Rash - Localized And Cause Unknown

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DEFINTION

• Rash on one part of the body (localized or clustered).
• Red or pink rash.
• Small spots, large spots or solid red.

Causes

• Main cause: skin contact with some irritant.
• Other common causes: 8 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed below. If you suspect one of them, go there. If not, use this guideline.

Return to School

•  Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

For an itchy rash:

• ATHLETE'S FOOT
• INSECT BITE
• POISON IVY
• RINGWORM

For an non-itchy rash:

• NEWBORN RASHES
• DIAPER RASH
• HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE
• IMPETIGO (Infected Sores)

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

• Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick.
• Purple or blood-colored spots or dots that's not from injury or friction.
• Bright red area or red streak (but not sunburn).
• Rash area is very painful.
• Age under 1 month old and tiny water blisters (like chickenpox).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Severe itching or fever is present
• Looks like a boil, infected sore, pimples or other infected rash
• Teenager with genital area rash
• Lyme disease suspected (bull’s eye rash, tick bite or exposure)

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Pimples
• Peeling fingers
• Rash longer than 7 days

Parent Care at Home If

• Mild localized rash and you don't think your child needs to be seen.

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES

1. Avoid the Cause:
   • Try to find the cause.
   • Consider irritants like a plant (e.g., poison ivy), chemicals (e.g., solvents or insecticides), fiberglass, detergents, a new cosmetic, or new jewelry (e.g., nickel).
   • A pet may be the intermediary (e.g., with poison ivy or oak) or your child may react directly to pet saliva.
2. Avoid Soap: Wash the area once thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants. Thereafter avoid soaps to this area. Cleanse the area when needed with warm water.
3. Local Cold: Apply a cold wet washcloth or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
4. Steroid Cream: If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) every 2 hours until it feels better, then 4 times per day. (EXCEPTION: suspected ringworm.)
5. Avoid Scratching: Encourage the child not to scratch. Cut the fingernails short.
6. Contagiousness: Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.
7. Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash spreads or becomes worse
   • Rash lasts over 1 week
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.