Large spots on the body of a child. Diseases that cause spots on the body of a child

Among the most obvious symptoms of various diseases are skin redness. The appearance of red spots on the body of a child or a rash should alert parents and force them to contact a pediatrician, since there are a lot of diseases that manifest themselves in this way, and it is impossible to carry out treatment without making a correct diagnosis.

We propose to consider the most common problems, the symptoms of which include the appearance of redness on the body.

When it comes not to an infectious disease, but to improper hygiene, the absence of temperature is quite common. In this case, the baby is restless, since intimate areas are most often affected and sitting and even lying down give him pain. Moms should pay attention to how often they wash their baby and what hygiene products they use.

And they are quite common in infants, since the delicate skin is irritated by prolonged contact with urine and feces that accumulate in the diaper. The use of special creams (Bepanten, etc.), as well as proper hygiene, will help to cope with the problem.

Now consider more serious infectious and allergic diseases, which, in addition to a skin rash, are characterized by a number of the symptoms described above and, if left untreated for a long time, can lead to a very deplorable outcome.

Chicken pox

The rash with such a disease does not have a specific localization, so it is possible to detect its elements even on the head and tongue. You can tell them apart by their appearance. Chickenpox vesicles are red spots that slightly protrude above the skin, which, after just a few hours, turn into vesicles with transparent, then cloudy contents. Their size is approximately 4-5 mm. After treatment with special means, the bubbles dry up and crusts form in their place.

Rubella

You can distinguish it from other ailments by knowing the main characteristics. So numerous small spots (from a size of 3-5 mm) appear on the first day of infection and literally in a matter of hours, spread throughout the body. Localization occurs according to the scheme: from top to bottom, while their greatest accumulation falls on the extensor surfaces of the arms and legs, and the buttocks also suffer greatly.

Scarlet fever

This disease manifests itself in the form of red or bright red dots, the size of which barely reaches a poppy seed, while the baby suffers from severe itching. The distribution area is the whole body, with the exception of the chin and the skin above the upper lip, forming the so-called white scarlatinal triangle.

Infectious erythema

At the beginning, it can be confused with the usual SARS, since the rash appears only for 2-3 days. spots look like bright red relief dots, which merge as they increase, forming brilliant and symmetrical red spots. First of all, the infection of the cheek affects, so often the baby looks like he received a strong slap in the face.

Roseola, sudden exanthema

This problem is typical for newborns. It looks like a sudden rise in temperature and fever, which recedes for 2-3 days, giving way to pink maculopapular rashes. They, in turn, are slightly raised above the surface of the skin and are concentrated on the neck, face and limbs.

Meningococcal infection

This problem is one of the most serious, because if not treated in time, it can lead to death.

Felinoz

It is the formation of small red scars mainly on the limbs, from which it received its second name - cat scratch disease (benign lymphoreticulosis).

herpetic infection

This kind of wounds appear on the lips, skin, oral mucosa (aphthous stomatitis) and look like small bubbles with cloudy contents.

Enteroviral vesicular stomatitis

It manifests itself as an increase in temperature for 1-3 days, followed by the formation of bubbles on the mucous membrane of the mouth, palms, feet, surrounded by a red halo.

Infectious mononucleosis

It looks like a sore throat, in which there is an increase in lymph nodes, nasal voice. A rash occurs when prescribing amoxicillin preparations (flemoxin, amoxiclav).

pseudotuberculosis and yersiniosis

Usually the patient has a high temperature, the stomach is disturbed, there is aches in the joints, diarrhea. All this is replaced by the appearance of a rash of various localization and shape, typically of the type of "socks", "gloves". After a few days, the skin flakes and falls off.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by a mite that makes microscopic passages in the thin skin of the interdigital spaces, wrists, abdomen, genitals and other parts of the body. In places of defeat there is a strong itching of the skin, suppuration.

molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is spots up to 0.5 cm in diameter, with an "umbilical" depression in the center, a pearly hue, when crushed, a curdled discharge is released.

allergic rash

Such a problem can occur after ingestion or direct contact with the allergen, so it is important to avoid such moments, or after the first rash on the body of the crumbs, stop using the alleged irritant and seek help from a specialist.

food allergy

Rash in diseases of the blood and blood vessels

Vesiculopustulosis

The appearance of small rough spots on the skin, many parents attribute to dryness. Roughness can appear on various parts of the body: on the face, on the limbs, on the head, behind the ears. Their appearance requires consultation with a pediatrician, who will help determine the cause of the problems. Today we will talk about the possible causes of dry skin, as well as offer the most effective and popular advice from doctors.

