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Rashes in babies and children

Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they're often nothing to worry about.

This page covers some of the common rashes in babies and children.

As a parent, you may know if your child seems seriously unwell and should trust your judgement.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:

  • a stiff neck
  • bothered by light
  • they seem confused, agitated or they're not responding like they usually do
  • difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs), breathlessness, or they're breathing very fast
  • their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  • sudden swelling of their lips, mouth, throat or tongue
  • their throat feels tight or they're struggling to swallow
  • the rash looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it

On brown and black skin, it may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.

Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines your child takes with you.

How to take a temperature

Use a digital thermometer, if you have one, to check if your child has a high temperature.

For more information about how to do this, see:

If you do not have a thermometer, look for signs such as their back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills).

Important: High temperature is not always a symptom

You child might not have a high temperature but still be seriously unwell. Check for all the possible symptoms and get medical help if you’re worried.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Your child:

  • has a rash you're worried about and you're not sure what to do
  • feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feels sweaty or they’re shivering
  • is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C
  • is aged 3 months or older and has a temperature of 39C or higher
  • is aged 5 years or older and has a temperature below 36C

Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

Rash with a high temperature

Rash on cheeks with high temperature

Bright red, raised spots covering a child's cheeks. Many of the spots have joined together. Shown on white skin.
An example of the slapped cheek syndrome rash.

A rash on 1 or both cheeks plus a high temperature, runny nose, sore throat and headache may be slapped cheek syndrome.

Slapped cheek syndrome can usually be treated at home.

Slapped cheek symptoms and what to do

Check if it's slapped cheek syndrome

The first sign of slapped cheek syndrome is usually feeling unwell for a few days.

Symptoms may include:

  • a high temperature
  • a runny nose and sore throat
  • a headache
A child's face with a red rash on both cheeks. Shown on white skin.
A red rash may appear on 1 or both cheeks. Adults do not usually get the rash on their face.
A purple-red rash on the face and nose of a child with medium brown skin.
The rash may be less obvious on brown and black skin.
A blotchy, pink rash all over the chest and upper arm of a child with white skin.
A few days later, a spotty rash may appear on the chest, back, arms and legs. The rash can be raised. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

How long it lasts

The rash usually fades within 1 to 3 weeks, but it can sometimes last for longer, especially if you're hot or stressed.

Adults might also have joint pain and stiffness. This can happen in children too, but it's rare. Joint pain can continue for many weeks, even after the other symptoms have gone.

How to treat slapped cheek syndrome yourself

You do not usually need to see a GP for slapped cheek syndrome.

There are some things you can do to ease the symptoms.

Do

Don’t

  • do not give aspirin to children under 16

Information:

Find out more

Slapped cheek syndrome

Blisters on hands and feet plus mouth ulcers

Small, round, pink blisters on a child's hand and wrist, from hand, foot and mouth disease. Shown on white skin.
An example of the hand, foot and mouth disease rash.

Blisters on the hands and feet, with ulcers in the mouth, could be hand, foot and mouth disease.

Hand, foot and mouth disease can usually be treated at home.

Hand, foot and mouth symptoms and what to do

Check if it's hand, foot and mouth disease

The 1st symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease can be:

  • a sore throat
  • a high temperature
  • not wanting to eat

The 2nd stage usually starts a few days later and symptoms can include:

  • mouth ulcers, which can be painful
  • a raised rash of spots on the hands and feet, and sometimes the groin area and bottom

The rash of spots can look pink, red, or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone.

The spots can turn into blisters, which might be grey or lighter than surrounding skin and can be painful.

Symptoms are usually mild and are the same in adults and children.

How to treat hand, foot and mouth disease yourself

Hand, foot and mouth disease usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days. You cannot take antibiotics or other medicines to cure it.

To help the symptoms:

  • drink cool fluids to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration (but avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice)
  • eat soft foods like yoghurt and avoid hot, salty and spicy foods
  • take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat

A pharmacist can help with hand, foot and mouth disease

Ask a pharmacist for advice about treatments, such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes, to relieve pain.

They can tell you which ones are suitable for children.

