Your child will invariably break out with spots, dots, bumps, blotches or stripes sometime in their life. So here is the ultimate rash guide. Most rashes are caused by either an infection, allergy, irritation or sweating.  Fortunately, there are very few rashes that you need to be concerned about. Like anything else, look at how your child is acting. If they are covered head to toe with a rash & they are running around playing and smiling, they are probably fine.

Rashes cannot be diagnosed over the phone and, as a result, should be seen by your doctor in order to make the correct diagnosis & treatment.

** For children of any age: If your child is well-appearing, has no fever and develops a rash – it is usually not serious.

Red Flags

  • Petechiae – looks like your child has been dotted with a red or purple felt tip pen. The dots don’t blanch (disappear) when you press on them.

  • Fluid filled vesicles (blisters)

  • Rash accompanying a sick appearing child.

Allergic: Common Name: Hives (Urticaria)

Common Name: Roseola (HSV 6)

Common Name: Fifth’s Disease (Parvovirus B-19)

Chicken Pox (Varicella)