Rough red spots may be associated with excessive dryness of the child's skin (more in the article:)

Causes of spots

Why does the baby's skin become dry and spots appear:

Hormonal failure in the body of a newborn. It leads to the appearance of a red rash and roughness of the skin - this is how acne appears in infants (see also:). As soon as the hormones return to normal, and this usually happens by one and a half months, the baby's skin will again become clean and even.
Dry spots in a child may appear as a result of the negative influence of external factors:
- dry air and lack of fluid in the body;
- lack of vitamins;
- poor water quality or excessively drying bath decoctions (string, chamomile, oak bark);
- roughness appears under the influence of wind or frost (mostly exposed parts of the face and body suffer);
- too frequent use of shampoo: despite the high quality of the product, frequent washing can cause dry scalp;
- when a mother uses the powder too actively, she can unnecessarily dry out the delicate thin skin of the baby's buttocks.
Rough skin and round rough spots on the cheeks, elbows, knees, abdomen, buttocks, above the lip may be the result of internal diseases, one of which is congenital diabetes mellitus (we recommend reading:); congenital hypothyroidism (poor thyroid function): the epidermis is poorly updated due to slow metabolism, dryness in the form of light spots appears mainly on the knees and elbows.

Even too frequent bathing in herbs can dry out the baby's skin (see also:)

The reason may lie in the genetic pathology. Such hereditary manifestations of roughness make themselves felt at the age of 2-3, usually not later than 6 years:

Ichthyosis. Cells become horny as a result of mutations at the gene level: overdried skin becomes covered with white or gray scales over time, as a result, the whole body becomes covered with “fish scales”. Internal problems are also added to skin problems: malfunctions of organs, metabolic disorders. Photos of white scales can be found on the Internet.
Hyperkeratosis. The epidermis thickens excessively, the skin becomes horny. Most often, these anomalies are fixed on the hips, feet, elbows and head. What is the cause of this disease? Scientists cannot give a definite answer yet. In addition to hereditary predisposition, other factors are also important: lack of vitamins E, C and A, dry skin, the consequences of taking hormonal drugs, stressful situations, hormonal imbalance during adolescence puberty, too long exposure to ultraviolet rays, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the result of exposure to cleaning products, washing, washing.
Helminthiases.
Atopic or exudative dermatitis. It is he who in most cases is the culprit of bright pink and rough cheeks and butts. The appearance of rough white or red spots above the lip and on other parts of the body is his “hands”. The root cause of this disease is allergic reactions.

Factors affecting the appearance of dermatitis

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If a pregnant woman takes hormonal drugs or other drugs, and also uses vitamin complexes without prescription, smokes, in most cases a child who is born will be more susceptible to various kinds of allergies, the appearance of scaly reddish, light or colorless spots on her forehead, cheek, stomach, legs. You can strengthen the baby's body, protect it from allergies with the help of breastfeeding. A nursing mother should not forget about the importance of a complete and balanced diet, which completely excludes smoked meats, spicy and fatty foods, seasonings and spices.
Genetic predispositions should be studied along all lines - both mother and father. Perhaps someone in the family had allergic diseases: urticaria or bronchial asthma.
The body can give a negative response to a variety of allergens:
nutrition (including adapted formulas and breast milk, a little later - a reaction to sweets);
synthetic clothing (may appear formations on the elbows and knees);
cleaners and detergents (powders, soap, shampoo, etc.) can cause dry, reddening spots on the wrists;
wool of cats, dogs and other domestic animals;
tobacco smoke (when adults smoke in the house);
aquarium fish and food for them.

The cause of the skin reaction may be an allergy to pet hair.
Dry spots in a child as a sign of an allergy can appear locally, for example, located only behind the ears or above the lip. Complemented by an infection caused by staphylococcal pathogens, dryish white spots can become weepy, crusted and accompanied by an unpleasant odor. It is possible that the fault behind the ear formations is improper care: when the baby burps, part of the mixture or milk flows behind the ears, and if it is not removed in time, irritation begins.
Characteristics of dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis will manifest itself in different ways. Everything will depend on the age of the patient. In infants, it is usually characterized by dry skin, flaking, especially in the hair area on the head, diaper rash, despite the fact that mothers regularly wash the baby and allow them to take air baths. The main distinguishing features are redness, itchy sensations, white spots, peeling on the buttocks and rough cheeks.
Adhering to the treatment prescribed by the doctor, the symptoms can be removed as soon as possible. Inaction is dangerous in this case, especially at an older age. Running forms quickly begin to affect the deeper skin, which is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers and vesicles. The arms, legs, back and the whole body of the baby can suffer. White formations itch, which leads to the desire to comb everything, and this is dangerous for the occurrence of a fungal or bacterial infection.
Children who have overcome the annual milestone are treated for atopic dermatitis further, and cases of exacerbations are much more common in them. You should be wary of the transition of white and pink spots and formations to the stage of eczema, weeping or dry form. Leaving the disease to chance, you can ensure that in addition to external problems, internal ones will also be added: bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis.

