You need to bring your child to a doctor for a rash if he or she:
- has a fever (temperature over 37.8°C) or was previously ill
- seems unwell, less alert, more confused, less responsive than usual, or limp
- has a rash that covers more than 1/3 of the body or spreads quickly to other areas of the body
- has a rash that doesn't turn pale when you press on it
- has a rash that turns purple or has red-coloured spots or dots
- recently started on a new medication
- is irritable and does not calm when you try to soothe him or her
- has joint pain
- has fluid-filled blisters
- has peeling skin
- has a rash that looks infected (angry red, oozing, open wounds, hot to touch, and swollen)
- has a full-body rash that lasts more than 48 hours or a localized (affecting one area) rash that lasts for more than 1 week
Non-medication treatments
Most rashes go away on their own, but soothing the area can make things more comfortable for your child. If the rash is due to a specific condition (e.g., diaper rash) or circumstance (e.g., contact with irritating substances), treating the condition or addressing the circumstance will clear the rash.
If your child does not have the signs and symptoms previously listed, you can try the following:
- Minimize irritation.
- Cleanse area with soap only once to wash away any potential irritant. Then cleanse with only water thereafter.
- Use perfume-free moisturizer if the area looks dry.
- Don't bathe in hot water - use lukewarm water instead.
- Use a cool compress to minimize itching.
- Don't rub, scratch, or scrub the area. Pat the area dry after a bath or shower.
Over-the-counter medications
If your child is still uncomfortable or there is a lot of itching despite the non-medication treatments, you can try:
- Things to sooth the skin
- colloidal oatmeal bath
- calamine lotion
- zinc oxide barrier cream (if the rash is on the buttocks, the rash may be due to irritation from the diaper, urine or stool. This may lead to a diaper rash. Zinc oxide cream acts as a protection between the baby's skin and the irritants)
- Anti-itch medications
- There are some medications (e.g., hydrocortisone cream) available to help with itch, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using them to make sure they are right for your child.
- For rashes due to allergies, anti-histamines can help. Speak to your health care provider first before giving any to your child.
What not to do
Here is what you shouldn't try and why:
- Don't use petroleum jelly on the rash - the oily and thick consistency of the petroleum jelly may make your child more uncomfortable.
* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Your child should feel better and the rash should subside in 2 to 3 days.
However, your child should see a doctor if:
- the rash is getting worse or your child is feeling worse
- a localized rash lasts more than 1 week, or a full-body rash lasts more than 2 days
- any of the signs and symptoms listed previously appears
