Rashes in Children

Rashes are very common in babies and children and are usually harmless. A baby rash is most often caused by heat, diaper irritation, dry skin, or a virus. A few rashes, especially with fever, need to be checked.

What Is It

Common childhood rashes include diaper rash, heat rash, eczema, hives, and viral rashes that appear with a cold or fever. Some infections, like hand, foot, and mouth disease, fifth disease, impetigo, and scarlet fever, have their own typical rash.

Symptoms

Red patches or tiny bumps
Dry, rough, or itchy skin
Red skin in the diaper area
Spots that appear with fever or a cold
Raised welts that come and go
Blisters, crusts, or oozing

Not sure what kind of rash it is? Spots on the hands, feet, and in the mouth with fever may be hand, foot, and mouth disease. Dry, itchy patches in skin creases are often eczema.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the rash and asks about fever, new foods, products, and exposures. Many rashes need only home care. Some need creams, allergy medicine, or antibiotics for an infection. Strep testing may help when there is a sore throat.

At home:

Keep the skin cool, clean, and dry
Use fragrance free soap and moisturizer
Change diapers often and let the skin air dry
Dress your child in loose cotton clothing

Most childhood rashes fade within a few days to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for a Rash in Children

Watch at Home

A mild rash in a child who is eating, drinking, and playing normally
Diaper rash or heat rash that improves with home care

Come to Urgent Care Today

A rash with fever
A rash that is spreading, blistering, or oozing
A rash that is painful or very itchy
A rash that lasts more than a few days
Red, warm skin that looks infected

Go to the Emergency Department

A rash of tiny purple or red spots that do not fade when pressed
A baby under 3 months with fever
Swelling of the lips or face, or trouble breathing
A child who is very sleepy, hard to wake, or has a stiff neck

FAQ

What causes a rash on a baby?

A rash on a baby is most often caused by heat, diaper irritation, dry skin, eczema, or a virus. Most baby rashes are harmless and fade on their own.

When should I worry about a rash on my child?

Worry about a rash with fever, a rash that spreads fast or blisters, or tiny spots that do not fade when pressed. A sick or sleepy child needs care.

How do I know if a rash is serious?

A rash may be serious if tiny red or purple spots do not fade when you press a clear glass against them, especially with fever.

Are rashes in children contagious?

Some rashes in children are contagious, like those from hand, foot, and mouth disease, impetigo, and chicken pox. Eczema, heat rash, and diaper rash are not.

Can urgent care check a rash in a child?

Yes, urgent care can check a rash in a child. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the rash and look for infection or allergy. No appointment or referral is needed.

When is a rash in a child an emergency?

A rash is an emergency when it has tiny spots that do not fade when pressed, comes with trouble breathing or facial swelling, or the child is very sleepy.

Last reviewed October 2026