From meningitis to eczema and measles… the ultimate baby rash guide – and when you should worry
KIDS are often prone to developing rashes - it's part and parcel of growing up.
But which rashes are harmless and which should we be rolling a tumbler over for signs of a serious health issue?
It's easy to become a paranoid parent who assumes the worst in every case.
But with conditions like measles on the rise, it's vital that everyone knows which rashes can be treated with a bit of calamine and which require urgent medical treatment.
Here, with the help of NHS Choices, we reveal 13 different rashes that affect babies, and what you need to know about them.
1. Baby acne
When you hear the word "acne" chances are the vision that comes to mind is a spotty-faced teen.
But, newborn babies are also prone to the condition in their first few weeks of life.
Typically it will develop on a baby's forehead or cheeks - and it looks very similar to adult acne.
In most cases the condition will clear up of its own accord in a few weeks.
But, parents can help by washing their baby's face with water, before using a mild moisturiser on their clean skin.
If it fails to disappear within a few months, it is worth seeking advice from your GP.
2. Eczema
Itchy, dry, red and cracked skin is a sign your baby is likely to be suffering eczema.
The most common form of the condition is atopic eczema, and it typically affects kids.
Patches are likely to appear on parts of the body where the skin folds, behind the knees, the crease of the elbows, the neck and around the eyes and ears.
The reality is eczema is a long-term condition, but it does often clear up once a child reaches 11.
It's important to go and see your GP to discuss the various different treatment options, which include creams to soothe your baby's itching.
3. Erythema multiforme
Chances are this is a condition you may not have heard of.
Erythema multiforme is a rare skin reaction triggered by medication, an infection - such as the herpes simplex virus - or an illness.
The first sign is red spots appearing your baby's hands or feet, spreading across the body from there.
Some of the spots may resemble a bull's eye, with a dark red centre and an blister or crust surrounded by a paler pink ring.
Chances are your baby will also have a fever and appear generally unwell.
While it can clear up in a few weeks, it's important to see your doctor straight away. They will be able to prescribe treatment.
4. Hand, foot and mouth
A rash that appears on the hands or feet, along with ulcers in the mouth is probably a sign that your baby is suffering hand, foot and mouth.
It's common in kids under the age of 10 and is very contagious.
Despite its name the condition is not the same as its namesake that affects cattle, sheep and pigs.
Symptoms, aside from the rash, include a high temperature, loss of appetite, coughing, stomach pain and a sore throat and mouth.
The telltale rash can be itchy, while the spots are flat or raised sometimes with blisters.
They are smaller than chickenpox spots.
The illness does normally clear up on its own in seven to 10 days, and you should be ok to look after your baby at home, NHS experts said.
5. Hives
Also known as nettle rash or welts, hives is a raised, red and very itchy rash triggered by an allergic reaction.
The reaction can be to anything from a nettle, bee or wasp sting or a food allergy.
The rash typically disappears after a few days without treatment, but in some cases it can stick around for longer.
Visit your local pharmacist to get advise about how to best relieve the itchiness, and visit your GP if the rash doesn't start to fade after 48 hours.
6. Impetigo
A rash with blisters that burst to leave a thick yellow-brown golden crusts around the nose and mouth is a sign your baby is suffering impetigo.
The skin infection is caused by bacteria, and also triggers symptoms including fever and swollen glands in rare cases.
It will typically clear up in two to three weeks without treatment but it is best to get treatment because the condition is highly contagious.
With the right treatment, usually an antibiotic cream or tablets, it should disappear in seven to 10 days.
7. Keratosis pilaris
Though it's name is unlikely to be familiar, keratosis pilaris is a common, non-contagious and harmless condition.
It makes the skin look as though it is permanently covered in goose pimples and is caused by too much keratin in the skin.
Skin feels rough, bumpy and a bit like sandpaper to touch.
It's typically seen on the back of the upper arms, the thighs and the buttocks.
Moisturisers can help, gentle exfoliation too.
8. Meningitis
When a rash appears on a baby's skin one of the worst case scenarios is meningitis.
It is an infection triggered by bacteria or a virus, that affects the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord - the meninges.
The distinctive rash is caused by blood poisoning - septicaemia - and doesn't appear in every case.
If your baby is clearly ill and a purplish or red rash appears, push the side of a glass against the rash.
If the rash doesn't disappear they may be suffering septicaemia, which can be fatal.
It is vital to call 999 as soon as possible and seek medical help if you suspect meningitis or septicaemia.
9. Milia
Around half of newborns will develop pearly white spots on their face.
These are known as milia and are caused by pores becoming blocked with flakes of skin.
There is no need to treat the condition and it will disappear within a few weeks.
10. Nappy rash
Most babies will suffer nappy rash at some point in their nappy-wearing career.
The painful condition is caused by the skin becoming irritated by a wet nappy rubbing.
The rash is typically red and blotchy and should clear up within a few days.
Changing dirty nappies quickly can help protect your baby's skin.
It's only necessary to see your doctor if a bright-red rash with red or white spots appears, as it could be a sign of fungal infection.
11. Prickly heat
Tiny spots or bumps surrounded by an area of red skin is a sign your baby is suffering prickly heat.
The rash can cause a little swelling, itching, stinging or a hot, prickling sensation and tends to appear on the torso, hands or feet.
It is caused by excessive sweating and often affects babies because their sweat glands haven't fully developed.
It tends to clear up in a few days, but if you're concerned visit your GP.
12. Ringworm
Despite its name ringworm is not caused by a worm.
Rather, it is triggered by a fungus.
It gets its name from the ring-shaped patches on the skin - the key sign of the condition.
The rings will feel slightly raised to touch, and the skin around it will be red or silvery.
Though it sounds and looks serious, it isn't - most cases are mild and it can be treated easily with an over-the-counter cream from your pharmacist.
13. Slapped cheek syndrome
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After your baby has seemingly endured an initial phase of flu-like symptoms - a headache, fever, sore throat and upset tummy - a red rash may appear on their face.
If so, it's likely they're actually suffering a viral infection called slapped cheek syndrome.
The rash can spread, from the face to the limbs and body.
And, while it will likely look serious, the condition is normally mild and clears up without treatment in one to three weeks.
For more information visit NHS Choices.