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Rashes, Localized and Cause Unknown


 

Symptom Definition


  • 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.

See More Appropriate Topic for a Non-Itchy Rash If


  • NEWBORN RASHES.
  • DIAPER RASH.  
  • HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE.
  • IMPETIGO (Infected Sores). (To go directly to these topics, click on the links following this document.)
     

See More Appropriate Topic for an Itchy Rash If


  • ATHLETE'S FOOT.
  • INSECT BITE.    
  • POISON IVY.
  • RINGWORM. (To go directly to these topics, click on the links following this document.)    

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)


  • 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 less than 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.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If


  • You have other questions or concerns.
  • Pimples
  • Peeling fingers.
  • Rash lasts for more 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).  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 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 for more than 1 week.
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.


Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCall Online. Copyright © 2000-2003 Barton Schmitt, M.D.FAAP
Reviewed 8/2003
Revised 8/2003

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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.


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(650) 497-8000


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