First Aid: Rashes
Rashes can be caused by viruses, bacteria, medications, heat, allergies, and many other things. Many are only a minor annoyance, but some can be serious and require medical treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
- redness
- spots on the skin
- scaly skin
- itchiness
- bumps
- blisters
- pimples
What to Do
To ease discomfort:
- add a few cups of oatmeal to the bath
- pat the skin dry (instead of rubbing) after a bath or shower
- avoid scrubbing or scratching the affected skin
- leave the rash exposed to the air as much as possible
Seek Medical Care
If:
- your child also has a fever
- your child looks ill
- there are tiny red dots that cannot be felt when touched and don't fade when pressed
- there are bruises not related to injuries
- there is no improvement after a week
Think Prevention!
Most rashes are difficult to avoid. However, some specific rashes can be prevented:
- Have kids avoid people with contagious skin rashes.
- For allergic rashes, try to avoid the substance that causes the reaction.
- Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- If your child tends to get eczema flare-ups, avoid harsh soaps.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2014
