most effective prevention is vaccination.

1. Rubella

1. Scarlet fever.

• A sharp rise in temperature to 39 °, an increase in lymph nodes, the baby becomes lethargic.
• Sore throat develops rapidly, it is difficult for the child to swallow, the tongue is covered with a whitish coating, a bright red inflamed larynx, on about the fourth day the tongue is cleared, also becoming red.
• On the 1-2 day of illness, a rash appears - spot rashes on reddened skin, especially a lot of rash in the groin, armpits and elbows. A striking sign of scarlet fever is a pale nasolabial triangle surrounded by bright red cheek skin.
• The rash disappears on the third, fourth day, however, the sore throat will have to be treated for a few more days.
• Scarlet fever is treated with drugs of the penicillin group, antihistamines, heavy drinking, and bed rest are also prescribed.
• Scarlet fever forms immunity in a person who has been ill, there are no vaccinations against it, since it is not caused by viruses, but by group A streptococcus.

1. Infectious mononucleosis.

• Mononucleosis can be contracted through contact with a sick person.
• The latent period of the disease lasts from 5 to 15 days, the disease itself is 7-10 days.
• There is an increase in temperature, muscle aches, the child can sweat a lot, all the lymph nodes are enlarged, nasal breathing is difficult, but there is no discharge, the tonsils are enlarged, covered with a white or yellow coating, the liver and spleen are also enlarged, the urine is dark.
• A small pink rash appears on the arms, back, and abdomen, which does not itch and disappears after a few days. Mononucleosis can be distinguished from SARS by a blood test - the content of mononuclear cells in the blood will be increased.
• Mononucleosis is a viral disease, its treatment is non-specific - antipyretics and antihistamines are prescribed, choleretic and hepatoprotective drugs are prescribed to restore the liver, and immunomodulators are used to strengthen immunity. Within a year after the disease, the child's condition is constantly monitored.
• There is no vaccination for infectious mononucleosis.

1. Infectious erythema

1. Sudden exanthema

• It is characterized by high fever and a skin rash, most often children from 9 months to 1 year old get sick, infants under 5 months get sick less often.
• The latent period is considered to be from 5 to 15 days from the moment of infection.
• The disease begins suddenly, with a high temperature, there are no catarrhal phenomena, if they occur, it is rare, the child is weakened, he has no appetite, there is nausea. Sometimes, against the background of high temperature, convulsions occur, but they pass on their own.
• The fever subsides on the 3rd day, at the same time the child develops a rash that quickly spreads from the back and abdomen to the rest of the body (chest, face, legs and arms).
• The rash is pink, dotted or in the form of small spots, does not merge and does not itch, is not contagious.
  During the period of rash, the child's well-being improves, for 2-4 days the rash completely disappears.
• Exanthema is also called a three-day fever for a quick period of development, it mainly occurs during teething, and the high temperature is associated with this, without having time to diagnose the underlying disease.
• Treatment of the disease is also symptomatic - taking antipyretic and antihistamine drugs.
• Sudden exanthema causes persistent immunity, vaccination is not carried out.

1. Chicken pox or chickenpox.

1. Meningococcal sepsis.

• Sepsis begins rapidly - high fever up to 40 °, there is anxiety, vomiting, loose stools, convulsions may occur. The occipital muscles are painful, the child throws his head back, draws his legs.
• Some time after these symptoms, a characteristic rash appears on the skin - stellate, it does not turn pale when pressed - a hallmark of a hemorrhagic rash.
• Hemorrhages in the adrenal glands may occur, appearing on the skin as bluish, cadaver-like spots. If urgent measures are not taken, the child may die on the first day.
• Treatment of sepsis qualifies as an emergency, is carried out:
• antibiotic therapy (penicillin);
• anticonvulsant therapy;
• the introduction of saline solutions;
• cardiovascular agents;
• treatment that relieves other syndromes.
• Treatment is carried out only inpatient.

If there are small children or employees of children's institutions in the family of the sick person, vaccination is mandatory. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of preventing meningococcal sepsis.

1. Impetigo.

Types of rashes that are not infectious in nature

1. Atopic dermatitis.

A genetic disease is the most common skin lesion, has the character of a chronic disease, is accompanied by periods of exacerbation and remission, usually begins in connection with the transition to formula or after the introduction of complementary foods in the first six months of a child's life.

The rash is localized on the cheeks, the frontal zone, it can gradually appear under the knees, on the shoulders, the skin of the buttocks is affected - this is the infantile phase, after 18 months of age the disease passes into the childhood phase and is characterized by red spots that can form solid foci, mainly in the elbows. and popliteal folds, on the sides of the cheeks, on the hands.

The spots are very itchy, the child scratches them, so they can be covered with crusts. By adolescence, subject to diet and proper therapy, dermatitis passes into the adult form in about 30% of children, in the rest it disappears completely.

Diet is the main element of treatment, as well as antipruritic and decongestant therapy with antihistamines.

1. Rash with allergies.

Allergy manifestations are diverse: tearfulness, sneezing, rashes. Urticaria, contact dermatitis - varieties of allergic reactions, which are characterized by rashes on the body.

