Childhood rashes, skin
conditions and infections: photos
Concerned about a rash that's appeared on your baby's skin? View
our slide show to see the most common childhood rashes and skin conditions, and
learn how to treat them.
Share
·
1
/ 40
Oh no what's that?"
you may ask. One day your baby's skin is clear and smooth his eyes are bright
and his mouth and ears are free of infection. But on the next day there's a
mystery rash swelling or discharge. Don't despair we're here to help. View our
slideshow to see the most common childhood rashes skin conditions and
infections and learn how to treat them.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
·
2
/ 40
Baby
acne
If your baby has acne,
he may have it at birth, but it usually shows up after a couple of weeks. It
looks like small pimples or whiteheads, surrounded by reddish skin. The pimples
are likely to appear on your baby's cheeks, but may also appear on his
forehead, chin, and back.
Your baby's acne can become more pronounced when he is hot or fussy, or if his
skin is irritated by saliva, milk residue, or fabric that's rough or that's
been washed in strong detergent.
Baby acne will go away on its own without any treatment, but it can take
several months.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. P. Marazzi / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
3
/ 40
Bee
sting
A bee sting can be very
painful. The area around a sting can quickly become red, swollen, and itchy,
which can be uncomfortable for your baby.
To minimise the amount of venom entering your baby's
skin, try to remove the stinger as quickly as possible. Flick it out with your
nail or the edge of a credit card. Do not squeeze the sting as this could push
more venom in.
Treat the red swelling by placing a cool flannel or an ice bag wrapped in a tea
towel over the affected area. If your baby is older than three months, you
could give her some infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. Check the
dosage and ask a pharmacist for advice if you are unsure how much to give.
If your baby is in a lot of pain take her to see your GP. Read more about insect bites and stings and how to treat them.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
4
/ 40
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a
bacterial infection that causes the eyelash follicles at the base of the eyelid
to become inflamed.
Blepharitis can make your baby's eyelashes appear crusty or greasy. He may lose
some of his eyelashes, too. Your baby's eyelid may also burn or itch, and he
may be upset and cry a lot.
Blepharitis may look bad but it won't damage your baby's eye.
To ease your baby's discomfort bathe your baby's eyelid twice every day with a
warm compress. If his eye doesn't improve after a week or so of regular
cleaning take him to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic
ointment. Find out more about blepharitis and other eye problems.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
5
/ 40
Chalazion
If your baby's eyelid
looks like there's a bump under it, he may have a chalazion.
This is a painless bump or cyst that can appear under the upper or lower
eyelid. The cyst is caused by an inflamed tear duct or eyelash gland.
A chalazion is usually more annoying than painful for
your baby. It should go away on its own after a month or so. In the meantime,
keep his eye clean by bathing it with a warm compress twice a day for five
minutes to 10 minutes. If your baby still has a chalazion
after a month, see your doctor. Find out more about chalazions and other
eye problems.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
6
/ 40
Chickenpox
The first symptoms of
chickenpox can include:
A chickenpox rash starts as little red spots that develop tiny fluid-filled
blisters in a few hours. They will show on your baby's face and then spread to
her body appearing in crops. There may be so many spots that they join up or
there may be just a few. They may be most sore on her scalp genitals and in her
mouth.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has chickenpox. She will confirm
that this is what it is. Chickenpox is a virus so it will go away on its own in
a few days. You can help your baby recover by making sure she gets plenty of
rest and giving her paracetamol and extra fluids to bring down her fever. You
can also treat the spots with calamine lotion.
Read our chickenpox article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Scott Camazine / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
7
/ 40
Chickenpox
The first symptoms of
chickenpox can include:
A chickenpox rash starts as little red spots that develop tiny fluid-filled
blisters in a few hours. They will show on your baby's face and then spread to
her body appearing in crops. There may be so many spots that they join up or
there may be just a few. They may be most sore on her scalp genitals and in her
mouth.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has chickenpox. She will confirm
that this is what it is. Chickenpox is a virus so it will go away on its own in
a few days. You can help your baby recover by making sure she gets plenty of
rest and giving her paracetamol and extra fluids to bring down her fever. You
can also treat the spots with calamine lotion.
Read our chickenpox article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
8
/ 40
Cold
sores
The first time your baby
gets a cold sore, he'll start off with swollen gums and a sore mouth, which
will make him drool. A few days later, you'll see a cluster of small blisters
on or near his lips that turn into a painful sore, possibly along with a fever and
swollen lymph glands in his neck.