Find a pharmacy
Information:

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Hand, foot and mouth disease

Rash on the face and body

Red, spotty rash caused by scarlet fever on the chest, arms and neck of a child with white skin.
An example of the scarlet fever rash.

A rash of small, raised bumps that feels rough, like sandpaper, could be scarlet fever.

Speak to a GP if you think your child has scarlet fever.

Scarlet fever symptoms and what to do

Check if you have scarlet fever

The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck).

A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper.

On white skin the rash looks pink or red. On brown and black skin it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you can still feel the rash and see the raised bumps.

A red, patchy rash on the chest, neck and upper arms caused by scarlet fever. The rash is shown on white skin.
Rash of small, raised, pink spots spread across a child's chest. The spots are close together. The rash is shown on light brown skin.
Rash of small, raised bumps spread across the lower part of a child's arm. The rash is shown on medium brown skin.

A white coating also appears on the tongue. This peels, leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in little bumps (called "strawberry tongue").

A swollen tongue with reddish orange surface and a white coating at the back and along the centre. Shown on white skin.
A young child with light brown skin sticking their tongue out. The tongue is red and covered in little bumps like a strawberry.

The rash does not appear on the face, but the cheeks can look red. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Lower half of a child's face with a bright red cheek. Skin is red from their jaw up to their eye. Shown on white skin.

The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you or your child:

  • have scarlet fever symptoms
  • do not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
  • have scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
  • are ill again, weeks after scarlet fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
  • are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is very easily spread. Check with a GP before you go in. They may suggest a phone consultation.

Information:

Find out more

Scarlet fever

A red, spotty rash on a child's face and shoulder, caused by measles. Shown on white skin.
An example of the measles rash.

A spotty rash that appears on the head or neck and spreads to the rest of the body could be measles.

Speak to a GP if you think your child has measles.

Measles symptoms and what to do

Check if you or your child has measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

Cold-like symptoms

The first symptoms of measles include:

  • a high temperature
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sneezing
  • a cough
  • red, sore, watery eyes

Spots in the mouth

A number of very small white spots inside a person’s mouth.

Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.

The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

The measles rash on the forehead of a child with light brown skin. The rash looks like pale red blotchy patches.
The measles rash on a person with white skin. The person’s arms, chest and tummy are almost completely covered with red, blotchy patches.

The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.

A close-up of the measles rash on someone with white skin, showing some raised red spots joined together to form blotchy patches.

The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

The measles rash on a child with brown skin. The rash looks like pale red to brown blotchy patches covering the child's arm, chest and face.
The measles rash on the back of a child with dark brown skin. The rash looks like dark red to brown, slightly raised, blotchy patches covering the child’s back.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you think you or your child may have measles
  • your child is under 1 year old and has come into contact with someone who has measles
  • you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system
  • you or your child have a high temperature that has not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
  • you or your child have difficulty breathing – you may feel more short of breath than usual
  • your baby or young child is not feeding well, or taking less feeds or fluids than usual
  • you or your child are peeing less than usual (or your baby has fewer wet nappies)
  • you or your child feels very unwell, or you're worried something is seriously wrong

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your GP surgery before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

You can also call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Information:

Find out more

Measles

Rash with itching

Rash caused by heat

Patches of red skin across the upper back, caused by heat rash. Shown on white skin.
An example of heat rash (prickly heat).

A rash of small, raised spots that feels itchy or prickly could be heat rash (prickly heat).

Heat rash can usually be treated at home.

Heat rash symptoms and what to do

Check if you have heat rash

The symptoms of heat rash are:

  • small, raised spots
  • an itchy, prickly feeling
  • mild swelling

The rash looks red on white skin. It may be harder to see or look grey or white on brown or black skin.

The symptoms of heat rash are often the same in adults and children.

It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.

A red, patchy rash with some small, raised bumps, on the side of a child's chest. Shown on white skin
Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across. Some spots may be filled with fluid.
A rash with many small, raised bumps, on a child's tummy. Shown on black skin.
Heat rash may be harder to see on brown or black skin. The spots may look grey or white.