In direct contact with the allergen - it can be ointments, creams, some woolen products - allergic contact dermatitis may occur.

The rash looks like blisters filled with fluid, the skin around is swollen and reddened.

Urticaria - a reaction to the ingestion of a product containing an allergen, the rash manifests itself in the form of relief, severely itchy spots that can merge into one, increasing the surface of irritation.

How to treat allergies?

• First of all, identify and eliminate the provoking factor;
• antihistamines will relieve swelling and itching;
• to remove the remnants of the allergen from the body, they take drugs that remove toxins - activated charcoal;
• stains can be lubricated with antihistamine ointments.

Insect bites

At the site of an insect bite, an itchy blister appears, the skin around it is reddened and slightly swollen.

It is necessary to apply cold to the bite site and lubricate it with antihistamine ointment, try to prevent scratching so that the child does not bring an additional infection, watch the baby so as not to miss an acute reaction to the bite - in case of difficulty breathing, fever, call a doctor.

mosquitoes

1. Red blister.
2. It may develop into a papule and not go away for several days.
3. Less redness with swelling.

Wasps, bees

1. Sudden pain, redness, swelling
2. A sting may remain at the site of the bite.
3. Rarely urticaria and Quincke's edema.

Scabies mites

1. Violent nocturnal itching.
2. Pronounced moves, papules
3. Located between the fingers, in the groin, in the elbow and knee folds.

bedbugs

1. The number of bites increases after the night.
2. Itchy papules in the form of a path.

Rash emergencies. First aid

If a rash on the body is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should immediately call a doctor:

• a sharp increase in body temperature;
• with hemorrhagic stellate rash;
• the child has difficulty breathing;
• the rash covers the whole body and causes severe itching;
• begins vomiting, loss of consciousness.

Carry out the following manipulations:

• lay the child on the floor, raising his legs;
• in case of loss of consciousness, lay on its side;
• do not feed or water the child.

Antihistamines approved in pediatrics

What is strictly prohibited when a rash appears in a child?

• squeeze or open blisters, pustules;
• allow the child to comb the blisters;
• before examination by a pediatrician, lubricate the rash with something.

A rash in young children can be caused by a variety of reasons, from a minor irritation to a serious illness. Of course, it is necessary to distinguish between types of rashes, to know the symptoms of diseases that cause a rash, but it is unacceptable to self-medicate, ignoring the examination of a sick child by a pediatrician.

Update: October 2018

Any mother, seeing suspicious rashes on her baby's skin, begins to look for their cause. Some almost always urgently call a doctor, having previously fed the child with unnecessary medicines. Other parents try to ignore the rash, especially if the child feels well. But both of them are wrong. You just need to navigate the main types of rashes in order to make the right decision.

What a rash might look like - basic elements

• - a limited area of ​​​​skin of a changed color (red, white and others). It does not protrude above the skin, it cannot be felt.
• - tubercle up to 0.5 cm in diameter, without a cavity inside. The element protrudes above the skin, it can be felt.
• - a formation with a large area, raised above the skin and having a flattened shape. Large plaques with clear skin patterns are called lichenification.
• Vesicles and blisters- formations with liquid inside. They differ in size (a vesicle larger than 0.5 cm is called a bubble)
• - limited cavity with pus inside

Diseases accompanied by a rash

Rash in newborns

Eruptions of toxic erythema affect half of all full-term newborns. The main elements are white-yellow papules or pustules with a diameter of 1-2 mm, surrounded by a red rim. In some cases, only red spots appear, from a few pieces to an almost complete skin lesion (except for the palms and feet). The maximum rash appears on the 2nd day of life, then the rash gradually disappears. The exact causes of toxic erythema are unknown, the rash resolves on its own.

A condition that affects 20% of all babies by the age of three weeks. On the face, less often on the scalp and neck, a rash appears in the form of inflamed papules and pustules. The cause of the rash is the activation of the sebaceous glands by maternal hormones. Most often, newborn acne does not require treatment, careful hygiene and moisturizing with emollients are necessary. Unlike juvenile acne, newborn acne does not leave spots and scars behind, and disappears up to 6 months.

Frequent rash in newborns, especially in the warm season (see). It is associated with a difficult exit of the contents of the sweat glands and increased moisture of the skin during bandaging. A typical place of appearance is the head, face and areas of diaper rash. Bubbles, spots, and pustules rarely become inflamed, cause no discomfort, and resolve with good care.

A synonym for this disease is atopic eczema or. Every 10th child suffers from this disease, but not everyone develops a typical triad of symptoms. The triad includes allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and eczema itself.

The first signs of the disease appear in the first year of life and more often the rash appears on the face, cheeks, extensor surfaces of the arms and legs. The child is worried about unbearable itching, aggravated at night and with temperature, chemical effects on the skin. In the acute stage, the rash looks like red papules with scratching and liquid discharge.

In the subacute period, it is characteristic, sometimes its thickening. This is due to the constant combing of the affected areas.

