Common Rashes Children Bring Home From Preschool

As your child heads to preschool, they enter a whole new world of social interactions. Of course, they’re learning valuable skills like sharing – and that includes toys, feelings, and rashes. Here are some common rashes your child may bring home.

When your child's skin erupts into an itchy, red, or scaly rash, it’s understandably concerning. You should head to Wellness Pediatrics, PC, in Fairfax, Virginia, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Our specialists can perform a comprehensive physical exam and do any needed in-office lab tests to diagnose the rash. Treatment helps ease uncomfortable symptoms and prevents the rash from spreading.

Many types of skin rashes can affect young children. Here are some of the most common ones we see.

Viral infections

Viral infections like chickenpox, fifth disease, and hand, foot, and mouth disease are common in toddlers. The infections are spread from person to person contact or by touching contaminated objects and then touching your face.

Kids with viral infections may develop a red, intensely itchy rash on just one area of their body or a more widespread rash. Fifth disease has symptoms that mimic a cold, along with lacy rashes on your child’s torso and thighs.

Hand-foot-mouth disease affects these body parts and shows up as small, red blisters or sores. It can also spread to other parts of the body and can cause a fever. Children with chickenpox also develop blisters that can break open and ooze fluid before crusting over.

Many viral infections don’t require treatment; the infection must run its course. However, your child may need calamine lotion or other topical creams to reduce itching and discomfort. You should also keep your child away from others to prevent the spread of infection.

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can cause itchiness, red rashes, and blisters on your toddler’s skin. A common type of bacterial infection is impetigo.

Impetigo typically appears around the nose and mouth but can also occur on the arms and legs. It presents as clusters of blister-like lesions that develop into crusty, yellow patches surrounded by red skin. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the sores or contaminated objects such as clothing, so it's easily spread among children.

Treatment for bacterial infections may include over-the-counter or prescription antibiotics to alleviate skin discomfort. You also need to keep your child from scratching the rash, which can spread to other parts of the body and to other people.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections like ringworm cause oval or round red skin patches to form a ring. The patches can be itchy or even painful, and your child’s skin may become inflamed. We may recommend over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams to treat a fungal infection.

Ensure that your child doesn’t share toys and other personal items with family members or other children until the infection clears.

Other rashes common in toddlers

Not all rashes are contagious. Here are some other skin issues your young child may develop.

Heat rash

Heat rash is a patchy, red rash that forms on areas of the body where the skin folds, such as the elbows, thighs, and neck. Toddlers can develop heat rash when the pores of their sweat glands become blocked, preventing sweat from escaping. If your child was out playing on a sweaty day, heat rash could easily develop.

Treatment for heat rash usually involves cool baths to calm irritated skin. Dress your child in lightweight clothing and keep them in a cool space when possible to keep the rash from worsening.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis describes any condition that causes inflammation in the skin. Common dermatitis conditions affecting toddlers include eczema and contact dermatitis, a rash triggered by an allergic reaction. Symptoms of dermatitis can include redness, swelling, skin dryness, and itchiness.

Dermatitis can develop when they encounter a new fabric, soap, or other substance that triggers an immune response in their skin. Treatment often starts with avoiding known allergens and other inflammation triggers. Some children may need topical or oral medications to calm the itchiness and irritation of skin rashes.

Eczema is not contagious, and your child will not bring it home from preschool. Eczema can arise at any age, but it’s most common in children.

If your child has a rash that needs evaluation, reach out to Wellness Pediatrics, PC, today. Call the office or use our online booking tool to set up your appointment.