My little one started scratching! Her skin turned red and covered with weird bumps😵! What should I do?
Don’t panic, we’ll help you!💪
What causes rashes in children?
There are various factors that cause skin rashes at young ages. Most skin rashes are no big deal that will go away as time passes or with medication. If it seems like the rash isn’t bothering your cutie, all you need to do is just keep him/her comfy until the skin returns to normal. If it bothers you and your baby, it is always a good idea to call the doctor.
Here is a list of the most common causes of skin rashes
✔️Diaper rash
Diaper rash is when a red rash appears around a baby’s genital area or buttocks. Urine and diarrhea is the major reason for skin irritation and itchiness, so it is important to change the baby’s diaper frequently. If your baby’s skin is sensitive👶, an ingredient in a diaper or wipe could also cause the rash.
Usually, diaper rashes can be prevented and removed with simple treatments at home. Giving a little time and air-drying the genital area when changing diapers could help a lot from skin irritation. You can get ointments for rash from drug stores without a doctor’s prescription, so you might want to try them if you think the baby needs some treatments🩹.
✔️Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes dry, inflamed, and itchy skin conditions that can develop as a chronic skin disease. Eczema patches tend to be very itchy, so the babies feel very uncomfortable when the patches arise😢.
The exact causes of eczema are uncertain yet, but experts assume it’s coming from environmental irritants and allergens like scratchy fabrics, dust, use of home liquids, and foods. It can be managed by keeping skin hydrated and avoiding known triggers, so taking good care of the surroundings is important🧹.
✔️Bug bites
We have all experienced bug bites🐜. As we all know, when an insect bites, skin inflames and turns red. It gets itchy, and painful sometimes! Avoiding contact with bugs is the only solution. Wear clothes and cover your baby’s skin as much as possible. There are gentle bug repellents that are safe for babies, so you could try them when you take your baby outside🏕️, especially at dawn and night because that is when bugs are active.
✔️Dry skin
Have you had a moment when you feel like you need extra hydration to your skin? Your baby can have that feeling too! Baby skin is extra sensitive and produces fewer moisturizing oils than grown-ups, which makes it vulnerable to cold air, long baths, drooling, scented lotions, or irritating home chemicals like soaps🧼 or detergents.
If dry skin happens, your baby’s skin can turn red, and look rough or flaky. Cracking and peeling can also happen, and itchiness could be painful if it gets worse! Constant moisturizing is the key. Use a humidifier if the room is dry, and keep putting lotions🧴 on your baby will help!
✔️Roseola
Roseola usually appears in babies aged 6 to 24 months, when the baby’s immunity is at its weakest. The virus is highly contagious as well🦠, and it can be passed through sneezing or touching contaminated surfaces.
The infection starts with a high fever and sore throat, and you’ll notice some redness arises around your baby’s eyes. A few days after that, rose-colored rashes will appear and spread around the baby’s torso (the name Roseola came from this!🥀). Fortunately, rashes from Roseola don’t leave any discharge or scab, and the virus fades within a week without any special treatment.