Most children recover from this disease without consequences.
Only with a hereditary predisposition can the disease become chronic with the addition of asthma and allergic rhinitis (see).

allergic rash

With individual intolerance to drugs and foods, a child may develop allergic rashes. They have a different shape and size, the rash can be located throughout the body, on the arms, legs, back, stomach. The main distinguishing feature of an allergic rash is its intensification under the action of an allergen and disappearance after the abolition of the latter. Usually severe itching is the only unpleasant effect of such rashes.

• Quincke's edema - in rare cases, a severe reaction of the body to an allergen may occur, most often occurs on drugs or products (see more details). In this case, the rash lasts for quite a long time, and edema forms on the body up to the inability to breathe due to the overlap of the larynx. With a family predisposition to allergies, it is necessary to exclude intolerable foods and medicines.
• Urticaria - can also occur on food, medicines and under the influence of temperature factors (,), sometimes the cause of urticaria is not found (see more details).

Very often, insect bite marks horrify parents and force them to look for infectious causes of such rashes. When any skin rashes appear, you need to analyze where and how long the child spent time. Perhaps the weekend in the village with my grandmother was accompanied by a trip to the forest and a massive attack of midges, so most often bite marks appear on open areas of the skin - in the form of a rash on the arms, legs, face, and neck.

Typical bite marks are caused by the following processes:

• response to toxins
• mechanical injury to the skin
• infection in the wound when combing
• sometimes - infectious diseases transmitted through bites

Bite symptoms:

A rash in a child that requires immediate medical attention

• Accompanied by a fever above 40 degrees
• Covers the entire body, causing unbearable itching
• Associated with vomiting, headache and confusion
• Has the appearance of stellate hemorrhages
• Accompanied by swelling and difficulty breathing

What not to do with a rash in a child

• Squeeze pustules
• burst bubbles
• Allow rashes to comb
• Lubricate with preparations with a bright color (so as not to complicate the diagnosis)

A rash on the body of a child is an important symptom of many diseases. Some of them do not even require treatment and pass on their own, and some threaten the health and life of a small person. Therefore, in case of any suspicious symptoms, you should consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Rash caused by infection

The most common cause of a rash on a child's body is a viral or bacterial infection. In turn, among them there are 6 main diseases.

The disease is caused by parvovirus B19, which is common throughout the world. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, contact transmission is possible in close children's groups. Symptoms of infectious erythema:

The rash forms on the extensor surfaces, the hands and feet are usually not affected. The fading of the spots occurs gradually, within 1-3 weeks. The rash is usually an immune post-infection complication, so children with erythema patches are not contagious and isolation is not required.

The herpes virus type 6 causes a typical childhood illness - sudden exanthema (roseola). The peak incidence occurs between the ages of 10 months and 2 years, and it is rarely possible to identify contacts with sick children. Transmission usually occurs from adults, by airborne droplets. Symptoms:

Roseola is a very specific disease, but it often goes unrecognized by pediatricians. Since teeth are actively cut at the age of 1 year, fever is attributed to this condition. It must be remembered that from teething there is never a temperature above 38 degrees. In this heat, there is always another reason!

Chicken pox

Chicken pox (chickenpox) is a primary infection with the varicella zoster virus, similar in structure to the herpes simplex virus. Most children become infected before the age of 15. Transmission of the disease occurs through the air or contact (the virus is present in the discharge from the rash). Symptoms:

The varicella-zoster virus in the majority of children who have been ill passes into a latent form, firmly gaining a foothold in nerve cells. Subsequently, a second wave of the disease may occur in the form (Fig. 2.), when bubbles form along the nerve trunk, more often on the lower back.

Complications of the disease are rare, mainly in debilitated children with primary immunodeficiency and AIDS. With congenital chickenpox, there is a possibility of disability and death of the newborn. In 2015, in Russia, the varicella vaccine should be included in the national vaccination schedule.

Meningococcal infection

Meningococcus is a bacterium that normally occurs in the nasopharynx in 5-10% of people without causing serious problems. But under certain conditions, this microbe can cause life-threatening conditions, especially in young children. Meningococcus is transmitted by air, settling in the nasal cavity. With viral infections or a decrease in the quality of life, carriage can turn into active disease. If meningococci are detected in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid, urgent antibiotic treatment is necessary in an intensive care unit.

After entering the blood, the bacterium can cause:

• sepsis (blood poisoning)
• meningitis
• combination of these conditions

Sepsis - the disease begins with an increase in temperature to 41 degrees, indomitable vomiting. During the first day, against the background of pale gray skin, a characteristic petechial rash appears (small bruises that grow and become star-shaped).

Eruptions are located on the limbs, trunk, may rise above the skin, often ulcerate and form scars. At the same time, purulent foci may appear in organs (heart, pericardium, pleural cavity). In young children, sepsis is often fulminant, leading to shock and death.

Meningitis is a more common manifestation of infection. Patients complain of photophobia, headache, impaired consciousness, tension of the occipital muscles. With isolated meningitis, there is no characteristic rash.