How you can treat heat rash yourself

If you have heat rash the main thing to do is keep your skin cool so you do not sweat and irritate the rash.

To keep your skin cool

  • Wear loose cotton clothing.
  • Use lightweight bedding.
  • Take cool baths or showers.
  • Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration.

To calm the itching or prickly feeling

  • Apply something cold, such as a damp cloth or ice pack (wrapped in a tea towel), for up to 20 minutes.
  • Tap or pat the rash instead of scratching it.
  • Do not use perfumed shower gels or creams.

A pharmacist can help with heat rash

Speak to a pharmacist about heat rash. They can give advice and suggest the best treatment to use.

A pharmacist might recommend:

  • calamine lotion
  • antihistamine tablets
  • hydrocortisone cream – though not for children under 10 as you'll need to get advice from a doctor before giving them this treatment
Find a pharmacy
Information:

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Heat rash (prickly heat)

Scaly or cracked skin

Patches of red, scaly skin on the back of the knees, caused by eczema. Shown on white skin.
An example of eczema.
Patches of grey, scaly skin on a child's ankles and feet, caused by eczema. Shown on dark brown skin.
An example of eczema.

Skin that's itchy, dry and cracked may be atopic eczema. It's common behind the knees, elbows and neck, but it can appear anywhere.

Speak to a GP if you think your child has eczema.

Find out more about atopic eczema

Raised, itchy spots or patches

Raised patches and redness on a child's knee, caused by hives. Shown on light brown skin.
An example of the hives rash.

Raised, itchy patches or spots could be caused by an allergic reaction (hives).

Hives can usually be treated at home. But call 999 if there's swelling around your child's mouth or they're struggling to breathe.

Hives symptoms and what to do

Check if it's hives

The main symptom of hives is an itchy rash.

The rash can:

  • be raised bumps or patches in many shapes and sizes
  • appear anywhere on the body
  • be on 1 area or spread across the body
  • feel itchy, sting or burn
  • look pink or red when affecting someone with white skin; the colour of the rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin
Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.
Hives rash on the thigh and hand of a child with white skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 1

Hives rash on the leg and hand of a child with white skin.

The skin on most of their thigh is pink, raised and bumpy. At the side of their thigh, close to their hand, are deep creases in the skin.

Their hand is pink with some red patches between their thumb and finger and on their fingertips.

A rash of hives spots on the leg, arm and hand of a person with white skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 2

Hives rash on the leg, arm and hand of a person with white skin.

Small, slightly raised pink spots cover their leg. Some are close together and some are further apart.

The same spotty rash spreads along the side of their arm and across the top of their hand. The knuckles and fingertips are red.

Light brown skin with small skin-coloured bumps from hives. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 3

Hives rash on the knee of a person with light brown skin. The skin is slightly darker brown around where the rash is.

There are many skin-coloured bumps on and around the knee which vary in size from around 2mm to 1cm. The larger bumps look puffy like blisters. Some bumps are very close together in groups.

Light brown skin with bumps that look like blisters from hives. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 4

Hives rash on the cheek, chin and neck of a person with light brown skin.

There are about 50 raised bumps in different shapes and sizes.

Some of the bumps are small circles and others are larger, uneven shapes. Most are close together in groups, but some are further apart. The bumps are a lighter brown than the surrounding skin and look puffy, like blisters.

A child with light brown skin and the hives rash on their leg and hip. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 5

Hives rash on the thigh and hip of a child with light brown skin.

There are about 20 patches of pink skin in different shapes and sizes. The patches are mainly flat and vary in size from around 1cm to 8cm.

Some patches are close to or join others, while some are further apart.

Some patches are dark pink. Others are lighter pink with a darker pink border around the patch.

There's a long, dark pink patch spreading from their groin to their hip.

Dark brown skin with many raised patches on the thigh from hives. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 6

Hives rash on the thigh of a person with dark brown skin.

There are many raised patches of skin in different shapes and sizes very close to each other. They range from around 5mm to 5cm.

The skin near the left knee also has raised lines, like scars. The skin on the inside of the thigh is smooth.

The rash is the same colour as the person's skin.

A pharmacist can help with hives

A pharmacist can give you advice about antihistamine treatment to help a hives rash.

