What causes small white bumps rash? How are the symptoms of small white bumps rash? What is the treatment for small white bumps rash? Get the answers to these questions and more in this comprehensive guide.

Understanding the Causes of Small White Bumps Rash

Small white bumps rash, also known as a malar rash or butterfly rash, can have a variety of causes. The most common causes include:

Rosacea

Rosacea is the most common cause of a malar rash. It is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pimples on the face. The rash is often triggered by factors like stress, spicy foods, hot drinks, and alcohol.

Lupus

Lupus is a rare autoimmune disorder that can also lead to a malar rash. About 50-60% of people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop a skin disease, including the characteristic malar rash.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes a scaly, red rash on the face, scalp, and other oil-rich areas of the body. The malar rash associated with this condition may also involve scaling of the skin.

Photosensitivity

Sensitivity to sunlight can cause a malar rash in some individuals. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to a sunburn-like rash on the cheeks and nose.

Bacterial Infections

Certain bacterial infections, such as erysipelas and cellulitis, can also result in a painful malar rash.

Other Causes

Less common causes of small white bumps rash include Lyme disease, Bloom syndrome, dermatomyositis, and homocystinuria.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Small White Bumps Rash

The main symptom of a malar rash is a red or purplish rash that covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, often in a “butterfly” pattern. Other symptoms may include:

• Raised, scaly patches of skin
• Itchiness or pain
• Visible broken blood vessels
• Acne-like breakouts
• Red and irritated eyes

The rash is often triggered or worsened by exposure to sunlight, stress, spicy foods, hot drinks, and alcohol.

Diagnosing Small White Bumps Rash

Diagnosing the cause of a malar rash can be challenging, as there are many potential underlying conditions. Your doctor will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination to rule out other possibilities. They may order additional tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check for signs of autoimmune disorders, infections, or other underlying conditions
• Skin biopsy to examine the affected tissue
• Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or echocardiogram, to look for organ damage

A diagnosis of lupus, for example, requires the presence of multiple specific symptoms and a combination of positive test results.

Treating Small White Bumps Rash

The treatment for a malar rash depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

Rosacea

Topical creams or oral medications to reduce redness and inflammation, along with avoiding triggers like sun exposure, spicy foods, and stress.

Lupus

Immunosuppressant medications to control the autoimmune response, along with sun protection and managing other symptoms.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Topical antifungal or anti-inflammatory creams to reduce inflammation and scaling, as well as addressing any underlying skin dryness.

Photosensitivity

Sun protection, such as using sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight, can help manage a malar rash caused by sun sensitivity.

Bacterial Infections

Antibiotics or other antimicrobial treatments to clear the underlying infection.

In all cases, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop an effective treatment plan that addresses the specific cause of your malar rash.

Understanding the Prognosis for Small White Bumps Rash

The prognosis for a malar rash depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Many cases can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment, though some chronic conditions like lupus may require lifelong management. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Preventing and Managing Small White Bumps Rash

To help prevent and manage a malar rash, consider the following strategies:

• Avoid known triggers, such as sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products
• Apply sunscreen liberally and wear protective clothing when outdoors
• Manage any underlying conditions, such as rosacea or lupus, with appropriate treatments
• Maintain good skin hygiene and moisturize regularly

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and management options for small white bumps rash, you can take proactive steps to keep your skin healthy and minimize the impact of this condition.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Picture, and More

A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, may have many causes from sunburn to chronic diseases. It can often be cured.

Malar rash is a red or purplish facial rash with a “butterfly” pattern. It covers your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, but usually not the rest of the face. The rash can be flat or raised.

A malar rash can occur with many different diseases and conditions, from sunburn to lupus. It’s most often seen in people with rosacea.

It may be scaly and sometimes itchy, but it doesn’t have bumps or blisters. It may also be painful.

Sunlight triggers this rash. It can appear on other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun if you’re sensitive to sunlight. The rash may come and go, and it can last for days or weeks at a time.

Many conditions may cause a malar rash:

• Rosacea, also called adult acne. Rosacea’s rash is also characterized by pimples and enlarged blood vessels.
• Lupus. A rare condition with a variety of symptoms, it can result in other types of rashes.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. With this condition, the rash could occur on your face and other areas. It also involves scaling of your skin and scalp.
• Photosensitivity. If you’re sensitive to sunlight or get too much sun, you may have a sunburn that looks like a malar rash.
• Erysipelas. Caused by Streptococcus bacteria, this infection can lead to a painful malar rash. It may also involve the ear.
• Cellulitis. This is a type of a bacterial infection affecting the deeper skin layers.
• Lyme disease. In addition to a rash, this disease, resulting from another type of bacterial infection, may also produce flu symptoms, joint pain, and many other problems.
• Bloom syndrome. This inherited chromosomal disorder has multiple additional symptoms, including skin pigmentation changes and mild intellectual disability.
• Dermatomyositis. This connective tissue disorder also causes skin inflammation.
• Homocystinuria. In addition to a malar rash, this genetic disorder may lead to vision problems and intellectual disability.