In children under one year, atopic dermatitis is treated more easily.
Treatment of dermatitis
Treating dermatitis is not an easy task. For this, it is important to try not only doctors, but also parents. Treatment consists of two main components: non-drug and medicinal. Let's start with the first one.
Non-drug treatment
First of all, you need to fix the food. The most important thing is to find out what food your child is allergic to and then eliminate it from the diet completely. When the baby is fed breast milk, it is necessary to adjust the nutrition of the nursing mother and try to exclude hyperallergenic foods.
The doctor should pay attention to the issue of the stool of a nursing woman, because constipation provokes the accumulation of toxins in the body, and they are then transmitted to the baby, which can also cause allergic reactions. The doctor may recommend that the mother use glycerin suppositories, lactulose, and also eat more dairy products.
When a child is on an artificial type of feeding, it will be better to switch to dairy-free formulas in order to exclude a negative reaction to cow's milk protein. You can replace the usual milk formulas with the following options: Tuteli-soy, Bona-soy, Friso-soy. Seeing that there has been no improvement, the doctor may recommend transferring the baby to mixtures with protein hydrolysates from cow's milk ("Nutramigen", "Alfare").

Cow protein can act as an allergen, so it is better to temporarily switch to dairy-free mixtures
Growing baby food
A baby who is receiving complementary foods and has dermatitis needs to return to previous weeks, when he has not yet tried new foods. Returning to the roots, the mother should start all over again, but with even more caution: new products are first introduced in minimal doses, slightly increasing in volume. The term for mastering a new product is 3 weeks. This method will help identify the allergen.
After a year, you should start keeping a food diary: what and how much the child eats, the reaction of the body. To begin with, all strong allergens should be excluded from the menu: eggs, fish, citrus fruits, cheeses, chicken meat, strawberries and more. "Forbidden" products should be introduced strictly one at a time and observe the reaction within 2-3 days.
Allergic children with rashes in the form of white spots or peeling are strictly contraindicated for all kinds of sweets. When they are used, fermentation in the intestines may occur, and the amount of absorbed allergens increases. Do not use jelly, honey, or sweet drinks. This will only worsen the general condition. Various stabilizers, emulsifiers, preservatives and flavor enhancers are also banned. You should not buy fruits from exotic countries, as they are processed with preservatives to increase their shelf life.

Allergy sufferers should not eat sweets.
Amount of liquid and food
Mothers should take care of the baby's stool, which is possible through sufficient fluid intake. You can also use safe options for funds, for example, Lactulose. Duphalac and Normase are also suitable. These drugs are safe, as they are not addictive.
Protect your child from overeating. For artificial babies, choose a small hole in the nipple so that the feeding process lasts about 15 minutes. During this time, the baby's brain will receive information about saturation, and if the baby drinks the mixture in 5 minutes, he may ask for more, because the information has not reached the brain. On the advice of a pediatrician, you can reduce the proportions in the mixture, making it less nutritious.
It is better to introduce vegetables as the first complementary food. Always choose one type to start with. The safest vegetables are zucchini and cauliflower.
External conditions
Dr. Komarovsky advises mothers to also remember the quality of the external environment. Make sure that the air in the children's room is always fresh, humid and cool. Such external conditions will help get rid of dry hands, feet and sweating in an allergic child.
Smokers should only smoke outdoors. Reduce possible contact of the child with a smoker, because the air exhaled by a smoker contains harmful substances.

Parents should never smoke in front of their child.
Do not forget about the importance of daily wet cleaning, as well as the elimination of dust collectors (soft toys, carpets, velvet curtains, etc.). Contact with animals is also desirable to minimize. All children's toys should be washed periodically in hot water.
Clothing and bedding for children should be made only from natural fabrics (linen, cotton). Things should be washed with a hypoallergenic powder that does not contain phosphates (more details in the article:). After washing, things should be rinsed three times. In severe cases of the disease, the last time you need to rinse the laundry in boiled water. The dishes from which the baby eats are washed without the use of detergents.
You should not wrap the child for a walk, otherwise it may provoke increased sweating. You need to walk every day in any weather. Walking time should be at least three hours a day. Before a walk on a winter day, be sure to treat children's cheeks with a fat baby cream.
Bathing and care
Care for children's skin, which easily turns red from dermatitis, should also be outside the period of exacerbation. For bathing, use filtered water or at least settled water to rid it of chlorine. Bathing supplements include burdock root, yarrow and nettle herbs. Drying herbs should not be used.