In a few days the sore will crust over and slowly disappear. The flare-up will
last between five days and 10 days. Your baby may not feel like eating or
drinking so you'll need to check that he's not getting dehydrated.
The next time your baby has an outbreak the first symptom will be the
blisters.
To ease your baby's pain apply ice to the sore or give him a dose of infant
paracetamol suspension. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-viral medicine if the
symptoms are bad. Read our cold
sores article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Photo courtesy of CDC / Dr. Herrmann.
·
9
/ 40
Cradle
cap
If your baby has cradle
cap, it will look like a very bad case of dandruff. It is common in newborns,
and can show up as a red area on your baby's scalp, covered with greasy,
yellow, scaly patches. Over time the scales can start to become flaky so they rub
off easily, just like dandruff, but often with bits of your baby's hair
attached.
Cradle cap can cover the whole of your baby's scalp. It can also appear on your
baby's face and neck, and around her nappy area, armpits, and nose.
You can treat your baby's cradle cap at home by washing her hair regularly and
using a soft brush to loosen the flakes. Read our cradle
cap article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Chris Priest / Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
10
/ 40
Eczema
If your baby has eczema,
he may have dry, itchy, red, and cracked areas of skin, which can sometimes
ooze fluid and bleed. Your baby may have eczema on his hands, face, neck,
elbows, and the backs of his knees. Eczema usually occurs in flare-ups. Your
baby's skin may have red and itchy patches of skin most of the time, but during
flare-ups these areas worsen and may need more intensive treatment.
Eczema is usually a childhood condition and should clear up by the time your
baby is in his teens. Read our eczema article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
11
/ 40
Erythema
toxicum
If your baby has
erythema toxicum, it will appear on her skin as red
spots with small yellow or white pustules in the middle. Newborns often get
this rash about two days to five days after birth.
Erythema toxicum can appear anywhere on your baby's
body, apart from the palms of her hands or the soles of her feet. It should
disappear on its own in around two weeks.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Photo courtesy of the CDC.
·
12
/ 40
Folliculitis
If your baby has
folliculitis, he will have pustules around some of his hair follicles. These
may then crust over. The pustules usually appear in crops, and your baby may
have them on his neck, arms, legs, armpits, and bottom. Folliculitis is rare in
children under two years old.
Take your baby to the
doctor if you think he has folliculitis. Your doctor may prescribe an
antibiotic cream.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
13
/ 40
Hand,
foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
The symptoms of hand,
foot and mouth disease (HFMD) include:
The small blister-like sores will appear in your baby's mouth and on her hands
and feet. They may also spread up her legs and on to her bottom. The blisters
may be extremely sore. Those in your baby's mouth may make it painful for her
to eat or drink so be careful to keep her hydrated.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has hand foot and mouth disease.
Hand foot and mouth disease is a virus so it will go away on its own in a few
days. You can help your baby recover by making sure she gets plenty of rest and
giving her paracetamol and extra fluids to bring down her fever.
Read our hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) article for
more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science Source.
All Rights Reserved.
·
14
/ 40
Hand,
foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
The symptoms of hand,
foot and mouth disease (HFMD) include:
The small blister-like sores will appear in your baby's mouth and on her hands
and feet. They may also spread up her legs and on to her bottom. The blisters may
be extremely sore. Those in your baby's mouth may make it painful for her to
eat or drink so be careful to keep her hydrated.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has hand foot and mouth disease.
Hand foot and mouth disease is a virus so it will go away on its own in a few
days. You can help your baby recover by making sure she gets plenty of rest and
giving her paracetamol and extra fluids to bring down her fever.
Read our hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) article for
more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
15
/ 40
Hives
If your baby has hives,
his rash may develop in the following way:
o Small
raised patches known as wheals about 1cm to 2cm wide that develop suddenly.
o These
wheals can be red or white and are itchy and surrounded by an area of redness.
o Wheals
may join together with others making the rash look extensive.
Your baby's hives will go away on their own in a few hours or days. You can
help to ease any swelling and itchiness with some calamine lotion or
antihistamine cream. Read our hives
article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
16
/ 40
Impetigo
Your baby's impetigo
will first appear as blisters around her nose and mouth, but it can spread to
other parts of her body. Depending on the type of impetigo, the blisters may be
tiny and burst easily, or be larger and take a few days to burst.
Once the blisters have burst and dried, a scabby tan or yellow-brown crust will
form. The crusts will gradually heal and won't leave scars.
Impetigo isn't usually painful, but it can be itchy. Your baby may also have a
temperature and swollen lymph glands in her face or neck.
