14 Types of Common Rashes in Babies

From time to time, you may see a rash forming on your baby’s delicate skin. Find out what some of the most common rashes are in newborns and babies, and find out what you can do to treat them. Although rashes aren’t something that can be completely prevented, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of certain rashes occurring. We’ll cover all this and more in this article, so read on!

What Is a Rash?

A rash is a swelling or irritation of the skin making the skin appear red, bumpy, lumpy, or scaly. A rash can be itchy and sometimes is accompanied by a fever. Keep in mind that a rash can also be a sign of an allergic reaction, which may need immediate medical attention.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common rashes in babies. However, not all rashes are listed, so contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's skin.

What Can Cause Baby Rashes?

Rashes can be caused by a number of things, including:

Insects and insect bites
Allergies
Bacteria
Fungi
Viruses
Heat
Moisture
Irritation
Friction
Saliva.

What Are the Most Common Rashes in Newborns and Babies?

In this section, we describe some of the more common rashes and skin conditions involving rashes in newborns and babies:

Diaper Rash

As the name suggests, diaper rash is a red rash, sometimes with bumps, that can develop on your baby’s diaper area. Affected areas can include the lower abdomen, bottom, genitals, and folds of the thighs.

Diaper rash can be triggered by wet or soiled diapers being left on for too long, or wearing a diaper that's too small. It typically clears up in three to four days if what’s causing the rash is alleviated. To prevent or help clear diaper rash, change the wet or soiled diaper as soon as possible. Cleanse your baby’s diaper area with wipes or a washcloth and water, and expose your baby’s bottom to air whenever possible. You can also use diaper rash cream to create a barrier from moisture. By the way, you could be earning points for all those diapers and wipes you’re buying! Sign up for the Pampers Club app today to start racking up points with each purchase that you can then redeem for rewards.

Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema can sometimes show up on your baby after her first month.

You may notice dry, scaly skin with red patches on her face, the insides of the elbows, or behind the knees. In infants, eczema is more likely to appear on the body than the face. The patches of rash can be mild to very itchy, and this can be irritating for your baby. If you suspect your baby has eczema, pay a visit to her healthcare provider, who may prescribe a prescription ointment or an over-the-counter cream. To help treat eczema or prevent it from reoccurring, make sure to use mild, unscented soaps and laundry detergents, dress your baby in soft clothing, and bathe her no more than three times per week.

Drool Rash

Drool rash, also called lip licker’s contact dermatitis, is a form of eczema in which your baby’s saliva can irritate her skin and lips, creating a rash around her mouth.

This type of rash can happen when your baby is drooling a lot because of teething. This is why some people call it teething rash. Make sure to wipe your baby’s face often if she’s drooling a lot, as this can help prevent this type of rash from forming. If drool rash does form, or if it doesn’t go away, ask your healthcare provider for a recommendation.

Food Allergy Rash

When you’re starting your baby on solids, it’s a good idea to try one food at a time for three to five days to rule out any food allergies.

If your baby is indeed allergic to a certain food, she may develop a rash. Vomiting and diarrhea are also potential symptoms of a food allergy. If you are noticing any of the above symptoms, eliminate the food you believe caused the allergic reaction, and consult your baby’s healthcare provider at your next visit.

Erythema Toxicum

Often called E tox, this type of rash is common, and appears in the first few days after your baby is born. Your baby could have multiple red splotches with yellowish-white bumps. The rash clears up on its own in about a week. The exact cause of this rash is unknown.

Baby Acne

This type of acne can develop on your newborn’s face, usually on his cheeks, nose, and forehead. As with teen or adult acne, you might see small red or white bumps, which can show up between two to four weeks after birth. Baby acne can’t be prevented, but it eventually goes away without leaving scars. The cause of baby acne is unknown.

Milia

These tiny white bumps or yellow spots can show up on your newborn baby’s face, namely the cheeks, chin, or the tip of his nose. Skin-gland secretions cause this rash, and it usually disappears within the first two to three weeks of your baby’s life.

Miliaria

Also known as heat rash or prickly heat, miliaria typically happens in hot and humid climates, or if your baby is overheated from being overdressed. You may see small red bumps or sweat blisters in the folds of his skin. These bumps usually go away in a few days.