Nettle can be used as an additive for bathing - it does not dry the skin
It is not recommended to use a washcloth when washing. It is better to use shampoo and baby soap less often - only once a week. After bathing, the skin is gently blotted with a terry towel and lubricated with a moisturizing baby cream, milk or lotion.
The moisturizing process should be carried out throughout the body, and not just where there are white spots or redness. Urea-based preparations (Excipial M lotions) effectively take care of moisturizing the skin. Bepanten has long and deservedly been popular. This ointment not only moisturizes, but also heals wounds and relieves itching.
Every day, wash and wash the little one, and also pay attention to the cleanliness of the hands and feet. For care, you can use hypoallergenic wet wipes. Do not forget about the importance of following the daily routine, the quality and time of daytime and nighttime sleep, as well as the microclimate in the family.
Medical treatment
It is possible to treat a child with atopic dermatitis with drugs only as directed by a doctor. Such sorbent preparations as Sorbogel, Smecta, Enterosgel will help rid the child's body of toxins. A nursing mother should also take these medications. Fenistil ointment will help get rid of itching and discomfort.
Hormonal drugs
An allergist may advise you to start using ointments and creams based on glucocorticosteroids. For deep wounds, an ointment is used, for less pronounced ones, a cream. These drugs are hormonal, so their use requires an accurate dosage. Do not change the dose or time of use on your own. It is necessary to cancel the drug gradually over several days.

Only a doctor can prescribe ointments and creams
You can reduce the dose of the ointment itself, and the concentration of the drug. The latter can be done by "diluting" the ointment with baby cream. Follow the proportions recommended by your doctor.

If red spots appear on the body of a child, then the cause is most often skin infectious diseases. Some of them pose a danger to the health and life of babies. The task of the doctor is to identify the cause of the rash and prescribe treatment. The presence of red spots is a cause for concern for parents.

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Spotted rash in children

Spots on the skin of a child is a clinical symptom that is possible at any age. The following causes of a rash on the body in babies are known:

allergic reactions;
atopic form of dermatitis;
measles;
rubella;
Infectious mononucleosis;
insect and tick bites;
erythema;
chicken pox;
Schonlein-Genoch disease;
eczema;
hives;
burns;
side effects of drugs;
furuncle;
erysipelas;
thrombocytopenic purpura;
toxicoderma.

Often the rash is flaky. Any parts of the body are affected, including the face. Large red spots may be accompanied by pain, burning, abnormal dermographism, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms. Often a rash on the body appears in HIV-infected children.

Schonlein-Henoch purpura

The skin in childhood can be covered with red spots with hemorrhagic vasculitis. This pathology is known as Henoch-Schonlein disease. This condition belongs to the group of systemic vasculitis. With Shenlein-Genoch purpura, capillaries are predominantly affected. Often, the kidneys and joints are involved in the process.

Sick children aged 5-14 years. The prevalence of vasculitis is 0.2%. Spots on the skin of a child are due to several factors. The most common reasons are:

herpes;
SARS;
flu;
mycoplasmosis;
tuberculosis;
food poisoning;
administration of vaccines;
food allergies;
hypothermia.

The appearance of red spots on the skin of a child is a consequence of damage to the microcirculatory bed and the formation of immune complexes. The latter are deposited on the vascular endothelium and cause an aseptic inflammatory process. Venules, arterioles and capillaries are involved in the process. Microthromboses form on their walls. Spots on the body of a child are a component of the hemorrhagic syndrome of this disease.

This is a constant symptom that occurs at the very beginning. The rash is maculopapular. The spots do not disappear with pressure. Rarely, blisters appear on the skin. The elements of the rash in hemorrhagic vasculitis are small. They are localized in the thighs, buttocks, large joints, arms and torso. The spots are arranged symmetrically.

In severe cases, ulcers may appear. After the rash disappears, the area of the skin turns red. The chronic course of the disease can cause peeling. Redness on the skin of a child is not the only symptom. Along with the rash, joint pain, limitation of their mobility, abdominal pain and fever are observed. Possible damage to the vessels of the heart, kidneys and brain with the development of dangerous complications.

Rash on the body in adults - causes and methods of treatment

Allergic dermatitis

Spots of red color may appear in a child on the background of atopic (allergic) dermatitis. This is a genetic pathology associated with increased sensitivity of children to the effects of various substances. Allergens are:

Food;
helminths;
vaccines;
medicines;
chemicals;
household chemicals;
low temperature;
pollen;
waste products of insects;
nutritional supplements.

The most common cause is the ingestion of foreign proteins into the body. The following processes underlie the appearance of a rash in atopic dermatitis:

isolation of immunoglobulin E;
release of histamine and serotonin;
infiltration.