See your doctor if you think your baby has impetigo as it is very infectious.
Your baby will need antibiotics to clear up the infection. Read our impetigo
article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
17
/ 40
Infective
conjunctivitis
A pink watery eye may be a sign of
conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines your baby's eyelids
and covers the white part of his eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergy or
an infection.
Infective conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection and it is
very contagious.
Other signs of conjunctivitis may include:
o a
sticky eye
o redness
and soreness
o a
yellow crust around the eyelid or a yellow discharge
If your baby has infective conjunctivitis bathe his eye with warm water and
cotton wool regularly. Make sure he uses seperate towels
and flannels to the rest of your family.
If your baby is under a month old and he has conjunctivitis take him to see
your GP straight away. Conjunctivitis in young babies may be due to a more
serious infection such as chlamydia.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
18
/ 40
Jaundice
About half of all babies
develop a yellowish tinge to their skin in the first few days after birth. If
your baby has dark skin, you are more likely to notice a yellow tinge to the
white of his eyes, or on the palms of his hands or soles of his feet.
If your baby was born full term, it will usually take up to a week for his skin
and eye colour to return to normal. It may take a bit
longer if he was born early. Read our jaundice
article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
19
/ 40
Lyme
disease
Sometimes, a tick bite
can lead to lyme disease.
This is a serious bacterial infection that needs prompt treatment. If your baby
is bitten by a tick, look out for a spreading rash or ring around the site of
the bite. If you spot this, take your baby to your GP.
Find out how to remove a tick on your baby.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
20
/ 40
Measles
If your baby has
measles, his first symptoms can include:
o runny
nose
o fever of
about 38 degrees C
o cough
o sore
red swollen eyes
o small
white spots in his mouth
Three days or four days after these symptoms you will notice red spots behind
your baby's ears and on his face and neck. As the rash appears his fever may
rise. The spots will spread over his body and develop a bumpy texture. The rash
may be itchy and will last about five days. As it fades it turns a brownish colour.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think he has measles. Measles is a virus so
it will go away on its own in a few days or so. You can help your baby recover
by making sure he gets plenty of rest and giving him paracetamol and extra
fluids to bring down his fever.
Read our measles article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Lowell Georgia / Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
21
/ 40
Milia
Milia
are tiny, white spots that may appear on your baby's face, usually across her
nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, or around her eyes. Milia
look raised, but if you touch them, they will feel smooth.
They normally appear a couple of weeks after birth because the oil glands on
your baby's face are still developing. Your baby's milia
spots should clear up on their own within a month or six weeks.
Read our milia article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
22
/ 40
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum
contagiosum appears as small, round, shiny, pearly
white or pinkish spots. There are usually no more than 20 spots, and each spot
has either a dimple in the middle or a tiny pus-filled head. They can range in
size from 1mm to 10mm across and can grow over several weeks.
Your baby is most likely to get the spots on his belly and chest, or on the
inside of his joints, such as on his inner elbows and behind his knees. He may
also get them around his bottom and genitals. Rarely, molluscum
contagiosum breaks out almost anywhere, including in
the mouth and on the eyelids.
Molluscum contagiosum
usually clears up within 18 months without treatment. If the pimples are
itching, bleeding, or making your baby uncomfortable, see your doctor.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
23
/ 40
Mosquito
bite
A mosquito bite can
leave an itchy, raised bump on your baby's skin. These can be very
uncomfortable for your baby. Use a cold compress to soothe the itching, and
then try to stop your baby from scratching the bite. Keep her nails short so
that she can't scratch too hard. If you want to, you could try soothing the
itching with some calamine lotion.
Your baby won't need to see a doctor with a mosquito bite, but if it becomes
infected, take your baby to the GP. Signs of infection are:
o a
growing area of redness
o swelling
o pus
o your
baby's skin feels warm to the touch
Find out more about treating insect bites and stings.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Voisin / Phanie
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
24
/ 40
Nappy
rash
Nappy rash causes a red
puffy rash around your baby's genitals, bottom, and the folds of her thighs.
The rash can sometimes look pimply, and may be either dry or moist. Your baby may
often get nappy rash during her first year, and wetness is the main
cause.
The best remedy is to keep your baby clean and dry by changing her nappy
frequently. Read our nappy rash article for more
information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
25
/ 40
Nappy
rash (yeast)
Your baby can get a
yeast nappy rash if he has thrush as it can pass through his digestive system to
his bottom. A yeast nappy rash can also happen if your baby is taking
antibiotics as they kill the good bacteria that normally keep the yeast in
check.