Cradle Cap

Technically known as seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap can show up as scaly patches on your baby’s scalp in the first few weeks of his life. It can also appear elsewhere, such as on your baby’s neck, armpits, behind his ears, or even around the diaper area.

Cradle cap typically goes away within a few months.

If the condition is just on your baby’s scalp, washing his hair and softly brushing out the scales can help control the condition. Sometimes you may need a special shampoo prescribed by your baby’s healthcare provider to help clear it up.

Scabies

Scabies is a rash that is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, laying their eggs. The rash typically develops within about two to four weeks of the tiny mites laying their eggs.

Both infants and older babies can get scabies, but it will look different. With an infant, the fluid-filled bumps will be sparse and often limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. With older babies, you may see the bumps next to reddish burrow tracks.

If you think your baby may have scabies, take him to his healthcare provider, who may scrape his skin to take a sample for testing. If the skin tests positive, the provider will prescribe a medication, usually in the form of a lotion that needs to be applied to the entire body. Since scabies is easily spread, your little one’s healthcare provider may recommend the entire family be treated.

Hives

This itchy rash can be red and bumpy or can appear as welts with pale centres. The rash from hives may even look like bug bites. Hives can crop up in just one area or all over your baby’s body, and it may even change locations from one hour to the next.

Hives can be a symptom of

a virus
a food allergy, for example as an allergic reaction to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, dairy, or shellfish
an allergic reaction to an over-the-counter or prescription medication
an allergic reaction to something your baby has touched, like soaps or plants
an insect bite or bee sting.

Hives can be treated using an over-the-counter antihistamine, which can help reduce any itching. A cool compress may also help comfort the affected area. If your baby is having trouble swallowing or is wheezing, seek immediate emergency care, as he may be having an anaphylactic reaction.

Impetigo

The rash associated with this contagious infection typically appears on the nose, mouth, and ears. It can be caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. Your baby will need antibiotics to treat the infection, and your baby’s healthcare provider will order a test to find out which bacteria caused the infection to decide on the right course of treatment.

Impetigo is contagious for as long as there is a rash, which sometimes forms blisters and eventually crusts over. During this time, your baby should avoid contact with other children, and you should avoid touching the rash to help prevent the spread of the infection.

Ringworm

Although the name would suggest worms cause this infection, they do not. In fact, a fungus causes it, showing up in ring or oval formations on your baby’s scalp or elsewhere on his body.

The infection can be spread from person to person or even from animals to people. Ensure your baby’s combs, brushes, hair clips, or hats are not shared with others in the household if your little one has ringworm.

If the rash appears on your baby’s scalp, he may temporarily lose hair in that area. Ringworm can sometimes be confused with dandruff or cradle cap.

If your baby is over 12 months old and has a scaly rash on his scalp, it’s more likely caused by ringworm rather than cradle cap. Your baby’s healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis.

If you suspect your baby has ringworm, take him to his healthcare provider, who will either prescribe a cream or recommend an over-the-counter cream. By following your provider’s directions, ringworm should start to clear up in about a week.

Roseola

Roseola is a contagious viral infection. The symptoms of roseola include a pink rash that may appear on your baby’s trunk and sometimes arms and neck. The rash follows a fever and cold/flu-like symptoms. Roseola is most common in children who are under the age of 2. It takes about 10 days for the initial symptoms to show up after the point of infection.

If your baby has a fever of 38.9 degrees Celsius or higher lasting for 24 hours, contact his healthcare provider right away for advice on how to bring down the fever. Your baby’s healthcare provider may also recommend some tests like a blood count or urine analysis to help make a diagnosis. When your little one has the fever, it’s best to keep him away from other children to prevent the spread of the infection. Once the rash has disappeared, your baby is no longer contagious.

FAQS AT A GLANCE

Heat rash looks like small red bumps or sweat blisters. It typically appears in the folds of your baby’s skin.

Seeing a rash on your baby’s skin can be worrisome, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. Figuring out what may have caused the rash isn’t always so simple. That’s why it’s a good idea to check with your baby’s healthcare provider, who can diagnose the rash and suggest the most effective treatment. Soon enough, your little one’s skin will be smooth and kissable and you can get back to entertaining your baby by blowing raspberries on his healthy skin!

How We Wrote This Article

The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.