Red spots on the skin of children always give parents a lot of anxiety, as this can be a sign of infectious diseases, allergies and many other problems. It is important to know exactly the cause of the rashes, since the method of treatment depends on this in many respects.
Red spots on the skin of a child do not appear on their own. This is a reaction to changes within the body. Depending on the characteristics of the problem, there can be absolutely any effect of rashes on children's health. In addition, their treatment and preventive measures are different.
Classification of rashes
Doctors subdivide the causes of rashes on the skin of the child into primary and secondary. This makes it possible to somewhat facilitate the diagnosis. The primary ones include:
- spots;
- vesicles;
- blisters;
- ulcers;
- papules;
- tubercles.
Secondary signs of the course of the disease include:
- crusts;
- flakes
- erosion;
- scarring;
- cracks;
- ulcers.
All the causes of red spots on the skin in children are divided into several large groups. It can be allergies, infectious diseases, insect bites, skin problems and prickly heat in infants.
Infectious diseases for children
Rashes and red spots on the skin of a child often appear due to the occurrence of infectious diseases. It is important to consider that the main symptoms will also be fever, rash, cough, sore throat. If red spots have formed on the skin of children, then this may be a sign of the occurrence of diseases such as:
- scarlet fever;
- measles;
- rubella;
- mononucleosis;
- baby roseola;
- erythema.
Quite often in children, red rashes appear in case of infection with chickenpox. The disease is transmitted after contact with an infected person or objects. The incubation period lasts up to 3 weeks, and then the temperature rises sharply. In this case, the child has lethargy, weakness, apathy.
Initially, red spots form on the skin of a child, photos of possible diseases will help determine the problem of their occurrence at first glance. After all, if the baby has sweating, it is not necessary to go to the hospital. But it is worth paying special attention if the spots gradually degenerate into itchy blisters. Often they occur between the fingers, on the feet, in the armpits, as well as in the oral mucosa. The spots are very itchy, especially at night. In young children, chickenpox is not always accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature.
Another infectious disease in which round red spots form on the skin of a child is measles. It begins to develop 2-7 days after contact with a sick person.
The disease begins not with rashes, but with an increase in temperature, which is additionally accompanied by a runny nose, hoarseness, swelling of the eyelids, cough, photophobia. After about 5 days, pinkish spots form, which gradually merge into one large spot.
The rash quickly spreads throughout the body, throughout the entire period a high temperature is held. At the last stage of the rash, they gradually disappear, leaving behind shelled brown spots. Pigmentation completely disappears approximately 2 weeks after occurrence.
Red spots on the skin of a child may form when rubella occurs. This is an infectious disease that is characterized by a high degree of contagion. It is transmitted by airborne droplets. The child becomes contagious a week before the appearance of rashes. Rubella is characterized by the formation of a small rash distributed throughout the body. Rarely, the disease is accompanied by a rather sharp increase in temperature and often initially proceeds completely asymptomatically.
Scarlet fever is an infectious disease caused by streptococcus. It begins with fever and sore throat. After about 3 days, a small rash forms on the baby’s body, which itches heavily. Approximately on the 5th day of the course of the disease, the skin turns pale and severe peeling begins.
If the baby's skin is covered with spots, then this may be a sign of erythema. It occurs as a result of a strong rush of blood to the capillaries. It mainly occurs due to parvovirus. From the first days of the course of the disease, a small rash appears on the face, which gradually develops into a large red spot. After a while, the rashes become lighter, and then completely disappear. Erythema is often accompanied by fever and fever. The disease lasts about 2 weeks. Infection occurs by airborne droplets.
Infectious mononucleosis is characterized in that children develop papules and red spots. Among other signs, it is necessary to highlight the presence of fever, an increase in lymph nodes, pain and inflammation in the throat.
A dry red spot on a child’s skin can be a sign of a baby roseola. Rashes become noticeable on the 3-5th day of the course of the disease and disappear after a few days. Mostly localized rash on the neck and trunk and sometimes on the limbs and face. Among other signs, it is necessary to highlight a sharp increase in the body, signs of intoxication. In some cases, the child may have cramps.
Insect bites
Insects such as bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and many others, can cause red spots to appear on the baby’s skin, which often itch or hurt. Insect bites in their manifestation are similar to allergies, however, the number of red spots will be much less.