The rash will begin as tiny red spots that multiply and mass into a solid red
blotch which may include pus-filled bumps.
Your baby may need a hydrocortisone or antifungal cream to get rid of the rash
which your doctor can prescribe. Read our nappy
rash article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2010 Photo Researchers Inc. All Rights Reserved.
·
26
/ 40
Oral
thrush
White spots or patches
in your baby's mouth may be a sign of thrush. These patches will look a little
like cottage cheese or milk curds. Your baby's mouth will probably be quite
sore and she may be reluctant to feed.
If you think your baby may have thrush, take her to your GP. She may prescribe
an oral antifungal treatment to treat the thrush. Find out more about thrush in babies.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
27
/ 40
Ear
infection (otitis media)
Pus coming out of your
baby's ear is a sure sign of an ear infection. Your baby will probably also
have a fever and be generally unwell.
Your baby's ear infection was probably caused by a cold which
caused her middle ear to swell. This created the ideal environment for bacteria
to grow and multiply.
Most ear infections clear up on their own but it's a good idea to take your
baby to your GP if:
o your
baby is under three months
o she
is in a lot of pain
o symptoms
do not get better after 24 hours
o there
is discharge from your baby's ear
o both
ears are infected
Find out more about ear
infections in babies.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
28
/ 40
Papular urticaria
If your baby has papular urtucaria, you will
notice small, raised patches of skin around the site of an old insect bite.
These patches then turn into firm reddish-brown bumps and are usually very
itchy.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has papular
urticaria. Your baby may need an antihistamine or
steroid cream. It can take up to six weeks to disappear.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
29
/ 40
Poison
ivy, oak and sumac
If your baby comes into
contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac trees, he may have an allergic reaction
that will cause a rash. The rash will appear on your baby's skin as swollen,
red patches, which will develop into blisters a day or two later. The blisters
will crust over after few days, but they will be very itchy in the meantime.
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac rashes will get better on their own within around 14
days to 20 days. If you're worried about your baby's rash, see your doctor.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections,
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash, swelling, or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Scott Camazine / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
30
/ 40
Ringworm
If your baby has
ringworm, she will have a rash of one or several red rings on her chest,
stomach, thighs, or back. The rings will be crusty or scaly on the outside and
smooth in the middle. They may also feel itchy. As the fungus grows, the rings
get larger, ranging in size from a few millimetres to
a few centimetres.
Ringworm can also affect your baby's scalp. It can be dry and crusty, or moist
and filled with pus. It is easy to confuse ringworm with dandruff or cradle
cap.
Your baby's ringworm should clear up if you treat it with an over-the-counter
antifungal cream the kind adults use for athlete's foot. Read our ringworm
article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
31
/ 40
Roseola
The first symptoms of
roseola include:
Your baby may also have a loss of appetite listlessness or irritability. His
fever may last for three days to four days before suddenly disappearing. Once
the fever subsides a pinkish-red spotty rash appears. It will start on your
baby's chest and tummy and may spread to his neck and other areas. It will fade
within a few hours to two days.
Take your baby to the doctor if you think he has roseola. She will confirm that
the rash really is roseola. Roseola is a virus so it will go away on its own in
a few days or so. You can help your baby recover by making sure he gets plenty
of rest and giving him paracetamol and extra fluids to bring down his fever.
Read our roseola article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Scott Camazine / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
32
/ 40
Rubella
(German measles)
The first sign of
rubella is flat, pinkish-red spots that first appear on your baby's face and
neck, and then spread elsewhere on her body. The spots may then merge to form
evenly coloured patches.
Other symptoms can include:
o a fever of
38 degrees C or less that lasts about 24 hours
o stuffy
or runny nose
o red
inflamed eyes
o swollen
lymph nodes at the base of her skull behind her ears and at the back of her
neck
Take your baby to the doctor if you think she has rubella. Rubella is a virus
so it will go away on its own in a few days or so. You can help your baby
recover by making sure she gets plenty of rest and giving her paracetamol and
extra fluids to bring down her fever.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. P. Marazzi / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
33
/ 40
Scabies
If your baby gets
scabies, he'll develop an extremely itchy rash. It will appear as scattered red
bumps, usually between your baby's fingers, around his wrists, on the outside
of his elbows, and on his armpits, belly and genitals. It may also show up on
his scalp, face, kneecaps, the palms of his hands, and on the sides and soles
of his feet.
If
your baby has scabies see your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe a cream that
you'll need to spread over every bit of your baby's body from the neck down.