Tell the pharmacist if you have a long-term condition, because you might not be able to take antihistamines.

This treatment might not be suitable for young children.

Find a pharmacy

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

  • your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
  • your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
  • your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
  • you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • someone faints and cannot be woken up
  • a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Find your nearest A&E
Information:

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Hives

Itchy round rash

Circular patch of dry, red skin with a darker crust forming around the edge, caused by ringworm. Shown on white skin.
An example of the ringworm rash.
An oval-shaped patch of scaly, reddish-brown skin on a child's cheek, caused by ringworm. Shown on medium brown skin.
An example of the ringworm rash.

An itchy, dry, ring-shaped patch of skin may be ringworm. The patch may look red, pink, silver, or darker than surrounding skin.

Ringworm can usually be treated at home.

Ringworm symptoms and what to do

Check if it's ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is a rash. It may look red or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone.

The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.

Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp (tinea capitis) and groin (jock itch).

A large, circular rash on a person with white skin. There is a red outer ring and a paler inner circle that is slightly darker than their normal skin tone.
The rash is usually ring-shaped, but it may look different on your face, neck or scalp.
An oval-shaped patch of scaly, reddish-brown skin on a child’s cheek, caused by ringworm. Shown on medium brown skin.
The colour of the ringworm rash may be less noticeable on brown and black skin.
The upper back of a person with white skin. There is a large, pale pink patch of skin in the middle and several smaller patches around the outside.
Sometimes the rash grows, spreads, or there's more than 1 rash.
Close-up of the top of a person’s head. They have brown hair and there is a patch of dark pink, scaly skin (a ringworm rash) on their scalp.
Ringworm on the face or scalp may also cause patchy hair loss.

A pharmacist can help with ringworm

Speak to a pharmacist first if you think you have ringworm.

They can look at the rash and recommend the best antifungal medicine. This might be tablets, cream, gel or spray depending on where the rash is.

You may need to use an antifungal medicine every day for up to 4 weeks. It's important to use it for the right amount of time, even if the rash has gone away.

A pharmacist will tell you if they think you should see a GP.

Find a pharmacy
Information:

Find out more

Ringworm

Small spots and blisters

A red, spotty rash on the face, arms and back of a child caused by chickenpox. Shown on white skin.
An example of the chickenpox rash.
About 80 pink chickenpox spots and blisters on the chest and arms. Some blisters are shiny. Shown on light brown skin.
An example of the chickenpox rash.

Small, itchy spots that turn into blisters and scabs could be chickenpox.

Chickenpox can usually be treated at home.

Chickenpox symptoms and what to do

Check if it's chickenpox

An itchy, spotty rash is the main symptom of chickenpox. It can be anywhere on the body.

Chickenpox happens in 3 stages. But new spots can appear while others are becoming blisters or forming a scab.

Stage 1: small spots appear

The spots can:

  • be anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful
  • spread or stay in a small area
  • be red, pink, darker or the same colour as surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone
  • be harder to see on brown and black skin
Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.
Stage 1 chickenpox on white skin with red and pink spots. Some are raised. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 1.

White skin with stage 1 chickenpox spots.

There are 10 spots that vary in size, but they're all less than 1cm. Some spots are close to others. Some spots are raised and appear to be forming a round or slightly oval blister. Other spots are flatter.

The spots are red and pink and the skin around the spot is pink.

Stage 1 chickenpox on light brown skin with red or pink spots. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 2.

Light brown skin with stage 1 chickenpox spots. There are more than 40 spots covering a child's chest. The spots are red or pink.

Some spots are close to others. Some appear to be raised in the centre and are beginning to form a blister, while other spots appear flat.

Stage 1 chickenpox on light brown skin with pink and skin colour spots. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 3.

Light brown skin with stage 1 chickenpox spots.

There are about 50 spots which vary in size, but they're all less than 1cm. Some spots are close to others.

The larger spots are pink. Some of the smaller spots are the same colour as the person's skin tone. Some spots are raised and appear to be forming a round or oval blister in the centre. Other spots are flatter.