You do not need to see a doctor if an allergic reaction does not begin to manifest. It is enough to lubricate the affected area with a special ointment or cream that will help eliminate itching. If the child combed the bites, then you can treat them with brilliant green.
Allergy
When an allergy is formed, red spots on the skin of a child, which in some cases can cause many inconveniences. Often, in children of various kinds of rashes, they say that some kind of food product did not fit a small body. Doctors divide allergies into several types, depending on the cause of its occurrence, namely:
- dermatitis;
- food allergy;
- photodermatosis;
- hives;
- toxidermy.
Food allergies are most common, as products in their composition contain various preservatives, dyes, additives. The body of children reacts poorly to such a composition. That is why doctors prescribe lactating women a special diet, and also recommend that the child be transferred to artificial feeding as late as possible.
With food allergies, red spots on the skin of a child form on the entire surface or in large areas. In infants, they can be localized only on the cheeks. Often, such rashes are accompanied by burning, itching and a digestive process. In especially severe cases, swelling of the mucous membrane and lips is observed.
One type of allergic reaction is dermatitis. The reasons for its appearance can be a variety of factors. The characteristic manifestations of the disease will be:
- redness of the skin;
- roughness;
- scuffs;
- peeling.
If treatment is not done in a timely manner, then blisters form, which are then opened and turned into wet foci. Then they become abscesses and can significantly complicate the life of the child.
Dermatological allergies include urticaria. In this case, red spots form on the skin of the child. Photos of rashes can distinguish the course of an allergy from other diseases. The rash itches and is symmetrical. Very often, urticaria occurs as a result of taking medications. However, it can also form as a reaction to the consumption of certain foods, clothing or cosmetics.
Sometimes there may be an allergic reaction to sunlight - photodermatosis. Often, it manifests itself in children under the age of 3 years and almost always this is preceded by one of the factors, namely:
- viral diseases;
- some chronic diseases;
- taking some antibiotics.
The disease manifests itself in the form of red spots on the skin, unprotected clothing. This is often accompanied by swelling of the face and lacrimation.
Other reasons
If a child has red spots on the skin, this can signal various health problems. In some cases, spots appear even during the course of the flu in a child. This occurs against the background of general intoxication of the body. They appear on the first day and pass very quickly.
Enteroviruses can provoke the formation of red spots under the skin of a child. This disease develops in young children. Spots, with a diameter of 3 mm, are located on the body and face, disappear after 1-2 days.
An increase in the activity of the herpes virus against a background of reduced immunity can cause lichen. In this case, a red rough spot is formed on the skin of the child, whose diameter reaches about 5 cm. After some time, small plaques appear. Such spots are very itchy and flaky.
Young children often have prickly heat, especially in the hot season. In this case, a small rash appears, which is similar to one large rough red spot. Among the main causes of occurrence, it is necessary to highlight:
- hot weather;
- stay in a hot room;
- rarely performed hygiene procedures.
The rash itself does not bother the child and passes through competent skin care for the baby.
A bright red spot on the skin of a child can form in the case of blood and vascular diseases. They are the result of bruises and hemorrhages on different parts of the body. A small rash also occurs in case of impaired vascular permeability and the presence of problems with blood coagulation.
Red dots on the body can occur due to the fact that the child does not adhere to the rules of personal hygiene. In addition, their causes can be dermatitis, diaper rash, prickly heat. Prolonged wearing of diapers and rubbing the skin of a child can lead to such problems.
Diagnostics
If red spots appear on the child’s body, you must consult a doctor who, to clarify the diagnosis, collects an anamnesis and appoints such examinations as:
- analysis of urine and blood;
- conducting a scraping study;
- coagulogram;
- skin tests;
- immunological studies;
- analysis of feces for helminths.
After conducting a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a treatment that will get rid of the existing problem.
When the help of a doctor is required
Be sure to consult a doctor if red spots on the child’s skin itch, hurt, and signs of intoxication appear, the temperature rises, there are other symptoms. Rashes and spots can indicate serious violations in the work of individual organs and systems. Parents need to show the baby to the doctor if the rash is provoked by problems such as:
- digestion disorder;
- fungal lesions;
- allergy;
- rubella and measles;
- viral infections;
- pancreatitis
Sometimes, in the absence of a comprehensive, well-conducted treatment, red spots significantly increase in size and spread throughout the body.