Rosacea is the most common cause of a malar rash.

It’s also very common in the population. About 16 million Americans are estimated to have rosacea.

Usually the rash is triggered by:

• stress
• spicy food
• hot drinks
• alcohol

With rosacea, you may have:

• redness that spreads to your forehead and chin
• visible broken spider veins on your face
• raised patches of facial skin called plaques
• thickened skin on your nose or chin
• acne breakouts
• red and irritated eyes

The cause of rosacea isn’t known. Scientists are investigating possible factors, including:

• an immune system reaction
• a gut infection
• a skin mite
• the skin protein cathelicidin

About 66 percent of people with lupus develop a skin disease. Malar rash is present in 50 to 60 percent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as acute cutaneous lupus. Lupus is a somewhat rare condition, likely underdiagnosed due to its complexity.

Other forms of lupus skin disease include:

• discoid lupus, which causes round, disk-shaped sores with raised edges, usually on the scalp and face.
• subacute cutaneous lupus, which appears as red scaly lesions with red edges, or red ring-shaped lesions
• calcinosis, which is a buildup of calcium deposits under the skin that may leak a whitish liquid
• cutaneous vasculitis lesions, which cause small reddish-purple spots or bumps on the skin

A malar rash can have many different causes, and there’s no simple way to tell if your rash is a sign of lupus. Lupus is a complex disease that affects each person differently. Symptoms may start slowly or suddenly. The symptoms also vary widely in severity.

Additional symptoms may include:

• rashes of varying types
• mouth, nose, or scalp sores
• skin sensitivity to light
• arthritis in two or more joints
• lung or heart inflammation
• kidney problems
• neurological problems
• abnormal blood tests
• immune system disorder
• fevers

Having a few of these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have lupus.

Diagnosis of a malar rash can be a challenge because there are many possible causes. Your doctor will take a medical history and review all your symptoms to rule out other possibilities.

If your doctor suspects lupus or a genetic disease, they will order blood and urine tests.

Specialized tests for lupus look for:

• low white blood cell count, low platelets, or low red blood cells, which indicate anemia
• antinuclear antibodies, which are usually a probable sign of lupus
• levels of antibodies for double-stranded DNA and red blood cells
• levels of other autoimmune antibodies
• levels of proteins that have immune functions
• kidney, liver, or lung damage from inflammation
• heart damage

You may also need a chest X-ray and echocardiogram to look for heart damage. A diagnosis of lupus depends on many test results, not just one marker.

Treatment for malar rash depends on the severity of your rash and the suspected cause. Because sunlight is often a trigger for malar rash in general, the first line of treatment is to limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen rated at SPF 30 or more. If you have to be in the sun. wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing in addition to sunscreen. Learn more about choosing a sunscreen.

Other treatments depend on the cause of the rash.

Rosacea

Rosacea malar rash treatment may include antibiotics, special skin creams to heal and repair your skin, and possible laser or light treatments.

Bacterial infection

If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be prescribed a topical antibiotic. For systemic bacterial infections — that is, infections affecting the entire body — you may need oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Lupus

Lupus malar rash treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe:

• steroidal creams for your rash
• topical immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus ointment (Protopic)
• nonsteroidal drugs to help with inflammation
• antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which has been found to suppress inflammation
• immunosuppressive drugs, in more severe cases, to treat the rash and prevent its recurrence
• thalidomide (Thalomid), which has been found to improve lupus rashes that don’t respond to other treatments

Home remedies

You can take steps to keep your face comfortable while the rash heals.

• Wash your face with a mild, unscented soap.
• Apply small amounts of mild oils, cocoa butter, baking soda, or aloe vera gel to the rash to soothe the skin.

A malar rash may have many causes from sunburn to chronic diseases.

Rashes caused by bacterial infections can be cured. On the other hand, rosacea and lupus are both chronic diseases, for which there currently aren’t any cures. Rashes from these conditions improve with treatment, but can flare up again.

See your doctor if you have a malar rash so that they can determine the underlying cause and start you on the right treatment.

Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA — By David Heitz on February 27, 2020

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is an irritation of the skin. It occurs mostly in babies, and it is a common condition. In the United States, it affects up to 35 percent of children under two years old. Most children suffer from it at least once before they are toilet trained (Medscape, 2012).

Also known as diaper dermatitis, diaper rash causes uncomfortable burning and redness on areas of the skin that come into contact with and rub against a diaper.

Types of Diaper Rash

This article focuses on common diaper rash, or diaper dermatitis, which responds to basic treatments including frequent diaper changes.

Other types of skin rashes may be agitated by wearing a diaper. These rashes include other forms of dermatitis, psoriasis, and rashes caused by conditions such as syphilis, HIV, and bullous impetigo.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash occurs when someone sits too long in a soiled diaper. Diarrhea can exacerbate the problem. Sometimes a child will first experience diaper rash when beginning solid food or taking antibiotics. Breast-fed children can develop diarrhea from what is passed on by their mother’s diet.