Measles

- a previously common viral disease that now occurs in short outbreaks in some regions. In recent years, the virus has reared its head again due to massive anti-vaccine agitation. Most people are highly susceptible to the measles virus, so if one child falls ill in the children's team, then 90% of the remaining unvaccinated children are at risk of becoming infected.

The disease proceeds in three stages:

• Incubation (hidden), which lasts 10-12 days. By the 9th day, a sick child is contagious.
• Prodromal (general malaise), lasting 3-5 days. It starts acutely, proceeds with fever, dry cough, runny nose, redness of the eyes. Filatov-Koplik spots appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks on the 2nd day: whitish-gray dots with a red rim, disappearing within 12-18 hours.
• Eruption period. In parallel with an increase in temperature to 40 degrees, maculopapular points appear behind the ears and along the hairline. During the day, the rash covers the face, descends to the upper chest. After 2-3 days, it reaches the feet, and turns pale on the face. Such a staging of rashes (1 day - face, 2 day - torso, 3 day - limbs) is typical for measles. All this is accompanied by mild itching, sometimes small bruises appear at the site of the rash. After the spots disappear, peeling and a brownish mark may remain, which disappears within 7-10 days.

Complications (usually occur in unvaccinated children):

• otitis media
• pneumonia
• encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Diagnosis is usually based on characteristic symptoms, sometimes blood is taken to determine immunoglobulins. Treatment directly against the virus has not been developed, so you just need to alleviate the child's condition with antipyretics. There is evidence that vitamin A supplementation in children with measles significantly mitigates the course of the infection. Vaccination of children can reduce the incidence of the disease and the risk of severe complications. It must be remembered that on the 6-10th day after the introduction of the vaccine, mild signs of the disease may appear (low temperature, a small rash on the child's body), which pass quickly and do not pose a health hazard.

Rubella

Acute viral infection, which affects mainly 5-15 years. Rubella symptoms:

• The latent period is from 2 to 3 weeks. There are no symptoms at this stage, but the child may already be contagious.
• prodromal period. There is a slight malaise, a low rise in temperature, very often this stage goes unnoticed. The occipital and posterior cervical lymph nodes are markedly enlarged.
• Eruption period. A pale pink rash appears on the face, spreads downward quickly, and disappears just as quickly, usually after 3 days. May be accompanied by mild itching. Peeling usually does not remain.

Often, rubella occurs without a rash at all, so it is difficult to distinguish it from other infections. The virus is dangerous mainly for expectant mothers. When infected before the 11th week of pregnancy, most children have congenital malformations. After 16 weeks, the risk of anomalies is low, but there is a possibility of congenital rubella with damage to the brain, skin, eyes. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, all women need to know the level of rubella antibodies in order to vaccinate in their absence.

Scarlet fever

- a disease caused by group A streptococci. This means that the source of infection is not only patients or carriers of scarlet fever, but also people with any pathology caused by these bacteria (tonsillitis, for example). Scarlet fever is transmitted by airborne droplets. Symptoms:

• The hidden period is 2-7 days.
• The prodromal period begins with a rise in temperature, malaise.
• Already on the 1-2 day of the disease, a rash appears that does not affect the nasolabial triangle. The appearance of a child with scarlet fever is characteristic: shining eyes, flaming cheeks, a pale nasolabial triangle. On the body, the rash is more intense in the folds. After 3-7 days, all rashes disappear, leaving peeling behind. Another feature of the disease is the "crimson" tongue - bright, with pronounced papillae.

Infectious mononucleosis

The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes, belongs to a large group of herpes viruses. The disease often affects children and young people, often without a rash or other characteristic symptoms. The degree of contagiousness of patients with mononucleosis is low, so there are no outbreaks in children's groups. Symptoms:

• The main symptom of the disease is an increase in the lymph nodes, especially the posterior cervical ones, while the liver and spleen also increase.
• From the 3rd day of illness, tonsillitis with a white coating on the tonsils, a rise in temperature is possible.
• On the 5th-6th day, a rash occurs infrequently, different in shape and size, disappearing without a trace. If a patient with mononucleosis was prescribed ampicillin, then the likelihood of a rash increases.
• A characteristic feature will appear in the blood test: atypical mononuclear cells, in addition, antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus can be detected.

Differential diagnosis of a rash of infectious origin

A rash on the body of a child has internal causes and is one of the first signs of the disease. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause and prescribe adequate treatment. However, parents need to know the main types of rashes and be able to determine their nature in order to provide the child with first aid and provide the doctor with the necessary information for a quick correct diagnosis.

What does it look like

The appearance on the skin of pathological elements of different shapes, colors, sizes and textures is called a rash. Often it is accompanied by other symptoms, which can determine the disease that caused the rash. Among the causes of rashes: violations of the internal organs, infections and allergies. The rash is often accompanied by itching and fever. Among the secondary elements that accompany rashes are crusts, peeling, scars, cracks, ulcers and erosion, increased skin pattern, pigmentation disorders, and skin atrophy.

1. Infections

If the cause of the rash is an infection, viral or bacterial, the child has a fever, chills, a sore throat, a runny nose and a cough. Possible diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain. The rash appears immediately or for 2-3 days.

