Rash: How to Care for Your Child

Almost all kids get a rash sometime during childhood. Rashes can be itchy, painful, or swollen. But most rashes are nothing to worry about and go away on their own.

• Use any prescribed medicines, creams, or lotions as directed by your health care professional.

• If the health care professional recommends covering the rash, use a clean bandage and change it every day.

• If the rash is itchy:

  • Remind your child not to scratch the skin because this might make the rash worse.

  • Keep your child's nails short and smooth.

  • If your child is still a baby, you can use baby mittens to prevent scratching. Use mittens only when your baby is awake (never during sleep) and someone is nearby to watch.

  • Give your child an oatmeal bath. Use plain oatmeal and grind it up very fine. Add up to 1 cup to your child's bath. Or buy a pre-made oatmeal bath mix.

  • Gently put a cool, wet washcloth on your child's rash.

  • Keep your child cool. Heat can make a rash itch more.

• Use mild soap when bathing and rinse well. Pat the skin dry (don't rub).

• When doing your child's laundry, use fragrance-free products (detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets).

• You can give medicine for pain if your health care professional says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old.

• Don't give aspirin to your child. It could lead to serious medical problems.

• The rash doesn't get better after you follow the care instructions.

• The rash gets itchier or more painful, red, or swollen.

• There is pus or drainage from the rash.

• Your child gets a fever.

What causes a rash? A rash can happen for many different reasons, including:

• irritation (for example, from a chemical in soap or sunscreen)

• heat

• allergy

• infection

Because so many things can cause rashes, sometimes health care professionals do not know why a child gets one.

Will my child's rash spread to others? Some rashes spread and others do not. If the health care professional thinks your child's rash is contagious, keep it covered and wash your hands well after touching it.