Rash or Redness - Localized And Cause Unknown

DEFINITION

• Rash on one small part of the body (localized or clustered)
• Red or pink rash
• Small spots, large spots or solid red
• Includes localized areas of redness or skin irritation

• Main cause: skin contact with some irritant.
• Other common causes: 7 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed below. If you suspect one of them, go there. If not, use this guideline.

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

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• ATHLETE'S FOOT (itchy pink rash between the toes)
• INSECT BITE
• POISON IVY
• RINGWORM (round pink patch, slowly increasing in size)

• NEWBORN RASHES
• DIAPER RASH
• IMPETIGO (Infected Sores) (small sores covered by soft yellow scabs)

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES

1. Reassurance: New localized rashes are usually due to skin contact with an irritating substance.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Steroid Cream: If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) 4 times per day. (EXCEPTION: suspected ringworm)
6. Avoid Scratching: Encourage your child not to scratch. Cut the fingernails short.
7. Contagiousness: Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any child care or school.
8. Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
9. 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.