In the case of a viral infection, the child's condition is relieved by antipyretics and soothing external ointments and creams. For a bacterial rash, antibiotics are prescribed. The main symptoms of infectious diseases accompanied by a rash are presented in Table 1.

Table 1.

2. Allergy

An allergic rash can be caused by food (chocolate, milk, eggs, citrus fruits, etc.), household chemicals, medicines, animal hair, even after touching a nettle or jellyfish, or after a mosquito bite. Eruptions all over the body are clearly visible and embossed. Accompanied by a runny nose, lacrimation and severe itching. Contact with the source of its appearance should be excluded, and antihistamines and other drugs prescribed by the doctor should be taken. Allergic rashes differ from infectious rashes in their rapid manifestation and good general well-being of the child.

Quincke's edema. It can occur as a severe reaction of the body to an allergen, most often to drugs or foods, but can also be caused by insect bites, contact with a jellyfish or nettle. The rash lasts for a long time, accompanied by swelling, if they spread to the area of ​​​​the upper respiratory tract and tongue - the risk of overlapping of the larynx and suffocation increases sharply.

Hives. It occurs as a reaction to foods, drugs, other allergens and under the influence of temperature factors (cold, sun), in some cases it is a secondary sign of hormonal disruptions and pathologies of the internal organs. Large, spreading, pink, intensely itchy blisters appear on the skin.

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema, neurodermatitis). This is an inflammation of the skin caused by the immediate (within the first four hours) reaction of the body to an allergen. It is chronic, does not heal completely and requires daily attention throughout life. May be accompanied by allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and eczema itself. The disease appears in the first year with an itchy rash on the face, cheeks, inner surfaces of the folds of the arms and legs. In the period of exacerbation, the rash looks like red vesicles-papules with scratching and liquid discharge. Bursting bubbles are covered with crusts. Over the years, the symptoms mutate, skin rashes change appearance and location. The skin becomes dry and rough, lesions occur in the popliteal and ulnar fossae, on the chest, on the face and neck. The occurrence of eczema is provoked by nervous diseases, pathologies of internal organs, disorders of the endocrine system.

3. Rash in newborns

Rashes on the body of newborns are caused by:

• an excess dose of allergen products received with mother's milk (toxic erythema of newborns is most often caused by dried apricots, walnuts);
• inept care (diaper rash, diaper dermatitis, prickly heat are caused by excessive wrapping, rare washing, lack of air baths).

• Toxic erythema looks like small white-yellow seals surrounded by a red rim. Often only red spots appear.
• acne in newborns occurs on the face, scalp and neck. A rash in the form of inflamed seals causes the activation of the sebaceous glands by maternal hormones. Careful hygiene and moisturizing with emollients is required.
• Prickly heat due to increased skin moisture and disruption of the sweat glands with excessive wrapping. Small bubbles and spots rarely become inflamed, do not disturb the patient and quickly pass with good care.
• Vesiculopustulosis(inflammation of the mouth of the sweat glands caused by pathogenic staphylococcus aureus) is characterized by pustular small vesicles of white or yellowish color on the body, neck, legs, arms, and head. Crusts form in place of the burst bubbles. In order to prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body, careful treatment of the identified foci with solutions of potassium permanganate or brilliant green, and alcohol is necessary - skin areas between the pustules. Bathing the baby is not allowed.

Bite marks are formed due to mechanical damage to the skin and toxins and infections that have got into them. The reaction of the body to insect bites from a rash of infectious diseases can be distinguished by localization and the absence of other symptoms. Immediately after the bite, the damaged area of ​​​​the skin turns red, swells, itching, urticaria, anaphylaxis and acute vascular insufficiency in allergic people may occur.

• Bed bug bites appear as linear, itchy lumps and vesicles that appear at night. In the center of the rash is a tiny bruise. Drops of blood can be found on bed linen.
• Flea bites similar to bedbug bites, but randomly located on the skin.
• Bees, bumblebees, wasps and hornets in the back of the body they have a sting connected to a sac containing poison. This sting often remains at the site of the bite and must be carefully removed.
• mosquitoes leave bites in the form of itchy blisters, which then develop into a reddish lump that lasts from several hours to several days. Sometimes the bite site swells. With a tendency to allergies, urticaria and Quincke's edema are possible.
• Scabies mites make microscopic passages in thin skin (between the fingers, on the wrists, on the abdomen, etc.). The rash looks like red dots, often arranged in pairs, 2-3 mm apart, and is accompanied by intense itching. Scabies is contagious. It is transmitted by contact, including through common things, and requires treatment by a dermatologist.

5. Hemorrhagic rash

A rash in diseases of the blood and blood vessels (amyloidosis, thrombocytopenic purpura, Wegener's granulomatosis, vasculitis, skin hemosiderosis, etc.) occurs as a result of hemorrhages in the skin and requires examination by a hematologist. Depending on the disease, it can be in the form of small dots or large bruises of various shapes and shades (from blue to brown and dirty gray). If a hemorrhagic rash is detected, an urgent need to call a doctor, and before making a diagnosis, limit the patient's mobility. Among the causes of hemorrhagic rash are anthrax, meningococcemia, pseudotuberculosis, typhoid fever, intestinal yersiniosis. The rash may be accompanied by itching and soreness of the skin, fever, swollen lymph nodes.