Babies soil diapers every three to four hours, so it’s important to keep them changed. The acidic nature of human waste allows bacteria and yeast to thrive. All of these elements can irritate the skin.

Sometimes, diapers that are too tight or that don’t fit properly will cause chafing. Chemicals from detergents or other products that touch the baby’s skin, including the diapers themselves, can cause irritation.

Who Is at Risk for Diaper Rash?

As many as one in three children develop diaper rash. Breast-fed babies are at lower risk, due to reduced acidity in their diets. All infants and toddlers who wear diapers can develop diaper rash. Usually, diaper rash does not become a problem until the age of three weeks. Risk is highest for babies between three months and one year old.

Occasionally, diaper rash is passed from infant to infant.

What Are the Symptoms of Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash causes the skin to look red and irritated. Affected skin may also feel warm to the touch. Parents and caregivers should call a doctor if a bright red diaper rash lasts longer than 48 hours or is accompanied by a strong odor of urine, which may indicate dehydration (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, 2012).

Other times to seek medical help include when rashes form blisters or become weepy, or if the baby develops a fever (Mayo Clinic, 2012).

How Is Diaper Rash Diagnosed?

Diaper rash is common. Most people who care for children know it when they see it. Sometimes, it’s still a good idea to call a doctor, who will offer an expert opinion based on prescriptions and other baby items.

Diaper rashes caused by yeast infections sometimes occur when an infant takes antibiotics. Those kinds of rashes will not get better without physician-prescribed ointment.

When you speak to your doctor, be prepared to discuss brands of diapers, lotions, detergents, and other household items your baby comes into contact with.

Treatments for Diaper Rash

Research published in the Scientific World Journal in 2012 suggests that creams made of plant derivatives, including aloe and calendula, help fight diaper rash (Panahi, et al., 2012). In particular, calendula fights inflammation and bacteria, two of the biggest problems with diaper rash.

Topical creams and ointments are commonly used to treat diaper rash. They include:

• hydrocortisone to reduce swelling
• antifungal or antibiotic creams to combat infections (a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics as well)
• zinc oxide
• creams and ointments containing steroids should be taken only at a doctor’s recommendation.

Home Care

It’s usually easy to treat occasional bouts of diaper rash with over-the-counter medications and smart practices at home. The best prevention is also the best cure: frequent diaper changes.

• Make sure your child’s diapers fit properly and not too tightly. The diaper should allow air to get to sensitive areas. Try letting the baby go without diapers during naps.

• Don’t use a lot of soap or wipes with alcohol or perfumes. These can cause drying, which can make symptoms worse.

• Don’t use talcum powder. It can be harmful to babies when inhaled.

Prognosis

Diaper rash generally clears up with home remedies in a day or two. If it doesn’t, call a doctor.

Prevention

Diaper rash can lead to fussy, miserable babies. It is usually preventable if you follow these tips:

• Wash your child’s buttocks with water during each diaper change. Pat dry with a soft towel. Don’t use wipes containing alcohol or perfumes.
• Keep diapers loose. Consider letting your child go without diapers as often as possible.
• Keep zinc oxide and petroleum jelly on hand. They’re important home remedies in the battle against diaper rash.

Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2020

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• Baby

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Diaper Rash. (2012, May 15). Medscape Reference. Retrieved August 12, 2013, from 
  emedicine.medscape.com/article/801222-overview
• Diaper Rash. (2010, July). Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Retrieved Aug. 12, 2013, from h 
  ttp://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/d/diaper-rash/
• Diaper rash. (2013, July 13). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved Aug. 12, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diaper-rash/DS00069
  
• Panahi, Y., et. al. (2012, April 19). A Randomized Comparative Trial on the Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical Aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on Diaper Dermatitis in Children. Scientific World Journal. Retrieved Aug. 12, 2013, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3346674/?report=classic
  

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 27, 2020

Written By

David Heitz

Edited By

Frank Crooks

Medically Reviewed By

George Krucik, MD, MBA

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Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA — By David Heitz on February 27, 2020

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Rash on the body | types of skin rashes

The human skin is the largest organ, which is an indicator of the internal state of the body. Various types of skin rashes of different colors and textures on the abdomen, face, against the background of allergic reactions, viral pathologies. Unpleasant sensations appear with changes in health and depend on diseases of various organs. There are non-specific causes of the rash, so you should sign up for an initial examination with an allergist in a timely manner so as not to infect other people and there are no complications.

The content of the article:

• Types of skin rashes
• Allergic rash
• Eruptions during infectious diseases
• Skin rash
• Treatment of rashes

Types of skin rashes

A rash on the body is one of the most common symptoms of skin diseases in adults and children. It is usually accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, and vesicles (small blisters) on the skin.

The rash can be of a different nature and character. Some types of rash appear on the skin for the first time, and some may occur occasionally or periodically. The rash is localized on different parts of the skin, including the face, arms, legs, abdomen, chest, and even mucous membranes.