Initially, certain areas of the body turn red. The reason is the expansion of capillaries to accelerate the flow of immune cells. Then a rash appears. Most often it is represented by red spots of irregular shape. Rarely, papules, vesicles, or pustules appear. Favorite places for localization of spots are cheeks, folds, scalp, folds of arms and legs.

The affected skin itches. Against the background of itching, an infection is possible. Additional signs of atopic dermatitis are dry skin, lichenification, irritability, sleep disturbance and anxiety. Spots most often appear in the acute form of the disease. The rash occurs upon repeated contact with the allergen. Often mucous membranes are involved in the process.

Manifestations of urticaria

Red spots on a child's hand are a sign of hives. This is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Urticaria develops against the background of shock, asthma, dermatitis and other pathologies. The reasons for its occurrence are:

exposure to sunlight;
insect bites;
sting;
cold;
impact of vibration;
mechanical friction of the skin on clothing;
household allergens (dust, insects);
autoimmune diseases.

Sometimes a rash occurs with diabetes. Exanthema has the following distinguishing features:

appears immediately or several hours after contact with the allergen;
accompanied by intense itching;
represented by spots and blisters of pink color;
localized mainly on the trunk, upper limbs and buttocks;
often accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition of the child;
tend to merge.

With solar urticaria, exposed areas of the body are affected. The chronic form of this pathology can be delayed for several years. In children, most often it lasts 1-2 days. Complications of urticaria are Quincke's edema, suppuration and depression. After the disappearance of spots and blisters, scars do not form on the skin.

Infectious mononucleosis

The child's body is covered with spots with infectious mononucleosis. This is a pathology caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Children under 10 years of age are more commonly affected. Infection is possible through contact with a source of infection. The virus is found in saliva and is transmitted by coughing, talking or sneezing. It can take up to 2 weeks for the rash to appear.

In the early stages of mononucleosis, a child's body becomes covered with a rash. Exanthema has the following features:

appears simultaneously with fever and swollen lymph nodes;
does not itch;
represented by small pink and red spots;
does not need treatment;
affects the chest, abdomen, legs, arms and face.

If itching appears, this may indicate an allergy to medications. The rash in infectious mononucleosis is combined with lymphadenopathy, sweating, chills, fever, tonsil damage, enlargement of the liver and spleen. Complications of the disease are meningoencephalitis, lung damage, thrombocytopenia and hepatitis. Getting rid of the Epstein-Barr virus is very difficult. It can live in the body for many years.

Rubella exanthema

The appearance of a speck or profuse rash on the body may indicate the development of rubella in a child. This is a viral pathology that occurs most often in a mild form. Rubella is accompanied by a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The peculiarity of this disease is that it often leads to outbreaks. They occur every 6-9 years.

The incubation period is 2-3 weeks. With this disease, the following symptoms are possible:

exanthema;
general malaise;
moderate fever;
runny nose;
eye redness;
hyperemia of the pharynx;
swollen lymph nodes.

The rash is an early symptom of rubella. Parts of the body are covered with red spots. Their diameter is 5-7 mm. Exanthema appears on smooth skin. The process involves the buttocks, ulnar and popliteal fossae, face, lower back, upper back. The peculiarity of the rash is that it spreads from top to bottom. After 2-3 days, the spots disappear.

In some children, areas of the body are covered with large spots up to 10 cm in size. Sometimes they have scalloped edges. The elements of the rash do not rise above the skin. Rarely, papules form. In many patients, the rash is poorly visible. She is pale. In some cases, with rubella, the mucous membrane of the palate is affected.

Manifestations of depriving

If the area of the child's skin is covered with spots, then lichen may be the cause. This is a collective concept that includes various skin diseases with a rash and severe itching. In most cases, the cause is a fungal infection. The following types of lichen are known:

pityriasis;
red flat;
pink;
trichophytosis.

In children older than 10 years, pink lichen is often diagnosed. This disease is prone to spontaneous healing. The causative agent is not installed. Often a rash appears after a cold. With Zhiber's deprivation, a child has 1 large spot of a yellowish-pink color. This is a maternal patch. Peeling of the skin is typical. After a while, the elements of the rash become like medallions.

They are pale in the center, and pink color is preserved along the edges. Over time, smaller red scaly spots form on the body. In every fourth patient, the rash is accompanied by intense itching. The spots persist for a month. The focus of the rash with pink lichen is most often 1. Less often, several areas are affected at once.

Not only a small child, but also a teenager can suffer from a rash. Sometimes the cause of exanthema is pityriasis versicolor. This is a fungal disease. With it, multiple rounded spots appear about 1 cm in size. They increase. A distinctive feature of this pathology is the presence on the body of spots of different colors (dark brown, brown, pink, yellow). The elements of the rash are scaly. Pain, itching and burning most often do not bother.

