Rash - Localized And Cause Unknown
DEFINITION
- Rash on one part of the body (localized or clustered)
- Red or pink rash
- Small spots, large spots or solid red
Causes
- Main cause: skin contact with some irritant.
- Other common causes: 8 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed below. If you suspect one of them, go there. If not, use this guideline.
Return to School
- Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
For an itchy rash:
For a non-itchy rash:
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
- Not moving or too weak to stand
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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
- Age under 1 month old and tiny water blisters (like chickenpox)
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Severe itching or fever is present
- Looks like a boil, infected sore or other infected rash
- Teenager with genital area rash
- Lyme disease suspected (bull's eye rash, tick bite or exposure)
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Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If |
- You have other questions or concerns
- Blisters unexplained (EXCEPTION: Poison Ivy)
- Pimples (Apply antibiotic ointment until seen)
- Peeling fingers
- Rash lasts longer than 7 days
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Parent Care at Home If |
- Mild localized rash and you don't think your child needs to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES
- Reassurance: New localized rashes are usually due to skin contact with an irritating substance.
- 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 (e.g., nickel).
- A pet may be the intermediary (e.g., with poison ivy or oak) or your child may react directly to pet saliva.
- 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.
- Local Cold: Apply a cold wet washcloth or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
- Steroid Cream: If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) 4 times per day. (EXCEPTION: suspected ringworm)
- Avoid Scratching: Encourage the child not to scratch. Cut the fingernails short.
- Contagiousness: Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.
- Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash spreads or becomes worse
- Rash lasts over 1 week
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 3/15/2008
Last Revised: 6/24/2008
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online
Copyright 1994-2008 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. |