It’s not uncommon to find bumps and bruises on toddlers as they’re learning to walk and exploring their environment, but what about when you see spots on your toddler? There are a number of reasons your toddler may have developed a rash. We’ll go through the different reasons and when it’s time to seek out a pediatric dermatologist.
Why is My Toddler Getting Spots on Their Skin?
If your toddler has suddenly started developing spots on their skin, you are probably wondering what’s causing them. Skin rashes in children can develop due to illness, infection, or allergies. They can cause spots that vary from a few to many and how to treat each type of rash will depend on its cause.
What Illnesses Cause a Rash in Toddlers?
You may be familiar with some illnesses that may be the culprit for your toddler’s rash. These illnesses include chickenpox, measles, and fifths disease. Other illnesses that can cause spots on toddlers are roseola (also known as sixth disease), molluscum contagiosum, and rubella.
What Infections Cause a Rash in Toddlers?
Infections that can cause spots on a toddler can be viral, bacterial, or fungal in origin. Viral infections are often the cause of many of the illnesses discussed in the previous section. Rashes from Scarlet fever and impetigo are both caused by a bacterial infection. Ringworm is the most common rash associated with a fungal infection in toddlers.
What Can Cause an Allergic Reaction in Toddlers?
Just like with adults, there are many things that can cause an allergic reaction in toddlers. However, the most common skin allergies in kids are dust mites, latex, and animal dander. Triggers for contact dermatitis include cosmetics, plants, and nickel.
Are There Other Causes for Spots on a Toddler?
Yes, there are some things that cause spots on toddlers that might not be considered from a rash, allergic reaction, or the like. Some of these causes include scabies and acne. Scabies are caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. You can identify scabies through red lines that end in a red dot, often first appearing between the fingers.
Medication can also cause rashes. While some rashes caused by medications are due to an allergic reaction, most are not, even though they can be widespread. Over-the-counter medication will rarely cause a rash. If a rash does occur while taking an over-the-counter medication, it is most likely viral. Your pediatric dermatologist can help identify if a rash is due to medication.
Acne often appears on a child’s cheek, nose, and forehead, much like an adult. Heat rash is another common rash in toddlers. While acne and heat rash may cause your toddler some discomfort, they are not contagious and will go away on their own.
While we saved it for last, eczema is one of the most common skin conditions to cause a rash (and you may even have it as it’s often hereditary). In children, eczema can cause the skin to become irritated, itchy, and dry.
What Does a Viral Rash Look Like on a Toddler?
Spots on your toddler due to a viral infection will look different depending on the infection.
Chickenpox starts out as an itchy red rash that then develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash typically starts on your toddler’s face, back, and chest before spreading to other areas of the body. Measles will begin to form around the ears and the mouth before spreading. Measles start as flat, red spots that later become raised and white. Eventually, measles can turn into one large spot.
Fifth disease, which is also known as slapped cheek disease, begins as a red rash on your toddler’s cheek. This rash disappears within a few days but is followed by a light pink rash that looks like lace on the arms and chest. Roseola is one of the few conditions that does not start out as a rash. Your child will develop a high fever that can last up to a week before a spotty pink rash develops on the chest or stomach. The rash can spread to the upper arms and neck before fading.
Raised bumps that are skin-colored, pink, or pearly white and have indentations in the middle are signs of molluscum contagiosum. Although they are most often found on the stomach, legs, chest, face, and arms, they can occur anywhere on the body. Rubella begins as a red or pink rash on your toddler’s face and neck. It can last up to three days after spreading to other areas of the body.
What Do Allergy Rashes Look Like in Toddlers?
Many allergic rashes in kids can look alike. Typically, an allergic reaction will result in severe itching, a rash, and red skin. If left untreated, the affected skin can turn leathery.
Allergic reactions can also lead to red welts, known as hives. These welts can become itchy and can swell. These welts may feel warm to the touch or as if they are stinging. If a rash or welts are scratched, they can begin to bleed, ooze, drain, crust, and blister. These open wounds can become infected if not kept clean.
Treating Rashes vs. Allergic Reactions in Toddlers
Fortunately, most rashes will go away on their own. However, rashes caused by Scarlet fever and impetigo must be treated with antibiotics, and antifungal medication is needed to treat ringworm.
When a rash is due to an allergic reaction, the first line of treatment is to remove the cause and wash the affected areas. Applying cold compresses and ointment to the area can help decrease the itchiness. Topical steroids can also be prescribed to help alleviate more serious rash symptoms due to allergic reactions.
Although some spots on toddlers do not require medication to heal, there are at-home methods you can use to help with the rash symptoms. These include keeping the skin moisturized, using lukewarm water to bathe, and using mild fragrance free body washes and lotions on your toddler’s skin.
When Should I be Concerned About Spots on My Child?
Seek immediate medical attention if your toddler has:
- a rash affecting the eyes
- blue, red, or purple dots in the affected area
- a rash that blisters or oozes
- a fever, stiff neck, shortness of breath, dizziness, or vomiting
Our pediatric dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Froelich, is one of the few dermatologists in Pittsburgh trained to care for skin rashes in children and is here for your child’s skin care needs.
If you are worried spots on your toddler are due to skin allergies, illness, or an infection, you can contact our offices by filling out the form below or calling us at 412-429-2570. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.