Other causes of rashes

Redness of the skin in a child is a sign of erysipelas. During the height of the disease, a large red spot appears on the body. It has jagged edges. Pronounced signs of inflammation. Sometimes the spot turns brown. When pressed on the skin, it disappears for 1-2 seconds. With an erythematous-hemorrhagic form, hemorrhages occur.

After the disappearance of the spot, slight peeling is observed and pigmentation remains. The elements of the rash in most cases do not itch. Reddened areas of the skin may indicate the onset of chicken pox. Almost all children suffer from this disease. Initially, small spots appear. They are located randomly. Gradually they turn into papules and vesicles. After drying, crusts form. Children are worried about intense itching, especially at night.

Examination and treatment tactics

If your child has red spots, you need to see a doctor. The following research will be required:

general clinical tests;
coagulogram;
serological analysis;
scraping research;
dermatoscopy;
inspection with a Wood's lamp;
analysis of feces for helminths;
determination of antinuclear antibodies in the blood;
provocative tests;
skin tests;
immunological research.

The onset of a rash is often preceded by a prodromal period, so it is important to ask the child and parents about the development of the disease. Therapeutic tactics depend on the underlying cause of the appearance of red spots. In atopic dermatitis, local remedies are used in the form of ointments and creams, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, antihistamines. Medicines such as Triderm and Akriderm have proven themselves well.

Good parents always worry about the health of their children, especially when there is a good reason. Children are highly susceptible to all sorts of diseases, so when a child has red spots or small redness all over his body, you should pay attention to a strange symptom. How to protect your child, why the rash appeared, how to cure - there are many questions. Red spots on the body of a child signal that the causes should be found out and unpleasant symptoms should be eliminated as soon as possible. Before going to the doctor, let's figure out what's going on.

Symptoms and possible causes of red spots in children

First of all, you need to pay attention to what kind of rash appeared: red dots on the body, huge spots, a small red rash, and then - what are the sizes of the affected areas. Find out if there are any other signs of the disease. It can be: peeling, itching, fever, pus, swelling, pain. The above symptoms are mainly associated with allergies, infectious diseases, sweats, insect bites or burns.

Allergic reaction

The first thought when a child is covered with a red rash is a suspicion of an allergy. An allergic reaction often appears in the youngest children as a kind of signal that the product did not fit: these are red spots in a newborn all over the body or lesions in areas. A small red rash on the body of a child with foci or covering a large area also sometimes signals an allergy to food or household chemicals.

The main food allergens are: eggs, honey, cottage cheese, mushrooms, chocolate, citrus fruits, seafood. Avoid prolonged contact of the child's skin with synthetics, chemicals (powders, soaps). But allergy is an individual concept, so you should observe the body's reaction to new foods, household chemicals, and toys.

Allergic manifestations include eczema and hives. Eczema is a coating of rough spots on the child's face, scalp, neck, hands, knees. The foci expand after the bursting of the formed bubbles. Such areas bake and itch a lot. Urticaria - the appearance of blisters that itch very much and, when pressed, small white dots appear under the skin. Both diseases are treatable.

Infectious diseases

Infectious lesions are very specific and require different treatment and care. Diseases include:

Chicken pox. The more common name "chickenpox" hides behind itself large red spots, which later turn into bursting blisters. Then red dots appear on the body, severe itching, sometimes fever, weakness. Common areas of appearance are the cheeks, armpits and spaces between the fingers. Chickenpox is tolerated more easily by a small child, the main thing is to start treatment on time.
Scarlet fever. The development of streptococcal infection in a child's body is provoked by non-compliance with the rules of hygiene or infection by airborne droplets. No wonder we were constantly told in childhood: wash your hands well, thoroughly wash fruits, vegetables and berries. Dirty toys, clothes, household items can become a carrier of infection. Red dots on the body of a child appear in the areas of the armpits, face (excluding the nasolabial region), groin. Scarlet fever is characterized by sore throat and severe peeling of the skin on the affected areas two days after the initial signs of the disease. Treatment is with antibiotics. If there is another child in the family, it must be isolated from contact with the infected.
Measles. It is transmitted tactilely (through touch). Large red spots appear after the manifestations of a runny nose, cough, high fever, fear of light and bright sunlight. Skin reactions appear on the 3-4th day. From red, the rash turns brown, then peels off and disappears. Irregularly shaped lesions can appear on any part of the body: arms, head, back, feet, knees, abdomen. Treatment is carried out on average within two weeks.
Rubella. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, but the disease does not last long with proper treatment. Symptoms: headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat. Not the right time for a photo, lesions: face, chest, back. Rubella is characterized by pink spots that appear a week after infection.