When a rash appears, attention should be paid to its localization, nature, the presence of severe itching and swelling. A nodule or papillary feature on the rash may indicate a systemic immune response or hyperpigmentation. If the rash is weepy, crusty, or breaks open, laboratory tests should be done to determine the cause of the skin lesion.

Primary rash

The primary rash occurs in a healthy person, in the case of an untreated primary rash, a secondary rash may occur. Types of primary skin rashes:

Papule is a cone-shaped bulge without content, which does not leave marks on the skin. Papules merge with each other, from inflammation they are small from 1 to 3 mm, medium and large – from 1 to 4 cm.

Node – elevated rash. Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory rash can be up to 10 cm, after treatment a scar remains.

Tubercle is a prominent eruption about 1 cm without internal filling. The skin changes color. The bumps leave scars behind.

Pustule – a purulent bladder under a thin membrane with inflamed skin around.

There are different types:

Conflicts are small blisters with pus. The skin around is reddish due to severe inflammation. During the treatment of conflicts, a crust is formed, which will disappear after recovery, but the pigmentation remains for some time.

Ecthymas – deep non-follicular pustules with pus on the bottom, after which scars form.

Follicular pustules from 1 to 5 mm are located on the surface of the skin, so after them traces on the skin in the form of a scar, no pigment spots remain.

Deep follicular pustules, in addition to the follicle, occupy all layers of the skin and, after treatment, scars form on the skin, both boils and carbuncles.
A blister is a red convex element with a whitish center without a cavity due to the ongoing allergy process, urticaria. A few days after the appearance of the blister leaves no trace.

Bubble – rash up to 0.5 cm in size, consisting of a lid, a bottom with a filled space due to serous, serous-hemorrhagic content, erosion, eczema, chickenpox, herpes are formed.

Bladder is a blister-like skin change larger than 0.5 cm.

Spot is a non-protruding area above the level of the skin with a change in its color to a reddish or bluish tint. The skin is red. When pressed, the reddened spot disappears. Diseases such as dermatitis, roseola, secondary syphilis.

Roseola – a spot with blurred borders with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm is associated with diseases. Characteristic signs – the skin turns pale when pressed and there is no bulge.

Erythema is a bright raised skin rash without clear contours, which usually appears due to UV rays.

Purpura – many small hemorrhages appear with leukemia, hemophilia, Werlhof’s disease.

Secondary eruptions

Due to untreated primary manifestations, untimely access to a doctor.

• Pigmentation when the skin becomes either darker or lighter.
• Scars after combing or treatment of neurodermatitis, eczema and other dermatological diseases.

Common types of secondary skin rashes are:

• scab – crust after burst vesicles, pustules and sores;
• plaques are raised lesions about 5 mm in size, formed due to the association of several papules. The boundaries of the plaques depend on the disease, for example, in psoriasis, plaques with clear edges;
• erosion – violation of the skin cover after the opening of the abscess on the face, genitals, hands. Occur with an inflammatory disease, pass without scars;
• ulcers – recurrent deep defects of skin integrity. Requires long-term treatment due to difficult healing. Scars remain afterwards. Due to the effects of diabetes occur on the legs;
• scales – dying particles of the upper layer of the skin in the form of peeling. Horny plates of different colors are separated: white, gray, brown, yellow, depending on the disease, for example, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, lichen, psoriasis are characterized by white scales;
• lichenification – indurated areas with dry skin and increased pigmentation. The causes of the appearance are diseases such as ulcers, eczema and neurodermatitis. In place of burst bubbles, pustules on the skin, abrasions and crusts form after they dry.

Allergic rash

As a result of the release of histamine, an allergic rash appears on the skin. During the work of immune cells that remove it from the body, vasodilation and swelling of the inflamed skin occur.

Urticaria – itchy red swollen spots due to allergies that occur on the abdomen, chest, limbs, less often on the face and change shape very quickly.

Dermatitis – a rash that appears after close contact with an allergen, which is accompanied by a runny nose, headache, or due to the direct effect of the allergen not only on the skin, but also on the digestive and respiratory systems. List of major allergens:

• pet hair;
• pollen from flowering plants;
• medicinal substances, including antibiotics;
• food additives;
• cosmetics, whether decorative or caring;
• dust and smell of smoke;
• articles of metal and artificial materials.

Eruptions during infectious diseases

Due to infection with an infectious virus, a skin rash occurs on the skin and may cover only some parts or the entire body.

Chicken pox – the disease is characterized by a rash with liquid inside on the body and even on the palms and feet. Later itching begins. After 2-3 days, they dry out with the appearance of a crust. Eruptions of different stages appear on the skin within 5-10 days.