What to do

When rashes appear on the skin, it is necessary to analyze

• where and how long was the child;
• what did he eat, what did he do;
• with whom or what he was in contact with.

The child must be shown to the doctor, the doctor is called to the house in the usual manner. Before visiting a doctor, you should:

1. Isolate the baby from other children (to exclude the spread of a possible infection), and, if possible, limit his mobility.
2. You can not scratch itchy areas, so as not to expand the affected area (for example, with scabies).
3. It is impossible to treat the rash by any means, so as not to distort the clinical picture for making a diagnosis.

IMPORTANT! An ambulance is called if a meningococcal infection is suspected. And also if the rash is accompanied by a temperature above 40 degrees, confusion, vomiting, headache, swelling and difficulty breathing, or has the appearance of stellate hemorrhages throughout the body and causes unbearable itching.

Prevention

The simplest and most effective way to prevent infectious diseases (and their serious complications) in children is vaccination under the supervision of a pediatrician, according to the national vaccination schedule. Most modern vaccines are lightweight: they eliminate components that can cause unwanted reactions. And also have the ability to combine into one.

In children, the immune system has not yet been fully formed, therefore, in order not to provoke allergic manifestations, new foods should be introduced into the child's diet gradually, in small portions, checking how he tolerates them.

With any pathological change in the skin, you need to carefully examine the child, analyze what he ate, what he did, when and with whom he contacted, calm the baby, provide him with peace and, if necessary, call a doctor.

Rash is a common childhood problem

Skin rashes in children are not uncommon. Redness, lumps and other reactions can be associated with a variety of reasons, and only a doctor should make a diagnosis. Sometimes a child's rash can be removed by the simplest means, while in other cases, hospital treatment may be required.

Types of rash in children and their causes

A rash is any pathological changes on the skin, the color, relief and density of which differ in any way from normal skin:

• spots - flat areas without swelling are red, pink or whitish;
• blisters - convex, dense or with a cavity inside;
• pustules - abscesses;
• papules - small seals without cavities.

Rashes can be local, sometimes the rash spreads throughout the body with or without fever. They are called:

• allergies to food, contact products and household chemicals;
• infectious diseases of bacteriological and viral nature;
• insect bites and other damage to the skin.

Allergies and insect bites are only part of the causes of rashes

Basic rules of action for the appearance of rashes

1. If a rash appears in a child, you should immediately consult a doctor;

2. It is not recommended to use any medications on your own, without a prescription - self-medication can worsen the child's condition;

3. If a hemorrhagic rash is detected (local hemorrhages that do not go away when pressed with a finger), an ambulance should be urgently called - this is how meningitis can manifest itself.

Skin rashes in a child: common types

Prickly heat

Miliaria occurs in young children in hot weather, when the room temperature is too high, or when the child is too tightly dressed. The rashes look like small reddish or transparent vesicles, concentrated in skin folds or localized in the form of a "necklace" - around the neck, on the shoulders, chest and partially on the chin. By themselves, they are not dangerous, but they can be disturbing. With prickly heat, the rash, as a rule, itches, and when scratched, it starts to hurt.

To cope with such irritation, you need to make sure that the child does not sweat because he is hot - the air around him should be moderately cool, clothes should not rub the skin in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe rash. After consulting with a doctor and excluding other diseases, you can proceed to the second step - delicate drying of the rash. Pharmacy tincture of calendula, diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 1, is best suited for this. The solution is applied with light lotions, without friction. It is absolutely impossible to use creams, panthenol or oils for prickly heat - this will worsen the condition of the child's skin.

Rash with prickly heat in a child - photo

Allergy

The skin of a child prone to allergies can react to an irritant in different ways:

• dermatitis - contact dermatitis manifests itself in the form of itching, burning, due to which the baby combs the skin to blood, atopic is characterized by coarsening and crusting in the folds and on the cheeks;
• diathesis - red scaly rashes, often accompanied by crying, irritability and sleep disturbances;
• eczema - relief foci on the face and neck, hands and ankles, which are crusted, cracked and itchy.
• urticaria - red or orange convex swollen spots of various shapes and severity, whitish liquid can accumulate inside large ones.

Important: if you notice urticaria in a child, the foci increase, lips, eyelids and fingers swell, Quincke's edema, dangerous to health, may develop. If such changes are detected, you should immediately call an ambulance. If the child is allergic, parents should always carry effective antihistamines with them.

Photo: what does a rash look like with urticaria?

Therapy for allergies should be comprehensive - the doctor prescribes remedies that will quickly relieve local symptoms, support immunity and protect against unpleasant complications.

