The Truth About Treating
A Toddler Skin Rash

A toddler skin rash can be a symptom of many different ailments. It is hard to determine exactly what it may be unless you visit the pediatrician. However, you may be able to get a general idea of what potentially could be causing the rash. Please go and see the doctor to know for sure. We are going to talk about a few different types of skin rashes. Again always see the pediatrician to receive a proper diagnosis.

Toddler Skin Rashes

* Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can be caused by any of a number of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackie Virus. This virus is CONTAGIOUS. The virus can be transmitted through nose and throat secretions, the fluid in the blisters, or stool. While your child will be most contagious during the week he first shows symptoms, the virus can be transmitted for weeks afterward.

Symptoms Include:

1. Fever
2. Loss of Appetite
3. Sores in the mouth, Cheeks and Tongue
4. An itchy toddler skin rash begins, and may turn into sores or blisters sometimes may appear on their hands and feet.

Treatment Options:

You can treat the fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid giving your toddler salty, and acidic foods (like citrus) while his mouth hurts. Soft foods will be easiest for him to eat. Take precautions such as washing your toddler's hands regularly, washing and disinfecting toys and other objects that might have germs on them, and trying to avoid infected children. Still, it's impossible to guarantee that your child won't catch the illness if he's exposed to an infected person. The bad news is your toddler can catch this virus again.

* Heat Rash also known as "prickly heat" or "summer rash," is an eruption of little bumps (and sometimes tiny blisters) on the skin that can show up when your toddler overheats. The bumps may appear red, especially on light skin. Hives can be a rash from toddler allergies as well. Heat rash is not painful it can be terribly itchy and annoying. It also is a sign that your toddler is over heated. You must cool them down immediately to prevent potential heat stroke.

Symptoms Include:

1. Pimply rash on neck, chest, stomach, back, under arms, or near edges of diaper or clothing.
2. Tiny Blisters
3. If your toddler gets too warm or has too many layers of clothing on and develops rash.

Treatment Options:

Start by cooling your toddler off. Loosen or remove his clothing, and move him into an airy room or a shady spot. Allow your child to air dry rather than rubbing him with a towel. And don't use ointments or creams on the rash. These can make the toddler skin rash worse by trapping moisture. Make sure your toddler's nails are short, so he doesn't scratch himself if the rash starts itching. You might want to put little socks on his hands at night so he won't scratch himself while he sleeps.

* Ringworm which has nothing at all to do with worms — is a contagious fungal infection of the skin. It can be itchy and unpleasant, but it's not painful or dangerous. Ringworm shows up most often in children age 2 and older, but it's possible for babies and adults to get it as well. The condition thrives best in humid climates.

Symptoms Include:

1. Rash of one or several red rings, ranging from dime- to quarter-size; usually crusty or scaly on the outside and smooth in the center; may get larger over time.

Treatment Options:

With any toddler skin rash start by talking treatment options over with your pediatrician. For ringworm on the body, they'll probably suggest an over-the-counter antifungal cream. You'll need to apply it twice a day, covering an area about an inch beyond the rash. It may take three to four weeks to get rid of ringworm, and you'll continue to use the cream for a week after the rash is gone. (Some children are sensitive to these creams, so try using just a little bit at first to see how your toddler's skin reacts. Consult your doctor for alternatives if your child develops a different rash in reaction to the cream. Remember to wash your hands well after you apply the cream.

* Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that happens when staph or strep bacteria enter the skin, through a cut or scrape. Impetigo is very contagious. Your toddler may have picked up the bacteria by touching an infected child or some object that the child touched, like a toy or a towel. The bacteria can invade the skin through eczema, an insect bite, or other areas where your child's skin is damaged or sensitive. He may get it right below his nose if it's sensitive there from wiping away mucus. Impetigo is more common during warm, humid weather.

Symptoms Include:

1. Little red blisters that ooze, burst, and spread.
2. Your toddler's lymph nodes might become swollen in the area of the infection.
3. Most often the blistering appears around the nose and mouth, but you might also see it on their arms, legs, or other areas. Multiple patches are common.

Treatment Options:

Your toddler will need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. He must take the full course of medication to keep the infection from returning. Instead of oral antibiotics, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic skin cream to clear up the toddler skin rash. You must keep the infected skin clean. Twice a day, gently wash away the scabs with warm water and an antibacterial soap, and then pat the area dry. Use a clean towel each time and then launder the towel. DO NOT let anyone else use it afterward! Keep your toddler's fingernails trimmed to prevent him from scratching the area, which can spread the infection to other parts of his body — or to other people.

* I am not a Doctor or Licensed Professional in the field of toddler skin rash. I am a stay at home Mom passing on tips, advice and information that are based on my opinions. Always remember to consult your pediatrician with serious questions concerning your child and their health.*

Have Any Toddler Skin Rash
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