Rubella is a skin disease with red round bumps up to 10 mm in diameter, which first appears on the neck and face and then spreads to the whole body. Rubella lasts 2 to 4 days without leaving a rash. With measles, on the second day of the disease, purple rashes are visible, appearing sequentially, starting from the head, and a day later it affects the trunk, including the fingers, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe palms and feet. Separate elements tend to connect. After a week and a half, they gradually subside, but the color of the skin due to the rash becomes like age spots. During scarlet fever, for 3 to 7 days, small red numerous spots form on the whole body, except for the nasolabial triangle, especially intense in the folds of the groin, on the abdomen and back. The skin may turn blue. Scarlet fever passes, the skin peels off and comes off in layers from the arms and legs.

Herpes round blisters with liquid inside on lips or body. When healing, yellow crusts appear on the skin.

Shingles – 5 mm rash following chicken pox. Accompanied by scars or age spots.

Syphilis is characterized by abundant and symmetrical red rashes, with secondary syphilis – a rash on the chest, in the groin.

Candidiasis – vesicles with whitish contents that burst due to friction, leaving cracks.

With scabies appear scabies.

Ostiofolliculitis is accompanied by pustules with pus on the folds of the skin, on the face, in the scalp, and then crusts form, which fall off and leave age spots. With intoxication of the body due to enterovirus infection, tuberculosis, there is always an increase in body temperature, and rashes are often absent. Skin manifestations, together with other symptoms, indicate serious pathologies.

For example, blood poisoning at first looks like the flu due to high fever, vomiting. However, the appearance of hemorrhagic petechial hemorrhages as a result of capillary rupture is a sign of meningococcal sepsis, so you need to call an ambulance immediately.

Skin rash

Rashes accompany the following skin diseases:

• acne (acne) in the form of pustules on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin;
• psoriasis;
• fungal diseases;
• bacterial problems;
• scabies due to microscopic parasites.

In young children, a skin rash appears due to insect bites or prickly heat, a skin reaction to overheating that most often occurs between the ages of 6 months and 2 years.

Rash treatment

You can not engage in treatment on your own, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist, pediatrician or therapist so that the doctor can accurately determine the cause of the appearance of rashes on the skin and make a diagnosis. In case of allergies, it is better for patients to see an allergist, an immunologist. Due to self-administration of antihistamines, there is no complex treatment, so the patient has an acute allergic reaction.

A trained professional treats the rash based on diagnostic tests and clinical test results. If you notice a rash on your body, do not postpone a visit to the doctor. It is important to get the right assessment and treatment from the qualified specialists of the MoiVrach clinic in Volgograd. Our doctors are ready to answer your questions, conduct an examination and prescribe therapy.

Rashes in newborns | clinic blog Nashe Vremya

Pediatrician Lesiva Lika Igorevna talks about rashes in newborns.

The rash is localized on the face, head, in the oral and nasal cavities, as well as any part of the body. When combing, abrasions and erosion occur, a secondary infection may join.

A rash in a baby does not appear on its own, most often it is a sign of pathological processes in the body, although sometimes it is also a consequence of physiological conditions. Usually accompanied by additional symptoms – fever, sleep disturbance and appetite, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness.

The rash may look different. First, primary elements are formed:

• pustules – small vesicles with purulent contents
• papules raised hard nodules
• bullae blisters raised above the skin
• vesicles – small vesicles up to 5 mm containing exudate
• maculae – flat red spots
• plaques vesicles fused together
• petechiae – subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by capillary injury
• hemorrhages – subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by high permeability of vessel walls

After a while, secondary elements can form on the affected areas:

• hyperpigmentation or depigmentation discoloration of the skin
• desquamation – scaling of dying epidermis
• erosions – superficial lesions resulting from opening of a vesicle or pustule
• abrasions – violations of the integrity of the skin when scratching
• crusts – formations in place of burst pustules and vesicles
• lichenification – thickening of the skin with enhancement of its pattern

Most rashes are harmless and go away either on their own or with minor interventions. A baby is born with thin and sensitive skin, which tends to react sharply to any stimuli. Because of this, acne, peeling, redness appear. Despite the fact that usually skin manifestations are physiological and disappear on their own, some of them still require a mandatory examination and follow-up by a doctor.

Reasons for the appearance of

The causes of skin changes and lesions are physiological conditions, various diseases, allergic reactions and physical irritants.

Physiological states

At birth, the baby is covered with primordial lubrication, which protects the skin from pathogenic microorganisms. In the hospital, it is not completely removed so that the skin adapts to the environment. But later, external conditions begin to act on it, causing various reactions that pass over time and are not dangerous for the baby.

A few minutes after childbirth, the color of the skin changes – it becomes bright pink or reddish. This is due to the fact that the air pressure is lower than the pressure of the aquatic environment in which the newborn has been for a long time, blood begins to flow to the skin, changing its color. When the vessels return to normal, it will become the usual pink color. This takes about 2 weeks, premature babies a little more – up to 3 weeks.