Bite reaction

An insect bite - wasps, bees, midges, mosquitoes - often turns out to be painful, and after mechanical damage, the skin in the affected area may turn red, swell and hurt. This is how reactions to a bite, for example, of a mosquito, manifest themselves. Cold compresses or antihistamine lotions, for example, with Fenistil baby gel, help to cope with these symptoms. After a midge bite, the skin becomes covered with a diffuse rash. The most dangerous stings are from bees, wasps, hornets and other arrow-bellied insects. The bite is very painful, and the insect's venom can cause the most severe reactions, including swelling of the airways. If a child is bitten by a bee or wasp, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the baby for several hours. If the baby becomes lethargic, his face swells and his hands are weak, immediate medical attention is needed.

Diseases in which a rash appears on the body of a child

Skin reactions often accompany acute childhood illnesses, the rash can be both the main symptom and part of mixed signs. That is why when a rash appears, it is necessary to visit the clinic as soon as possible or call a doctor at home.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox refers to acute viral diseases that are transmitted by airborne droplets and are accompanied by clear symptoms. Infection is primarily signaled by a rash - the vesicles spread throughout the body, become covered with a crust and, as they heal, itch strongly. Such rashes do not require specific treatment, they go away within a few days, subject to the recommendations of the pediatrician. Chickenpox rash can spread without fever. As soon as new bubbles stop appearing, we can say that the disease has subsided. That is why the foci with chickenpox are “marked” with brilliant green - so that new bubbles can be seen immediately.

Chickenpox in a child is accompanied by a rash

Rubella

In the case of rubella, a common childhood illness, the child's red dotted rash spreads all over the body, starting on the face and neck. It is preceded by an acute phase with symptoms characteristic of acute respiratory infections - a temperature of 37-38 degrees, cough and sore throat. The temperature can, on the recommendation of a doctor, be removed with antipyretics. Red dots in the foci of rashes begin to disappear approximately on the fourth day after the appearance. After another 2-3 days, the child ceases to be contagious to the surrounding adults and other children.

Measles

The symptoms of measles are similar to rubella in many ways. The child begins to complain of weakness, cough, sometimes runny nose, body temperature can rise significantly. The rash appears on the child's face and spreads to the body. It can be pale and scanty, or, conversely, more pronounced. On the second day, the intensity of the color of the rashes decreases. Within 5 days, the exacerbation ends, the foci of the rash begin to peel off and completely disappear in the following days without any local effect.

With measles, the rash in a child is red

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever in young children presents with a high fever, severe sore throat, and a characteristic rash that is pitted, bright pink, or red, concentrated in folds and folds, such as the groin, inside the elbows, and under the knees. When localized on the face, the rash covers the cheeks and forehead, the nasolabial triangle usually remains unaffected. Since scarlet fever has many complications of varying severity, its treatment and symptom control should only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Scabies

Scabies is highly contagious

Roseola

Roseola is a disease that affects most children between the ages of six months and two years. It has symptoms that are almost identical to SARS - it is an acute temperature that is resistant to antipyretics. Approximately on the 4th day, the temperature drops critically quickly, and it is replaced by a rash on the child's body - slightly convex, small-spotted rashes appear first on the stomach, and then on other parts of the body. Their formation indicates the completion of the acute phase of roseola, while the rash itself disappears after 3-4 days without residual peeling and pigmentation.

Herpes

With herpes, a child develops a blister on the lips, which is often called a "cold". The blister may be large, red, double, filled with fluid. The bubble bursts within a few days, its walls dry out and fall off. As it heals, it may itch, it is important that the child does not scratch the lips and does not tear off the crusts so as not to bring dirt. Children over 2 years old can use effective remedies like Zovirax or Acyclovir, which speed up healing and relieve skin discomfort.

With herpes, a rash appears on the lips

Meningitis

Meningitis is one of the most dangerous childhood diseases: there are different ways of infection, and the disease itself develops rapidly. It begins with weakness, runny nose, sore throat, which are later joined by acute headaches, muscle stiffness and the so-called Kernig symptom (the child cannot straighten the leg bent at the knee at the hip joint). Another symptom of meningitis is an exanthema rash, hemorrhagic (i.e. with subcutaneous hemorrhage) with a focus of necrosis in the center. If you find such signs, you should urgently call a doctor or an ambulance.

A red rash in a child is an alarming sign that manifests itself in a variety of diseases. Skin rashes can be accompanied by a variety of symptoms, including itching and fever. But what if a rash on the body occurs without any additional manifestations? Where to look for the cause of this condition?

Possible causes of skin rash

Any rash on the skin in children is a clear manifestation of problems in the body. A rash does not occur on its own, it always signals the start of some pathological process.

Rashes can be caused by one of the following conditions:

• infectious diseases;
• allergic reactions;
• autoimmune processes;
• pathology of the blood coagulation system;
• inflammatory processes in the skin or beyond.

Infectious and various inflammatory diseases in children are usually accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Fever, chills, general weakness and other signs of intoxication are typical symptoms of an infectious process. In this case, skin rashes appear simultaneously with fever or occur several days after the onset of the disease.

With the development of an allergic reaction, on the contrary, body temperature may remain within the normal range. Rashes on the skin occur against the background of relatively good health and are always accompanied by quite severe itching. Itching is a typical companion of allergies of any origin. The severity of skin itching can be different, from very weak to very intense. Scratching the skin in children also testifies in favor of itching.

