Toddlers can end up with all kinds of skin ailments. A rash on toddlers is not uncommon and most toddlers will develop a rash of some kind during their second year of life. There are several toddler rashes that are common including eczema, viral infections, dermatitis, and the like. The following are explanations of some of the more common rashes on toddlers.
Contact Dermatitis
Toddlers may experience contact dermatitis, a rash that is caused from a direct irritation. This is usually caused by detergents or soaps that are too strong, drooling, and even taking bubble baths with soap that is not made for baby’s skin. Generally, contact dermatitis rashes are itchy with mild redness. A moisturizer is generally enough to soothe your toddler’s skin.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is another toddler rash that usually starts as an infant and continues throughout life. It is also known as eczema and it tends to get better, then get worse, and follow this cycle for many years. It is common the cheeks, trunk, scalp, forehead, elbows, knees, and other parts of the body.
Keratosis Pilaris
Toddlers may get the keratosis pilaris rash. This rash creates rashes on the back of the legs and arms as well as on the cheeks. Generally, the rash is made of small red bumps. This condition is difficult to treat and is chronic. Lubricants are the best for this toddler rash.
Infections
Toddlers are exposed to all types of germs and frequently get rashes. These rashes may result from viral infections like fifth disease, roseola, and chickenpox. Generally, these infections and the rashes improve within a week or so.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a toddler rash that starts out innocent enough of a small red bump, but the bacteria quickly turns into a large plaque encrusted rash. It is found on the face near the nose in many cases yet may appear on any part of the body. Antibiotics are used to treat impetigo.
Ringworm
A toddler rash caused by ringworm will have a circle shape and the center will be quite clear. Most of the time ringworm rashes are found on a toddler’s legs, trunk, arms, face and other areas of the body that don’t have hair. An antifungal cream that may be purchased over the counter will work in most cases.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Another toddler rash to be aware of is seborrheic dermatitis. This rash creates red patches on the scalp that can be greasy and yellow colored. They are found behind the ears, on the face, and on the scalp. In a month’s time most toddlers will clear the rash on their own. If not, there are some special shampoos and lotions that may be purchased.
August 14th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I have a 22month old toddler. I recently used the pink J&J and think a rash started because of the product. Its a light red, bumpy rash on the back of his calves and inner right arm (mostly on the right) and armpit his calves also mainly on the right. I’ve got a cortisone cream I’m using but not 100% sure if its a rash or something that I should go to the doc with? The cream is taking the red away but the bumps are still visible – it doesn’t seem to bother him at all? He’s got like two spots of it on his bum too. No fever, nothing else that could lead to measles or anything..any advise? Thanks
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:11 am
Tanya, my son has developed the exact same thing over the past 3 weeks, on the back on both calves, knees, elbows, and back of his upper arms right above his elbows. I have no idea what is causing it other than we did use Johnson & Johnson soothing baby bath (the green one for when they are sick) when he had a cold the other week, but I would have thought he would have the rash everywehere then. I took hom to the doctor yesterday and she said it was contact dermatitis based on that it was nowhere covered by his clothes, so we are treating with OTC 1% hydrocortizone cream as of last night. No change yet but I am hoping so!