At first, the baby’s skin may look like marble due to pink-purple spots. This is how the vessels react to cold, so marbling is usually noticeable when dressing or swaddling until the child is protected by clothes. If the marble spots are uniform and disappear when the baby is warmed, then there is no cause for concern. However, if something worries you, it is better to consult a doctor for advice so as not to miss heart or lung diseases, when marbling is a symptom of oxygen starvation.

On days 2-3, the baby’s skin begins to peel off due to the transition to a dry environment after the womb. The degree of peeling is different, in post-term children it is more pronounced. It goes away in a few days. If cracks occur during peeling, you need to use special tools – emollients. However, if the skin bursts and is very desquamated, you need to see a doctor to exclude ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis and other pathologies.

Babies can develop seborrheic dermatitis, which forms in areas with strong sebum production. Appears as yellow scales on the head and behind the ears, less often in the axillary and inguinal folds. The second name for seborrheic dermatitis is “milk crusts”. Usually pass without treatment, do not cause itching and do not cause discomfort, although it does not look aesthetically pleasing. To speed up the healing process, you can use baby oil and comb out the scales with a soft baby comb. Sometimes antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams may be needed.

For physiological reasons, various rashes can occur – toxic erythema, neonatal acne, milia. This is normal, because the delicate skin of the baby adapts to new living conditions. A rash in a baby appears due to an increased content of hormones, activation of the sebaceous glands and blockage of the follicles.

Physical influences (overheating, cold, friction)

Baby’s skin is sensitive not only to the natural environment, but also to various mechanical influences and irritants. For example, overheating can cause prickly heat, contact with saliva can cause contact dermatitis, and a diaper can cause diaper dermatitis.

Infections

Infections that can cause rashes are viral, bacterial, or fungal. In this case, other symptoms are usually present – fever, intoxication, pain. See a doctor as soon as possible if the baby refuses to eat, the rash is accompanied by high fever, pus, severe swelling or redness of the skin. Hemorrhages in the form of red-blue blots, which do not disappear when pressed (test with a glass), require special attention.

Allergy

A rash in newborns can also appear upon contact with an allergen. Allergy can be food, contact, drug, cold, etc. Its symptoms are manifested by rashes, itching, urticaria, Quincke’s edema, runny nose, cough, bronchospasm and intestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, colic). Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires an immediate emergency call.

Also, a rash in newborns is caused by autoimmune diseases, vascular and other pathologies of the body, but this happens extremely rarely.

Types of rashes

Types of rash in newborns depend on its cause and are divided into physiological and pathological , and the latter – into infectious, allergic and mechanical .

Physiological

Neonatal acne (neonatal pustulosis)

In the 3rd week of life, 20% of newborns may develop teenage acne. They occur under the influence of hormones and look like pustules with a red border. The rash on the body of the baby is usually localized on the face, sometimes spreads to the scalp, less often to the collar zone. It is not dangerous and goes away on its own in 1-3 months.

With neonatal acne, the skin needs to be properly cleansed and moisturized, and may sometimes require the use of medicated creams. It is absolutely impossible to squeeze pimples and cauterize with alcohol-containing solutions. If the rash in the baby is abundant and leads to secondary infection, you should definitely see a doctor. Acne can drag on for a month or more, then it is considered infantile. If more than six months do not pass, the risk of developing acne in adolescence increases.

Milia

50% of babies develop small yellow or white nodules 1-2 mm in size, called milia or milia. These are cysts of the sebaceous glands that do not require removal. They spread to the face, head, chest and disappear in about a month.

Toxic erythema

This is a benign rash in a newborn child, resulting from the influence of the external environment on delicate skin. Develops by 2-3 days of life in 70% of babies in the form of small red rashes on the face, limbs, trunk. First, small dots appear, which later merge into spots with a 1-2 mm tubercle in the center. Toxic erythema is not dangerous and disappears within a week, sometimes 2-3 weeks. If something worries you, it is better to consult a doctor to rule out infections.

Pathological

Viral eruptions

Chickenpox

It starts with a few blisters and spreads throughout the body, including the scalp and mucous membranes. First, red spots appear, and then turn into bubbles. Then they burst and form crusts that cause itching and bother the baby. The rashes last 5-10 days.

Measles

A highly contagious disease characterized by a small raspberry-red rash that first appears in the mouth, then spreads to the whole body. Affected skin becomes rough, later scaly patches remain for 1–2 weeks. Develops against the background of high temperature.

Rubella

Small pink-red spots appear on the head, and then all over the body, which last 2-4 days, and then disappear. Other symptoms are sore throat, nasal congestion, high fever.

Herpes

A rash in newborns occurs in the form of blisters on the lips and in the oral cavity, which disappears in 1-2 weeks.

Infectious mononucleosis

With infectious mononucleosis, densely spaced pink spots of about 10–15 mm appear. Other symptoms are high fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat.

Roseola

First, the temperature rises, after its normalization, small light pink dots appear. It goes away on its own and does not require treatment.

Coxsackie syndrome

Bubble rashes appear on the palms, feet and in the oral cavity. Additional symptoms are fever, vomiting.

Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)

This is a common viral infection among newborns, which is manifested by a red rash on the cheeks and is accompanied by fever. It resolves on its own in a few days and does not require treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum

Appears as a cluster of white-pink bubbles with curdled contents inside. It is usually localized on the face, neck, eyelids, trunk and extremities.

Bacterial eruptions

Scarlet fever

With scarlet fever, numerous red dots appear in the folds of the skin, on the abdomen and on the sides of the body, accompanied by itching and flaking. A distinctive feature is that there are no rashes in the nasolabial triangle. Passes in 3-7 days. Additional symptoms are severe sore throat, crimson tongue.

Meningitis

Terrible disease, accompanied by a rash in the form of hemorrhages caused by rupture of capillaries, which do not go away and do not turn pale when pressed. Additional symptoms are headache, vomiting, pain in the extremities, stiff neck. The disease develops rapidly and can be deadly. If you suspect meningitis, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

Impetigo (streptoderma)

Accompanied by large blisters with purulent contents. Treatment is with topical or systemic antibiotics.

Fungal eruptions

Caused by contact with a fungal infection, they are divided into keratomycosis (damage to the stratum corneum of the epidermis) and dermatophytosis (damage to the skin, hair and nails). Usually appear as red rings on any part of the body. Transmitted from sick animals and people.

Rashes caused by parasites

Scabies

It manifests itself in the form of pairwise located points between the fingers, in the inguinal folds, on the knees and elbows. Accompanied by severe itching and disturb the baby. The reason is the scabies mite. Special creams are usually prescribed, and all family members should be treated.

Allergic rashes

Urticaria

This is an acute allergic reaction in which raised red blisters quickly appear, similar to a nettle burn. It develops suddenly upon contact with an allergen, accompanied by severe itching. It has an acute and chronic character. Occurs with the use of food proteins, viral infections, insect bites and the use of drugs. In severe cases, it is accompanied by Quincke’s edema, which requires an ambulance call.

Atopic dermatitis

This is a genetically determined disease associated with a defect in the skin barrier. It is important to note that allergy is not the cause of its occurrence, but rather a consequence. Only in 30% of cases, atopic dermatitis is combined with food allergies. The rash in the baby is localized on the face, buttocks, torso, extensor surfaces of the limbs. It is manifested by redness and peeling, accompanied by itching. Exacerbation is provoked by various triggers – stress, infections, sweat, histamine liberator products, tobacco smoke, animal hair.

For treatment, special creams are used that restore the barrier function – emollients. They need to be used daily, plentifully lubricating the skin. In severe cases, hormonal ointments are prescribed.

Pseudoallergic

A pseudo-allergic reaction looks like an allergic reaction, but in fact it is not, since its development does not have an immune mechanism. The reasons are an increased content of histamine in foods, the ability of foods to stimulate its release from mast cells, increased absorption of histamine due to gastrointestinal pathologies. Histamine liberators include strawberries, chocolate, cocoa, citrus fruits, cheeses, preservatives, colorants and flavor enhancers. In a breastfed newborn, they arise due to the use of these products by the mother. Treatment consists of a tolerable dose, skin care, and sometimes antihistamines.

Mechanical eruptions

Prickly heat

Appears in the form of small red spots when overheated. It may also look like nodules or vesicles, appears in the folds of the skin, on the face, head, trunk, limbs. The occurrence of prickly heat contributes to an increase in body temperature, overheating due to too warm clothes, the use of things made of dense fabric. Lasts from several hours to several days, air baths speed up the healing process.

To prevent prickly heat, do not wrap the baby while walking, dress according to the principle – plus one layer of clothing relative to an adult. During wakefulness, periodically undress the baby for air baths. If prickly heat has already appeared, choose looser clothes, bathe without soap and protect from overheating.

Contact dermatitis

This is skin damage due to prolonged exposure to various irritants – saliva, fruit and vegetable juices, detergents. In newborns, saliva often causes dermatitis near the mouth and on the neck. Passes when the irritant is eliminated, anti-inflammatory creams are sometimes prescribed.

Diaper dermatitis

Prototype contact dermatitis, only appears under a diaper. The cause is both overheating and contact with urine, sweat and feces. A rash in a baby occurs on the thighs, abdomen, buttocks in the form of red spots, bumps and peeling.

Treatment is carried out according to the abbreviation ABCDE (air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education) – air, barrier, cleansing, diaper, education. With diaper dermatitis, you need to change diapers every 2-3 hours, arrange air baths when changing clothes, dry the skin thoroughly after bathing, and also lubricate with diaper cream. Sometimes local hormonal agents are used.

How to tell a rash from an allergy

An allergic reaction develops when an allergen enters the body. The immune system rushes to the defense, while blood vessels dilate, the skin turns red and inflamed, rashes appear, and edema may develop. If there was no contact with the allergen, then the rash is most likely not allergic.