Stage 2: the spots become blisters

The spots fill with fluid and become blisters. The blisters are very itchy and may burst.

Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.
Stage 2 chickenpox on white skin with pink and shiny blisters. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 1.

White skin with stage 2 chickenpox spots.

There are 13 spots which vary in size, but they're all less than 1cm. Some spots are close to others. Almost all the spots have formed a round or slightly oval blister. 1 spot appears to be flatter.

The blisters are pink and shiny. The skin around some spots appears slightly pink.

Stage 2 chickenpox on medium brown skin with pink and white blisters. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 2.

Medium brown skin with stage 2 chickenpox spots. There are more than 50 chickenpox spots covering a child's chest and upper arms.

The spots vary in size, but they're all less than 1cm. Many of the spots have formed a round or slightly oval shape raised blister. Many of the blisters are white and shiny.

The skin around some of the blisters is pink. A few of the blisters appear to have burst and have formed dark scabs.

Stage 2 chickenpox on medium brown skin with pink or skin colour spots and blisters A long description is available next.
Long description, image 3.

Medium brown skin with stage 2 chickenpox spots and blisters. There are about 40 spots on a person's forehead.

The spots vary in size from around 3mm to 6mm. Some are close to others. Many have formed a round or slightly oval shape raised blister. Some spots appear slightly flatter.

Some blisters are the same colour or slightly paler than the person's skin, while others are slightly pink. Some blisters appear shiny and slightly white or grey.

Stage 2 of chickenpox on dark brown skin with raised blisters. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 4.

Dark brown skin with stage 2 chickenpox spots and blisters. There are about 50 spots on a person's back and arm.

The spots vary in size from around 5mm to 1cm. Some are close to others. Many of the spots have formed a round or slightly oval shape raised blister.

Some of the blisters appear to have burst and some may be forming a scab. Most blisters are the same colour or slightly darker than the person's skin. Some blisters appear shiny and slightly white or grey.

Stage 3: the blisters become scabs

The spots form a scab. Some scabs are flaky while others leak fluid.

Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.
Stage 3 of chickenpox on white skin with blisters and scabs. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 1.

White skin with stage 3 chickenpox spots, blisters and scabs.

There are about 14 spots which vary in size from around 1mm to 1cm. Some are close together.

Some of the spots look like very small pink blisters. Some are larger, raised and have a scab over them. Some scabs look soft and seem to have fluid under them.

2 of the scabs appear to have collapsed in the centre. The scabs are yellow and pink and the skin around the scabs is pink.

Stage 3 of chickenpox on light brown skin with dark red scabs. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 2.

Light brown skin with stage 3 chickenpox spots and scabs. There are about 25 spots on a person's upper back.

Some spots are 1cm to 3cm apart, some are further apart. Most spots are flat, less than 5mm, and have dark red scabs. The skin around many of the scabs appears pink.

Stage 3 of chickenpox on medium brown skin with pink, purple and grey scabs. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 3.

Medium brown skin with stage 3 chickenpox spots. The spots cover the lower part of a person's back and the side of their hip.

There are about 50 spots in total, varying in size from about 1mm to 1cm. Some are 1cm to 3cm apart, but others are further apart.

Most of the spots have scabs over them. The scabs are pink, purple or grey. There are also a few spots without scabs, which look like small blisters. These are slightly darker in colour than the person's skin.

Other symptoms

Before or after the rash appears, you might also get:

  • a high temperature
  • aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
  • loss of appetite

Chickenpox is very itchy and can make children feel miserable, even if they do not have many spots.

The chickenpox spots look the same on children and adults. But adults usually have a high temperature for longer and more spots than children.

It's possible to get chickenpox more than once, but it's unusual.

How to treat chickenpox at home

Important: Stay off school or work

You'll need to stay away from school, nursery or work until all the spots have formed a scab. This is usually 5 days after the spots appeared.