Treatment features
How to treat red spots on the skin of a child, the pediatrician decides individually in each case. It is recommended that therapeutic procedures be carried out for patients who have the following symptoms:
- body pain;
- itching
- swelling;
- irritation;
- temperature rise;
- loss of appetite.
These and many other signs indicate the development of a pathology in the body, which you need to get rid of as quickly as possible. To accurately diagnose a child, the doctor must examine him and conduct a series of laboratory tests.
If the cause of the disease is hidden in external factors (minor injuries or sunlight), then local symptomatic treatment is required, which consists in the use of external agents. With vitamin deficiency, you need to change the usual diet of the baby, introduce more vegetables and fruits into it, and also take vitamin complexes.
If the child has a hemangioma, which has a branching structure, then it can be removed by cauterization with liquid nitrogen, x-rays or excision. All manipulations should be performed in a clinic to avoid bleeding.
After removal of the angioma, a small white scar usually remains. It is removed only in exceptional cases and only in places of constant friction with clothing or on the face. At the same time, a tissue analysis is made for the presence of malignant tumors.
Treatment of red spots on the skin in children should be aimed at eliminating the provoking factor. Only in this case, the result of therapy will be positive.
Drug therapy
The drug treatment regimen is selected individually and depends on what exactly provoked the formation of the problem.
With the occurrence of infectious diseases and allergies, medication is required to help get rid of the existing symptoms. Children are prescribed antihistamines, which eliminate itching and irritation of the skin. In particular, such tools have proven themselves well:
- "Cetirizine";
- Zirtek;
- "Zodak";
- "Allergodil."
Medicines in the form of capsules and tablets can be given to children over 12 years old. Babies are prescribed gels, drops and syrups.
If red peeling spots have formed on the child’s skin due to dermatitis, the doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory and antihistamines, glucocorticoids, as well as local skin treatments.
With mononucleosis, no special control measures need to be taken. It is recommended only to treat the affected area with antiseptic solutions. In addition, antihistamines and immunomodulators are indicated.
With rubella, anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids are prescribed. Hemorrhagic vasculitis is treated by taking anticoagulants. With a complicated course of the disease, blood purification may be required. Be sure to normalize the activity of the nervous system. For this, vitamin complexes and general strengthening procedures are prescribed.
Folk remedies
Red spots on the child’s body are also treated with traditional medicine. However, it is worth noting that such techniques are suitable for the treatment of far from all rashes. Some of them need to be treated only with medications that have a strong effect.
It well eliminates signs of irritation and itching, and also removes red spots on the body in children with onion juice, dandelion or pineapple. It is necessary to lubricate the affected skin with it. You can apply cotton swabs dipped in linseed or castor oil to red spots. A good result from the use of honey. It is necessary to make compresses prepared from this tool. It is also recommended that you simply lubricate the skin with natural honey.
When using folk methods, special care must be taken, since allergies can occur. Before using all these tools, it is necessary to test each component individually.
If spots are a sign of infectious diseases, then applying folk methods is not recommended. They will not only be ineffective, but can also significantly aggravate the well-being of the child. If you do not conduct the correct and comprehensive treatment, then various kinds of complications may arise.
Prophylaxis
Preventing the formation of red spots on the body of a child will help care about his health. Parents must make sure that the baby leads an active lifestyle, go in for sports and eat right. It must be protected from infectious diseases, as well as increase immunity.
Finding a few red spots on the baby’s body doesn’t need to panic. First of all, it is necessary to establish the reason that led to the fact that the skin of the child was covered with red spots. Perhaps this was due to the contact of the baby with a new object or the consumption of unusual foods.
Do not also exclude insect bites. If nothing like this happened with the baby, then you need to see a doctor, as this may be a sign of an infectious disease. This will allow counting on a positive result of therapy and prevention of the development of complications.
Reviews
Some parents say that red spots often appear due to allergies to foods, detergents, and insect bites. According to the reviews of parents, it is enough to take antihistamines and funds for local treatment of the skin.
In addition, spots can form due to the occurrence of congenital vascular diseases. Such an education requires a longer and more comprehensive treatment. According to parental reviews, with atopic dermatitis, emollient creams have a good result.
It is important to strictly observe the rules of hygiene and, at the first sign of a rash, immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.