Infections and allergies are the most common causes of skin rashes in children of all ages. But what if the baby is covered with a rash that does not itch and does not disturb the general condition? The child does not experience much discomfort, body temperature remains normal. What does the appearance of such a symptom indicate?

Autoimmune diseases

Rashes on the skin in children without fever and itching are found in systemic diseases of the connective tissue. With this pathology, aggressive antibodies are produced in the child's body that work against their own cells. The disease can capture various organs and tissues, including the skin.

The exact causes of autoimmune pathology are not known. It is assumed that a hereditary factor may play a role in the development of the disease. The influence of various negative factors acting in utero is being studied. The role of poor ecology and the use of drugs in the formation of autoimmune diseases is not ruled out.

There are many systemic connective tissue diseases, and it is not possible to list them all. Most often, doctors and parents have to deal with the following conditions.

• scleroderma

With this pathology, plaques or elongated spots appear on the skin of the child, scattered throughout the body. Plaques can be of various sizes. A significant thickening of the skin at the site of the lesion is very characteristic. Most often, rashes are located on the skin of the face and extremities. There is no itch. Over time, areas of skin atrophy may form at the site of pathological foci. There is no increase in body temperature.

Contact your pediatrician if you have any suspicious skin rashes.

• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Rashes are localized on the face in the form of butterfly wings, as well as throughout the body. The predominant location of the foci is open areas of the skin. Rashes differ in pronounced polymorphism. It can be a small red rash, huge plaques or painful blisters. Very characteristic simultaneous damage to blood vessels, large joints, heart and kidneys.

• Systemic vasculitis

Vasculitis is a group of heterogeneous diseases associated with damage to the walls of small and large vessels. Such changes lead to the appearance of rashes on the skin in children. Itching is not typical. The general condition of the child usually does not change.

Hemorrhagic vasculitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

1. punctate rash mainly on the lower extremities;
2. rashes merge with each other;
3. the rash worsens when the child is upright.

Other forms of vasculitis in children are much less common.

pyoderma

Acne on the body of a child can be one of the manifestations of a skin infection. Pyoderma occurs in children of any age as a result of the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the skin. Most often, the opportunistic flora that lives on the skin of each person becomes the culprit of the disease.

With pyoderma, a colorless rash appears on the skin in the form of bubbles. Redness and swelling of the skin around the rash is characteristic. Purulent pimples ripen and burst, becoming covered with a yellowish-gray crust. After the process is resolved, scars may remain on the skin. Itching is not typical. The rash can be very painful, especially in areas of natural skin folds.

Pyoderma often occurs without an increase in body temperature. In young children, a purulent skin infection may be accompanied by severe fever. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of complications.

If purulent vesicles appear on the skin of a newborn, immediately call an ambulance!

Pathology of hemostasis

Hemorrhagic rashes on the skin, not accompanied by itching and fever, can occur with various disorders of the blood coagulation system. These can be congenital and acquired pathologies of hemostasis associated with a lack of certain blood factors. A small petechial rash does not itch and does not cause any concern to the child. Fever is not typical.

Violations of the blood coagulation system are often accompanied by bleeding of varying intensity. Bleeding can be the result of an injury or occur spontaneously for no apparent reason. Typically rapid bruising under the skin.

Changes in the hemostasis system is a condition that can threaten the life of a child. Any hemorrhagic rash on the skin is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner the cause of the problem is found, the more chances a small patient has for a successful outcome of the disease.

Infectious diseases

Some infectious diseases in children are not accompanied by fever. The colorless clustered rash of chickenpox may appear without fever. Rubella in children also does not always go away against the background of severe fever. In such situations, it can be quite difficult to distinguish an infectious rash from other skin changes.

It should be noted that young children often give out a high body temperature in response to an infectious agent. Skin rash without fever usually occurs during adolescence. The atypical course of the disease may also be associated with the response of the child's immune system.

Dermatitis

Some skin diseases are accompanied by the appearance of a skin rash without any additional symptoms. Rashes can be very diverse, in the form of small spots, vesicles, nodes or plaques, red, pink or colorless. Only a doctor can understand the causes of the disease and make the correct diagnosis after a complete examination of the patient.

Parents of young children often have to deal with seborrheic dermatitis. This pathology is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:

• rashes in the form of small spots;
• the predominant localization of the rash is skin folds;
• oily sebaceous scales on the scalp;
• itching is very weak or absent;
• body temperature is within normal limits.

Seborrheic dermatitis develops mainly in children under 3 months of age. By the age of one year, most babies have no trace of the disease. When a bacterial infection is attached, pyoderma develops, which greatly complicates the diagnosis and treatment.

Skin rashes in children of any age, not accompanied by itching or fever, are an alarming situation for any parent. Understanding the causes of the rash and solving the problem at home can be quite difficult. Only a qualified doctor can adequately assess the condition of the child. After examination and additional examination, the doctor will be able to make a correct diagnosis and give his recommendations for further treatment.