Do

  • drink plenty of fluid (try ice lollies if your child is not drinking) to avoid dehydration

  • take paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort

  • cut your child's fingernails and put socks on their hands at night to stop them scratching

  • use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy

  • speak to a pharmacist about using antihistamine medicine to help itching

  • bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry (do not rub)

  • dress in loose clothes

Don’t

  • do not use ibuprofen unless advised to do so by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections

  • do not give aspirin to children under 16

  • do not go near newborn babies, or anyone who is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them

  • do not scratch the spots, as scratching can cause scarring

Information:

Find out more

Chickenpox

Itchy sores or blisters

The lower half of a child's face with red and yellow weepy sores on the nose and around the mouth caused by impetigo. Shown on white skin.
An example of the impetigo rash.
Impetigo on the chin. The patches are about 2cm wide, red and slightly orange, with darker scabs in the middle. Shown on brown skin.
An example of the impetigo rash.

Sores or blisters that burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches could be impetigo. The sores or blisters can be itchy, get bigger or spread to other parts of the body.

Speak to a GP if you think your child may have impetigo.

Impetigo symptoms and what to do

Check if you have impetigo

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters, but the redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

The sores or blisters quickly burst and often leave crusty, golden-brown patches.

The patches can:

  • look a bit like cornflakes stuck to your skin
  • get bigger and spread to other parts of your body
  • be itchy and are sometimes painful
The lower half of a child's face with red and yellow weepy impetigo sores on their nose and around their mouth. Shown on white skin.
The sores and blisters of impetigo commonly affect the face (around the nose and mouth) and hands.
3 patches of crusty, light-brown skin on a person’s chin from impetigo. They have a large, crusty patch underneath their lower lip. Shown on white skin.
After the blisters burst, you often have golden-brown crusty patches on your skin.
Impetigo on the chin. There a 2 patches that have dark brown scabs in the middle surrounded by lighter areas of weeping skin. Shown on medium brown skin.
Sometimes yellow liquid oozes from the blisters and hardens to leave a scaly border around a scab. This is called bullous impetigo.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you or your child:

  • might have impetigo
  • has had treatment for impetigo but the symptoms have changed or become worse
  • had impetigo before and it keeps coming back

Impetigo is very infectious. Check with the GP before you go into the surgery. They may suggest a phone consultation.

Information:

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Impetigo

Small and very itchy spots

A child's feet with many dark red spots from scabies. Some spots have redness around them. Shown on white skin.
An example of the scabies rash.

Very itchy raised spots could be caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin (scabies). There may be raised lines with a dot at one end, often first appearing between the fingers.

Scabies can usually be treated at home.

Scabies symptoms and what to do

Check if it's scabies

The symptoms of scabies are:

  • intense itching, especially at night
  • a raised rash or spots

The spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them.

White skin with a line of tiny bumps and a dot at one end.
Tiny mites lay eggs in the skin, leaving lines with a dot at one end.
A hand with white skin, with a red rash in between the fingers and across the back of the hand.
The rash can appear anywhere, but is common between the fingers.
A rash with many small red spots, on white skin.
The rash may then spread and turn into tiny spots. This may look red on white skin.
A rash with many small dark spots on a hand with brown skin.
The rash may leave dark spots on the skin. This may look darker than your usual skin colour on brown or black skin.

The scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck. It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom.

However, older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms and soles of their feet.

People with a weakened immune system can sometimes get a rare and very contagious type of scabies, called crusted scabies. The main symptom is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet.

A pharmacist can help with scabies

Scabies is not usually a serious condition, but it does need to be treated.

A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion that you apply over your whole body. It's important to read the instructions carefully.

Let the pharmacist know if you're breastfeeding or pregnant.

You'll need to repeat the treatment 1 week later.

Scabies is very infectious, but it can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear.

Everyone in your home needs to be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms. But do not use pharmacy treatments on children under 2 years old, they will need to see a GP.

Anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past 8 weeks should also be treated.

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Scabies

Rash without fever or itching

Tiny spots on a baby's face

Lots of white spots on a baby's nose. The spots are very small and close together. Shown on white skin.
An example of the milia rash.

Very small spots, called milia, often appear on a baby's face when they're a few days old. The spots usually appear on their nose but can also be on other parts of the face, inside their mouth, or on their scalp or chest.

Milia can also affect older babies and children, with spots on their eyelids, forehead or nappy area.

