Symptom Definition

• Rash on one part of the body (localized or clustered).
• Red or pink rash (erythema).
• Small spots, large spots or solid red.
• Main Cause: skin contact with some irritant.
• Common Causes:  8 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed below.  If not, use this guideline.

See More Appropriate Topic for a Non-Itchy Rash

• NEWBORN RASHES.
• DIAPER RASH.  
• HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE.
• IMPETIGO (Infected Sores).

(To go directly to these topics, click on the links following this document.)

See More Appropriate Topic for an Itchy Rash

• ATHLETE'S FOOT.
• INSECT BITE.    
• POISON IVY.
• RINGWORM.

(To go directly to these topics, click on the links following this document.)    

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Purple or blood-colored spots or dots that's not from injury or friction.
• Bright red area or red streak (but not sunburn).
• Rash area is very painful.
• Newborn (less than 1 month old) with tiny water blisters (like chickenpox).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If

• You think your child needs to be seen.
• Severe itching or fever is present.
• Teenager with genital area rash.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns.
• Looks like a boil or infected sore or other infected rash.
• Peeling fingers.
• Rash lasts for more than 7 days.

Parent Care at Home

• Mild localized rash and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

Home Care Advice for Localized Rashes

1. Avoid the Cause:  Try to find the cause.  Consider irritants like a plant (e.g., poison ivy), chemicals (e.g., solvents or insecticides), fiberglass, detergents, a new cosmetic, or new jewelry).  A pet may be the intermediary (e.g., with poison ivy or oak) or your child may react directly to pet saliva.
   
   
2. Avoid Soap:  Wash the area once thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants.  Thereafter avoid soaps to this area.  Cleanse the area when needed with warm water.
   
   
3. Local Cold:  Apply or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
   
   
4. Steroid Cream:  If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) every 2 hours until it feels better, then 4 times per day.  (Exception: suspected ringworm.)
   
   
5. Avoid Scratching:  Encourage the child not to scratch.  Cut the fingernails short.
   
   
6. Contagiousness:  Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.
   
   
7. Expected Course:  Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
   
   
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   
   Rash spreads or becomes worse.
   
   Rash lasts for more than 1 week.
   
   Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright © 2000. Barton D. Schmitt, MD, FAAP

See related topics:

• Athlete's Foot
• Diaper Rash
• Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
• Impetigo (Infected Sores)
• Insect Bite
• Newborn Rashes and Birthmarks
• Poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac
• Ringworm