Sweating and diaper rash in a newborn

If no significant reasons for the appearance of red spots in the skin folds were found, then it is probably prickly heat. With intense sweating (especially in the hot season), a small red rash of prickly heat sometimes appears in the folds of the skin. To avoid an unpleasant symptom, bathing the child should be carried out more often. Buy clothes made from natural materials, do not use greasy skin care products, let your skin “breathe” more often.

Diaper rash may appear in the form of red patches that look a bit like dropsy. Diaper rash appears after high temperature and sweating. Babies suffer from diaper rash in the groin area, buttocks, skin folds, neck and chin. With prickly heat and diaper rash, it is necessary to maintain constant cleanliness and freshness of the skin, proper hygiene and air baths.

Insect bites

Mosquitoes, wasps, bees and other insects can provoke the appearance of redness on children's skin with their bites. Bites are similar to allergies, they itch a lot, irritate the baby, and can be hot, like a burn. It will be possible to remove severe itching with the help of special gels, ointments and creams for the skin of a child. If the child combed the bite, then treat the area with brilliant green. To reduce the chance of swelling, give your child an antihistamine.

Skin diseases

Children's skin diseases that are accompanied by redness on the skin include:

Viral dermatosis. Often occurs in children aged 5-8 years. Dermatosis is provoked by intracellular viruses that appear on the skin in the form of: herpes, warts, condylomas, molluscum contagiosum. It is characterized by weakness of the body, fever, peeling and red vascular rashes. With dermatosis for babies, proper nutrition and strict hygiene are important. Examinations and analyzes show changes in the body that led to the disease.
Pustular lesions of the skin. When redness turns into purulent vesicles, these are clear manifestations of childhood pyoderma. There are streptococcal pyoderma, diaper dermatitis and dry lichen. Treatment of purulent lesions should be according to the doctor's recommendations. Appropriate timely treatment will help get rid of the consequences, because such lesions affect the body as a whole.

Find out more about what is and the consequences of the disease.

What to do if the spots itch and peel off

Unpleasant itching affects the beauty of the skin, the mood of the child, because constant scratching irritates the child. There is a risk of introducing additional infections, so to remove the feeling of itching, you need to try soothing compresses. The basis of compresses can be a decoction of chamomile, celandine, calendula, in which a cotton swab is moistened. After brewing, the squeezed grass is still applied to the affected areas. Means for compresses should not include alcohol and drying agents - this will increase peeling. Remember: you can not rub the red areas!

Which doctor to contact

Red spots on the body of your child should definitely be examined in the hospital. Consult a dermatologist, he will prescribe the necessary tests, examine the affected areas of the body. Only a professional should prescribe medications so that the situation does not worsen, but is resolved. An unpleasant symptom not only worsens the skin, but also affects the body, so treat the child under the supervision of competent dermatologists.

Video: red rash on the skin of a child - Dr. Komarovsky

Young children often suffer from various diseases and thus make their parents nervous. Appeared redness, dry skin and peeling are a call for a thorough examination and identification of additional signs of disease. Temperature, sore throat, runny nose, weakness, a variety of spots lead to a specific disease that is worth treating.

If red spots appear on the body of a child, any mother begins to sound the alarm. Experiences are not in vain, because any redness, birthmarks give rise to questions: why did it appear, how to cure it, what does it mean? Learn the classification of red spots, prevent the appearance, select the appropriate treatment. An experienced pediatrician will answer questions that concern the worried parent.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Red dots on the body of a child can be a symptom of various skin and infectious diseases. The appearance of such rashes should alert parents. It is necessary to consult a specialist, because treatment without a diagnosis cannot be carried out in any way.

Allergic reaction

Allergy can manifest itself in the form of diathesis or urticaria. The following factors contribute to its development in children:

1. Antibodies enter the child's body during breastfeeding or in the prenatal period.
2. Short-term breastfeeding.
3. Dysbacteriosis.
4. Reduced immunity.

The most common allergen is cow's milk. The reaction to milk is formed in a child in the first year of life during the transition to artificial feeding.

The second place among allergens is occupied by fish and seafood. Intolerance to fish protein does not disappear with age. The following foods contain a large number of allergens:

milk;
fish;
eggs;
nuts;
citrus;
chocolate;
coffee;
strawberry.

Allergies are also caused by food additives, preservatives, emulsifiers and dyes.

There is a drug allergy that occurs as a result of prolonged use of any drug or its overdose. Treatment of drug allergy consists in the exclusion of the drug from use. Antibiotics of the penicillin series most often cause an allergic reaction. Drug allergies do not go away with time. If a reaction to the drug is found, then it will last for life. There are special diagnostic tests that determine the tolerance of certain drugs.

Irritants can be chemical in nature. Heavy metal compounds are sometimes present in household chemicals and clothing. Small red dots on the child's body appear at the points of contact with the irritant. The rash can be localized throughout the body and accompanied by itching.