The spots may appear white or yellow, depending on your child's skin colour.

In young babies, they usually go away within a few weeks and do not need treatment. In older children milia might last longer.

Red, yellow and white spots in babies

A red, spotty rash all over a baby's face. Some spots are in clusters. Shown on white skin.
An example of the erythema toxicum rash.

Raised red, yellow and white spots (erythema toxicum) are common on babies in the first few weeks after birth. They usually appear on the face, body, upper arms and thighs.

The rash can disappear and reappear. It should get better in a few weeks without treatment.

Skin-coloured or pink spots

Raised, skin-coloured, fluid-filled spots from molluscum contagiosum. They’re 1mm to 5mm. Shown on medium brown skin.
An example of the molluscum contagiosum rash.
About 20 raised, pink to brown spots caused by molluscum contagiosum. Shown on white skin.
An example of the molluscum contagiosum rash.

Small, firm, raised spots could be molluscum contagiosum. The spots can be the same colour as surrounding skin, darker than surrounding skin, or pink.

You can usually treat molluscum contagiosum at home.

Molluscum contagiosum symptoms and what to do

Check if it's molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is more common in children, but anyone can get it.

Usually, the only symptom of molluscum contagiosum is spots.

A close-up of circular, red spots up to 5mm wide on white skin. Some spots are raised with a shiny white centre and some have a small hole or dimple in the middle.
The spots are about 2 to 5mm wide and usually appear together. They are raised and dome-shaped with a shiny white dimple in the middle.
A child’s neck and torso showing many raised red spots, especially in the folds of the neck (shown on light brown skin).
Children with the infection often get spots on their body and in or around folds of skin (groin, behind the knee and armpits).
A close-up of the pubic area with small red spots (shown on white skin).
In adults where the infection is spread through sexual contact, spots may be around the lower tummy, genital area and thighs.
A close-up of the side of a person’s face showing raised spots near the eye (shown on dark brown skin).
Someone with a weakened immune system may get spots on the face, around the eyes or have many or bigger spots.

How to look after yourself or your child

The spots caused by molluscum contagiosum are usually harmless and should clear up within 18 months without needing treatment.

Molluscum contagiosum is contagious. It is usually passed on by direct skin to skin contact.

The chance of passing it on to other people during normal activities is small so you or your child should be able to carry on with your normal activities. If you are not sure, check with a GP.

There are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of the infection spreading and help ease any symptoms.

Do

  • try things to help with dryness and itchy skin, such as holding a damp towel against the skin, having cool baths or using an unperfumed moisturiser regularly

  • keep the affected area covered, including using waterproof bandages if you go swimming

  • use a condom while having sex if you are infected

Don’t

  • do not squeeze or scratch the spots, as it could cause an infection or scarring

  • do not share baths or things such as towels, bedding or clothes

Information:

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Molluscum contagiosum

Red patches on a baby's bottom

Rash on a baby's bottom. There is 1 very red patch. The skin surrounding that area is pink. Shown on white skin.
An example of nappy rash.

If your baby has a red and sore bottom, it could be nappy rash.

Nappy rash can usually be treated at home.

Nappy rash symptoms and what to do

Check if your baby has nappy rash

Symptoms of nappy rash can include:

  • red or raw patches on your baby’s bottom or the whole nappy area
  • skin that looks sore and feels hot to touch
  • scaly and dry skin
  • an itchy or painful bottom
  • your baby seeming uncomfortable or distressed
  • spots, pimples, or blisters on bottom (spots can appear red or brown, but may be less noticeable on brown and black skin)
Nappy rash on a baby with white skin. The skin around the bottom is red and blotchy.

Things you can do to help with nappy rash

Nappy rash can be treated and prevented by following some simple advice.

Do

  • change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible

  • keep the skin clean and dry – pat or rub the skin gently to dry it

  • leave nappies off when possible

  • use extra absorbent nappies

  • make sure your baby's nappies fit properly

  • clean your baby's skin with water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes

  • bath your baby daily (but not more than twice a day, as washing too much can make the skin dry out)

Don’t

  • do not use soaps, baby lotion or bubble bath as they can irritate the skin

  • do not use talcum powder or antiseptics on nappy rash

  • do not put nappies on too tightly as it can irritate the skin

A pharmacist can help with nappy rash

If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, a pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream or medicine to treat it at home.

