Common Childhood Skin Rashes

Heat Rash

• Heat rash is a common type of childhood skin rash. This type of rash will appear as tiny red pimplelike bumps. The most common place on a child's body to find this rash is on the back of the neck or on the lower back. However, heat rash in severe cases can involve a child's entire abdomen. Heat rash can be caused by the mixture of sweat, heat and clothing. It can be easily treated by cooling the child, applying a cool washcloth and airing out the affected area.

Facial Rash

• One of the most common skin rashes in infants and younger children is the facial rash. Nearly every infant or young child at one point or another will experience this sort of rash. It can appear as flat or slightly raised patches of skin with tiny red bumps, which cover the areas of skin around the mouth and chin. Facial rashes can have a variety of causes, such as drooling, leaving smeared food on the face or excessive rubbing of the mouth area. Unfortunately, this type of rash can remain with an infant or young child for weeks, but no treatment is actually needed.

Viral Rash

• Other common childhood skin rashes are largely due to various viruses. Some rashes caused by viral infections are more easily identified than others, such as chicken pox and roseola. However, it should be noted that most viruses do not cause their own specific types of skin rashes as chicken pox and roseola are known to do. Other viral rashes can have various appearances, with many of them starting on the abdomen and spreading to the child's extremities.

Eczema

• Eczema is another common childhood skin rash. Eczema can lead to skin inflammation, which is uncomfortable for children and adults alike. Another name for eczema is dermatitis. This rash can be cause by stress, allergic reactions and other irritant factors. Skin will become dry and itchy. Eczema cannot be cured, only treated.