Diagnosis of allergic dermatitis is to identify the allergen. At the first stage of treatment, allergenic foods should be excluded from the diet. Antihistamine drugs and ointments for external use are prescribed. A neglected form of allergic dermatitis can develop into eczema.

Chickenpox in children

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease. A characteristic rash in the form of red blisters appears on the child's body. Initially, the rash appears on the scalp, then spreads throughout the body. The palms and soles remain intact. The first phase of the disease proceeds in an acute form, the child's body temperature rises to 38-39ºС. Chickenpox can be mild, moderate, or severe.

The mild form of the disease is characterized by a small rash and subfebrile body temperature. Chickenpox in the middle form is accompanied by high fever, headache and vomiting. Eruptions on the skin are plentiful and last for 5-6 days. Severe chickenpox is characterized by a high temperature reaching 39-40ºС, severe headaches, delirium, vomiting and loss of appetite. The rash persists on the skin for 7-9 days. The child will need bed rest, the vesicles are treated with brilliant green or an alcohol solution.

Manifestations in prickly heat and rubella

Sweating is a skin irritation that occurs due to a violation of thermoregulation. The skin of young children is distinguished by its thinness and vulnerability. The ducts in the sweat glands are formed before the age of 6, in connection with this, sweating in infants is difficult. With prickly heat, the skin of children is covered with small pink or red dots. They appear on the head, on the back and chest, in the natural folds of the skin. For treatment, baths with medicinal herbs are recommended - chamomile, a string. Rashes should be sprinkled with talcum powder or baby powder.

To prevent prickly heat, it is necessary not to overheat the child.

The air temperature in the children's room should not exceed 22ºС. Bathe your baby at least once a day and change diapers more often.

Rubella is a viral disease transmitted by airborne droplets. The incubation period for rubella is 16-18 days. Then there is an increase in the occipital and posterior cervical lymph nodes. A patchy red-pink rash appears on the skin after the end of the incubation period. The rash is localized in all areas of the skin and lasts 3 days. The body temperature of a sick child does not exceed +37.5ºС.

What other reasons could there be?

Red dots on the baby's body may appear for some other reasons:

1. Molluscum contagiosum is an infectious disease affecting children aged 1 to 10 years. Infection occurs in public pools, on beaches and through other people's clothing. Nodules of bright pink color, semicircular shape and a small depression in the center appear on the body. The disease can be confused with chickenpox or measles. Molluscum contagiosum occurs against a background of reduced immunity. Therefore, the treatment will be to increase the body's defenses. To prevent infection of healthy skin areas, Viferon cream, Acyclovir ointment, oxolinic ointment are used.
2. Scarlet fever - an infectious disease caused by hemolytic streptococcus. Newborns have innate immunity to the pathogen, children from 2 to 10 years old are susceptible to the disease. Accompanied by symptoms of tonsillitis and the formation of a small punctate rash. The method of distribution of scarlet fever is airborne. The incubation period varies from 2-10 days, then the child's temperature rises sharply, and the headache intensifies. General malaise and intoxication can cause vomiting. A bright red rash covers most of the body, red streaks form in the folds of the skin. The rash on the skin persists for 4-5 days, then it changes in color, peels off and gradually disappears. Treatment is with antibiotics. To eliminate itching, antihistamines and creams containing corticosteroids are used.
3. Roseola for children - an infection that affects children under two years of age. Symptoms of the disease are similar to those of rubella, SARS and allergies, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The causative agent of childhood roseola is herpes types 6 and 7, suggest infection with the virus by airborne droplets. The disease most often develops in spring and autumn. The incubation period lasts on average from 3 to 7 days. The disease begins with a high temperature, reaching up to 39-40ºС, which lasts for 3-5 days. The child may have enlarged cervical lymph nodes, decreased appetite and general weakness. On the 4th day, the temperature subsides, pink spotted rashes appear on the body. There is no specific treatment for roseola rosea. The rash will disappear without leaving marks. A sick child is given antipyretic drugs and plenty of fluids.
4. Lichen pink. The causes of occurrence are not fully understood. Often the disease occurs after an infectious disease or hypothermia of the body. Pityriasis rosea begins as a red or pink "maternal plaque" patch on the skin. After 2 days, the spot begins to peel off, and then the rash spreads throughout the body. The newly formed plaques are smaller than the maternal ones. Pink lichen is localized on the shoulders, abdomen, sometimes it can appear on the scalp. To confirm the diagnosis, a scraping is taken for analysis. Treatment for pink lichen is reduced to eliminating itching and strengthening the immune system. The disease will last 2-3 weeks, after the disappearance of the rash, age spots will remain, which will also disappear without a trace over time.