Common Baby Rashes: What Parents Need to Know

Call 911 or Go to ER If:

• •Rash with difficulty breathing
• •Rash with swelling of face/tongue
• •Purple or blood-colored spots that don't fade when pressed
• •Rash with baby seeming very ill
• •Rash with stiff neck or severe headache

Call Healthcare provider Same Day If:

• •Rash with fever over 100.4°F
• •Rash is painful or baby seems in distress
• •Blisters that are spreading
• •Signs of infection (pus, red streaks, warmth)
• •Rash after new medication
• •Baby under 3 months with any rash

Call During Office Hours If:

• •Rash lasting more than a few days
• •Rash spreading rapidly
• •Uncertain what rash is
• •Home treatment not helping
• •Rash interfering with sleep or eating

When to Watch at Home:

• •Mild diaper rash
• •Known eczema flare
• •Heat rash
• •Drool rash
• •Baby acting normally otherwise

Diaper Rash:

• •Red, irritated skin in diaper area
• •Common in skin folds
• •From wetness, friction, yeast
• •Treatment: Frequent changes, barrier cream, air time
• •See separate diaper rash guide

Baby Acne:

• •Small red or white bumps on face
• •Appears 2-4 weeks old
• •Caused by maternal hormones
• •No treatment needed - resolves on own
• •Don't squeeze or use acne products
• •Usually gone by 3-4 months

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):

• •Dry, red, itchy patches
• •Usually on cheeks, arms, legs
• •Can be rough or scaly
• •Often runs in families
• •Treatment: Moisturize frequently, mild soap, hydrocortisone cream
• •Worse in winter
• •May need prescription cream

Heat Rash (Miliaria):

• •Tiny red bumps or blisters
• •On neck, chest, skin folds
• •From overheating
• •Treatment: Cool baby down, loose clothing, tepid bath
• •Resolves when cooled

Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis):

• •Yellow, greasy scales on scalp
• •Not itchy
• •Can extend to face, ears
• •Treatment: Gentle brushing, baby shampoo, oil massage
• •Harmless but persistent
• •Usually improves by 6-12 months

Drool Rash:

• •Red, sometimes bumpy around mouth/chin
• •From constant drool (teething)
• •Treatment: Pat dry, barrier cream, keep clean
• •Improves when teething passes

Erythema Toxicum:

• •Red blotchy rash with small white/yellow bumps
• •Appears 2-5 days old
• •Looks worse than it is
• •Normal newborn rash
• •No treatment needed
• •Gone by 2 weeks

Hives (Urticaria):

• •Raised, red, itchy welts
• •Can be different sizes
• •May move around body
• •Often from allergic reaction
• •call your healthcare provider if: widespread, with swelling, or breathing issues
• •Benadryl may help (ask healthcare provider for dose)

Petechiae/Purpura:

• •Tiny red or purple dots (petechiae)
• •Or larger purple patches (purpura)
• •Don't fade when pressed with glass
• •Can indicate serious infection
• •call your healthcare provider IMMEDIATELY
• •Especially if with fever

Impetigo:

• •Red sores that break open and ooze
• •Form honey-colored crust
• •Contagious bacterial infection
• •Treatment: Antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics
• •Keep away from other children
• •Wash hands frequently

Ringworm:

• •Round, red, scaly patches
• •Clear center (ring-like)
• •Itchy
• •Fungal infection (not a worm!)
• •Treatment: Antifungal cream
• •Contagious

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:

• •Red spots/blisters on hands, feet, mouth
• •Painful mouth sores
• •Fever often present
• •Viral - runs its course
• •Treatment: Comfort care, pain relief
• •Contagious

Roseola:

• •High fever 3-5 days
• •Fever drops, then rash appears
• •Pink spots on trunk, spreads to arms/legs
• •Not itchy
• •Viral - resolves on own
• •Common in babies 6-24 months

Meningitis Rash:

• •Purple/red spots or blotches
• •Don't fade when pressed
• •With fever, stiff neck, severe headache
• •MEDICAL EMERGENCY
• •CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

For Most Rashes:

Keep Clean:

• •Gentle bathing with mild soap
• •Pat dry (don't rub)
• •Avoid harsh products
• •Fragrance-free preferred

Moisturize:

• •Apply moisturizer after bath
• •Fragrance-free, gentle
• •Ointments better than lotions for dry skin
• •Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Vanicream popular

Avoid Irritants:

• •Harsh soaps or detergents
• •Fragranced products
• •Rough fabrics
• •Overheating

Don't:

• •✗ Scratch (keep nails short, mittens if needed)
• •✗ Use adult products
• •✗ Over-bathe (can dry skin more)
• •✗ Use hot water
• •✗ Apply makeup or cover-up

When to Use Hydrocortisone:

• •For itchy, inflamed rashes
• •1% over-the-counter strength
• •Thin layer 1-2 times daily
• •Not on face without healthcare provider approval
• •Not for more than a week without healthcare provider guidance
• •Not for infected-looking rashes

Cool Compresses:

• •For itchy or inflamed areas
• •Cool, wet washcloth
• •10-15 minutes several times daily
• •Helps heat rash especially

Take Photos:

• •Clear, well-lit photos
• •Show full area affected
• •Close-up of rash detail
• •Multiple angles
• •Time-stamp helpful
• •Rashes can change or disappear quickly

Note:

• •When rash started
• •Where it started
• •How it's spreading
• •Any triggers (new food, soap, etc.)
• •Other symptoms (fever, fussiness)
• •What makes it better/worse
• •Any treatments tried

Describe:

• •Flat or raised
• •Color
• •Size of spots
• •Itchy or not
• •Painful or not
• •Pattern (ring-like, scattered, etc.)

This Helps healthcare provider:

• •Diagnose even if rash gone
• •Track progression
• •See what you're seeing
• •Make better recommendations
• •Decide if in-person visit needed