They may suggest using a thin layer of a barrier cream to protect the skin or giving your baby child's paracetamol for pain relief (only suitable for babies over 2 months old).

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Nappy rash

Pimples on the cheeks and forehead

A few small pink acne spots on a baby’s cheeks. Shown on white skin.
An example of baby acne (neonatal acne).

Spots that appear on a baby's upper body, scalp, cheeks, forehead and chin up to 6 weeks after birth could be baby acne (neonatal acne).

You do not need to treat baby acne. It usually gets better after a few weeks or months.

Yellow, scaly patches on the scalp

Yellow crusty patches on a baby's head. Some are larger than others. Shown on light brown skin.
An example of cradle cap.

Yellow or white, greasy, scaly patches on your baby's scalp could be cradle cap.

Cradle cap can usually be treated at home.

Cradle cap symptoms and what to do

Check if your baby has cradle cap

The main symptom of cradle cap is patches of greasy, scaly skin.

It's usually found on the scalp and face, but sometimes affects the nappy area. It can look like:

  • patches of white or yellow greasy scales on the scalp and face that form a crust which might flake off
  • small, dry flakes of skin on the nappy area

The scales look similar on all skin tones. But the skin under the scales may look pink or red if your baby has white skin, or lighter or darker than the surrounding skin if your baby has brown or black skin.

It is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby.

The cause of cradle cap is not clear, but it cannot be caught from other babies.

Here is an image gallery with images and detailed descriptions. Select an image tab to get the bigger version of the image and to access the description.
Pale yellow cradle cap crusts on the scalp of a baby with white skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 1.

Cradle cap on the scalp of a baby with white skin and dark brown hair.

A pale yellow crust covers the top of the head. The crust ends at the hairline, just above the forehead. The crust has many scales of skin, many of which join together. There are no scales on the forehead.

Pink and brown patches of cradle cap on the scalp of a baby with medium brown skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 2.

Cradle cap on the scalp of a baby with medium brown skin and black hair.

A large oval area on the top of the head looks pink with many pale brown patches. There are also many pale yellow, flaky scales. At the edge of the patch of cradle cap, closest to the forehead, the scales are close together and form a crust. There's also a crust at the top of the head, with hair covering it.

Patch of cradle cap on the scalp of a baby with white skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 3.

Cradle cap on the scalp of a baby with white skin and pale brown hair.

An oval-shape patch of cradle cap spreads from the forehead to the top of the head. The skin in this area looks pink with many greasy, pale yellow scales. Most scales are close together, forming a crust, but some scales are further apart.

There's a small, round, darker pink patch of cradle cap on the head, in the lower left part of the image.

Raised yellow cradle cap crusts on the eyebrows of a baby with white skin. A long description is available next.
Long description, image 4.

Cradle cap on the face of a baby with white skin.

A raised crust of yellow scales covers the inner corners of each eyebrow. The crust is thickest towards the middle of their face. The eyebrow on the right side of the photo has a 2nd, smaller patch of crusty scales at the end.

The forehead and cheeks are covered in many tiny pink spots.

Things you can do to help with cradle cap

Do

  • lightly massage an emollient (moisturiser) on to your baby's scalp to help loosen the scales

  • gently brush your baby's scalp with a soft brush and then wash it with baby shampoo

Don’t

  • do not use olive oil, it may not be suitable for use on skin

  • do not use peanut oil (because of the allergy risk)

  • do not use soap or adult shampoos

  • do not pick crusts because this can increase the chance of infection

Information:

Your baby's hair may come away with the scales. Do not worry if this happens as it will soon grow back.

A pharmacist can help with cradle cap

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • an emollient you can use on your baby's scalp
  • unperfumed baby shampoos
  • barrier creams to use on your baby's nappy area, if it's also affected
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Cradle cap

Page last reviewed: 03 October 2024
Next review due: 03 October 2027