It is also worth distinguishing an allergic rash in an infant from an infectious one. With an allergy, it occurs suddenly, with an infection in stages – first it is localized in one place, and then it appears in another, it has clear boundaries of lesions. An infectious rash is contagious, so if one of the family members has it, then it is not an allergy. Viral or bacterial infections are often accompanied by fever, allergies are not. With an allergic rash, there is almost always severe itching, swelling, rhinitis, conjunctivitis may appear.

But still, it is very difficult to establish the cause on your own, so you should consult a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment. The doctor may prescribe tests to confirm a particular disease.

What to do if a child has a rash

A rash in a newborn baby can be of different etiologies, in some cases it goes away on its own, and in some it requires treatment. It is especially dangerous to miss formidable diseases such as meningitis or scarlet fever. Since eruptions often occur in greased molds, it is easy to make a mistake.

If simple methods like air baths, using breathable fabrics, frequent diaper changes, using emollients do not help, and even more so if the condition of the newborn worsens – the temperature rises, breathing is difficult, swelling has developed, the baby refuses to eat, urgently seek medical help .

When to see a doctor

In fact, it is better to show any rashes to the doctor. And do it in person, not by photo or video call. The doctor needs not only to examine the rash live, but also to feel, conduct certain tests, and also independently assess the condition of the child. If you find yourself in such a situation, you can contact our specialists.

Pediatricians of the Nashe Vremya clinic work in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine. They treat children with great care, carefully and carefully treat babies and are tactful with parents. Here they will not prescribe unnecessary tests, they will not make non-existent diagnoses, they will answer all questions, reassure and prescribe the correct treatment in case it is necessary.

If you want the baby to be examined at home, contact our field service. The pediatrician will arrive on the day of the call, after the examination he will give the necessary recommendations and will observe the baby until he is fully recovered.

We have specialists with extensive experience, as well as great love for their profession and little patients.

Prevention

To prevent rashes, the following measures should be taken:

• take care of the baby’s hygiene and wash hands before touching the baby
• monitor the cleanliness of the room, humidify and ventilate in time
• use loose, breathable clothing for the newborn
• avoid overheating and hypothermia of the child
• change diapers more often and take air baths
• limit the amount of contact other people have with the baby
• buy quality toys and baby care products
• if possible, invite a doctor to the house, and not come to the clinic yourself
• avoid contact with allergens
• keep the baby safe from insects

And the most important thing is to vaccinate both the child and others in a timely manner, especially if the child cannot be vaccinated due to age. For example, adults should be vaccinated against influenza or covid.

Methods of treatment

Treatment depends on the cause that caused the damage to the skin. First you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Further, depending on the disease, antihistamines, hormonal ointments, emollients, antibiotics, antifungals can be prescribed.

And sometimes a rash in a newborn baby does not need to be treated at all, but just wait. But additional measures may be required – air baths, a comfortable indoor climate, breathable clothing, quality diapers.

Tips for parents

A rash in a baby is not an independent disease or its cause, it is always a symptom. Therefore, it is very important to determine what caused the rash in the baby – allergies, infections, insect bites or mechanical damage.

If the rash is accompanied by fever, the child is lethargic – urgently see a doctor, if hemorrhages appear – immediately call an ambulance! If the rash occurs against the background of the complete health of the child, see the pediatrician in a planned manner.

Terminals

The rash can manifest itself in the form of various elements – from small dots to large blisters and hemorrhages. Types of rash in newborns, as well as their causes, can be completely different:

• physiological – neonatal acne, milia, toxic erythema
• pathological – viral, bacterial, fungal, allergic
• mechanical – prickly heat, contact dermatitis, diaper dermatitis

Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly caused this or that rash in an infant.

Most often, a rash on the body of a baby goes away on its own and does not need treatment, for example, a hormonal rash in a newborn. However, you need to be careful not to miss a serious illness.

It is difficult for parents to figure out the reasons themselves, so it is better to entrust this to a doctor. If the rash is not dangerous, calmly wait until it passes, and if it is the cause of some kind of disease, establish it in time and start treatment.

Sources

1. Kudryavtseva A.V., Atopic dermatitis and food allergy: features of patient management in Russia and other countries (Europe, USA and Japan), School of atopic dermatitis as the basis for successful treatment of children, 2018.
2. Kudryavtseva A.V., Urticaria in children: pathogenetic mechanisms and possibilities of modern therapy, 2017.
3. Revyakina V.A., Urticaria in pediatric practice, 2007.
4. Clinical guidelines: Atopic dermatitis, 2020.
5. Pozdnyakova O.N., Reshetnikova T.B., Bychkov S.G., The structure of the incidence of dermatoses in newborns and infants with a burdened somatic history, 2019.
6. Bokova T.A., Diaper (diaper) dermatitis in a newborn: modern approaches to prevention and treatment, 2019.
7. Gorlanov I.A., Leina L.M., Milyavskaya I.R., Skin of newborns: differential diagnosis of pathological conditions, features of care, 2018.
8. Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, Gary W Clark et al.