Even parts of the body that don't seem to be infected must be treated, so don't
skip them.
Read our scabies article for more information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. P. Marazzi / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
34
/ 40
Scarlet
fever
If your baby has scarlet
fever, her first symptoms will be:
A red rash with a sandpapery texture develops 12 hours and 48 hours after this.
It will start in one place and then spread over your baby's body. The rash will
fade to white when you apply pressure on her skin.
Your baby will need antibiotics if she has scarlet fever so take her to the
doctor.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science
Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
35
/ 40
Slapped
cheek
If your baby has slapped
cheek disease, he will have a blotchy red rash on his cheeks. A red, lacy-like
rash may also appear on his body and limbs. He may have a slight fever and feel
achy and flu-like. Or he may have no other symptoms at all.
Read our slapped cheek disease article for more
information.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. H.C. Robinson / Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
36
/ 40
Stye
A stye
is a boil that has developed at the base of an eyelash. This usually happens
because the eyelash root has become infected by bacteria.
The first sign your baby has a stye is when a red bump
appears at the edge of his eyelid. The bump will then get larger and eventually
burst after a few days, probably when he's sleeping. Your baby's stye
may be uncomfortable but it shouldn't cause him any trouble. It will go away on
its own in a week or so.
To encourage the stye to burst put a warm compress
over your baby's eye. Do this three times or four times a day until the stye starts to go down or seeps a little pus. Never try to
pierce or squeeze the stye because it could cause
infection.
If the stye doesn't get better after two weeks or if
your baby keeps getting styes take him to your
doctor. Find out more about styes and other eye
problems.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Western Ophthalmic Hospital / Science Source. All Rights
Reserved.
·
37
/ 40
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an
inflammation of the tonsils, the almond-shaped lymph nodes that bulge out on
both sides of the back of the throat. The tonsils filter out germs in the
throat, but if they become infected, it can cause the tonsils to swell.
Besides difficulty swallowing and refusing to eat, signs that your child may have
tonsillitis include:
o a
persistent sore throat
o ear pain
o snoring
or breathing through the mouth while sleeping
o fever or
chills
o swollen
glands in the neck and jaw
o loss
of voice
o headache
o drooling
o white
spots on the tonsils
Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus and should clear up on its own. Make
sure you baby has plenty of rest and fluids. If he is older than three months
you can give him infant paracetamol or ibuprofen to numb the pain.
However if your baby is in a lot of pain or the symptoms are severe take him to
your GP. Find out more about tonsillitis.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
38
/ 40
Ulcer
Mouth ulcers tend to
appear in the inside of the cheek or on the inside of the lips. They can be
very sore and uncomfortable.
An ulcer is usually white, grey, red, or yellow, and there may be a swollen red
ring around it. Your baby may have got an ulcer from accidently biting his
cheek or lip, or perhaps a sharp piece of food cut your baby's mouth a little.
Illness or tiredness can also trigger ulcers.
Mouth ulcers usually clear up on their own within 10 days to 14 days. In the
meantime, a mouth ulcer can make eating uncomfortable for your baby, so try
feeding him softer foods that have no sharp edges. Brushing his teeth extra carefully will
also help.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P. Marazzi
/ Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
39
/ 40
Umbilical
hernia
A hernia is a lump that
varies in size under the skin, in the tummy or groin. A hernia happens because
your baby's muscles haven't developed fully. An umbilical hernia occurs around
the tummy button and is more common in some ethnic groups, particularly babies
of African descent.
Most umbilical hernias go away on their own as your child grows and his muscles
become stronger. They do not usually cause a problem. Your doctor will only
recommend surgery to repair the hernia if it doesn't go away, or if it is very
large. Find out more about hernias
and their treatment.
Note: This gallery is here to illustrate common conditions and infections
not to diagnose. Always see your doctor if your child has a rash swelling or
discharge.
Image Copyright © 2014 SPL / Science Source. All Rights Reserved.
·
40
/ 40
Warts
If your baby has common warts, they're most likely to appear on
her hands, especially around her nails or where her skin has been broken. They
look like raised, grainy bumps. The bumps will probably be the same colour as your baby's skin, but they may also be lighter or
darker. The warts often contain one or more little black dots.
There are other types of warts, too:
o Flat
warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They are most likely to
appear on your baby's face.
o Plantar
warts. These are likely to appear on the soles of your baby's feet and can be
quite painful.
Most warts will go away without treatment within a couple of months although
some can take two years or three years. Warts can be removed if they bother
your baby so talk to your doctor.