Flat red spots on the soles of the feet and palms of hands on a baby are clear signs that they might be suffering from a viral rash. Viral rashes in babies are not a rare issue. Sometimes, you can see such rashes on your baby’s knees, elbows, genitals, buttocks, and other spots. In some cases, these rashes might develop blisters, resulting in excruciating pain for your little ones.
A rash appears on most babies at some point, and many of them disappear without treatment. The reasons range from a mere allergic reaction to some underlying issues that require medical attention. A few rash outbreaks, on the other hand, may accompany by fever, itching, or other symptoms. So, understanding the types and their solutions firsts is important.
In This Article
- What Is Viral Rash In Babies?
- Are Viral Rashes In Babies Contagious?
- What Are The Different Types Of Viral Rashes In Babies?
- Which Babies Are Prone To Viral Rashes?
- What Are The Ways To Diagnose Viral Rashes in Babies?
- How To Treat Viral Rashes In Babies?
- How Can Viral Rashes In Babies Be Prevented?
- When To Seek Medical Attention?
- FAQs
What Is Viral Rash In Babies?
In young children, viral rashes are pretty common. It is also called viral exanthema and is caused by virus infection. There are other germs responsible for non-virus rashes, like fungi, bacteria, and more. They can produce some allergic reactions too.
The rashes produced by the viral one might have a pick or reddish spots over the larger portion of your body, like the back and chest. Most of the viral rashes will not even itch. These rashes are mainly seen on the right and left sides of the baby’s body. They will occur alone or just with other symptoms like runny nose, cough, or even fever.
It is always a clever point to check in with the doctors first before you can address the best solution for your little kid over here.
Are Viral Rashes In Babies Contagious?
All these types of viruses are spread through saliva and mucus. Some of them might form blisters, and the fluid from the blister can also help spread the infection. So, these are highly contagious and can spread quite easily among children and little babies.
However, the time length will depend on the infection. In some cases, the baby might be contagious before the rashes even seem to develop. They can also remain contagious even after the rashes disappear.
What Are The Different Types Of Viral Rashes In Babies?
Your babies might end up suffering from various kinds of rashes. Some of those are less common, and others are pretty widespread in nature. So, let’s focus on those options right away!
1. Roseola
Roseola is known as the 6th disease and is one common virus among babies, caused by herpesvirus 6. You can see this option mostly under children of the age group of 2 years. Some of the symptoms over here are:
- Cough and congestion
- High sudden fever of around 105 degrees F.
- Rose-colored rashes look like small dots, starting at the belly and spreading to other body parts.
2. Measles
Also noted as rubeola, measles are viruses of the respiratory systems. Thanks to multiple vaccinations, now this issue is not that prevalent. However, it might still occur in kids who are not yet vaccinated. Some of the symptoms are:
- Cough
- High fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Red and watery eyes
3. Chickenpox
This form of the virus is caused by the zoster virus. Then you have a vaccination for chickenpox easily available to curb down this type of virus from spreading. Before this vaccination was invented, kids were highly infected by chickenpox. Some of the symptoms are:
- Itchy and blistery rash
- Mild fever
4. Mouth, Foot, and Hand Diseases
This form of infection is mostly caused by a coxsackievirus, and it is highly infectious among kids below the age group of 5 years. Older kids and sometimes adults might also get it. Some of its symptoms are:
- Blisters inside mouth
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Spots that later develop into blisters
- Reed and flat spots on feet’s soles and hands’ palms
[Read: Hand-Foot And Mouth Disease In Children]
5. Rubella
It is also known as German measles, Rubella cannot be seen in all countries because of the widespread vaccines, but you can even see it in some places. Some of those symptoms are:
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red eyes
- Low Fever
- Swollen neck lymph nodes
- Itchy rash
- Red or pink dotted rash
6. Fifth Disease
The fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19, and some of the early symptoms can be seen among babies. Some of the symptoms over here are:
- Headache
- Runny or the stuffy nose
- Low fever
- Vomiting and diarrhea
[Read: MMR Vaccine for Babies: A Complete Guide]
Which Babies Are Prone To Viral Rashes?
All kinds of infants are at high risk of viruses because of their contagious nature. As infants don’t have a strong immunity power and can always mingle with others without any understanding, viruses and infections can spread rapidly among little kids and infants. So, being a responsible parent, it is your duty to safeguard your precious little gem.
What Are The Ways To Diagnose Viral Rashes In Babies?
There are some steps that every doctor takes while diagnosing viruses among babies. Some of those points are mentioned below:
- Sometimes, the doctor might ask you to take your baby for a blood test. It helps in further evaluation and making a definitive diagnosis.
- Some doctors will study the rash’s appearance. For example, chicken pox rash will form like blisters. Then you have the Fifth disease, where the rash appears in a lace pattern.
- The doctor will further consider the time of the year as some rashes are seasonal. Most of these viral infections are prevalent in the month of summer months. That makes it easier for them to get the vital report and start proper solutions.
- The experts will further ask parents about the health history of the baby and learn if the baby has been immunized or not.
How To Treat Viral Rashes In Babies?
Most of the time, you don’t have to do anything, and the rashes will go away on their own. In case it doesn’t, a doctor’s consultation is always important. But, you can try to keep your infant comfortable.
- After getting recommendations from the doctor, you can give your infant a pain reliever. The doctor will guide you with the right dosage.
- Always use cool or lukewarm water for bathing your baby, depending on the fever.
- Always use mild baby soap while washing your little baby and then gently pat the skin dry.
- Use loose-fitted clothes for dressing your infant.
- Ask him or her to have plenty of fluids like fresh fruit juices, water, and more.
How Can Viral Rashes In Babies Be Prevented?
You can always try to get your baby immunized against viral infections by giving out vaccinations. Most importantly, stay alert in hygiene sections and wash your hands always before handling them. When your little one turns 3, teach him the right way to sneeze and cough.
[Read : Guide To Compulsory and Optional Vaccines For Babies]
When To Seek Medical Attention?
Even after a certain time, if the rashes fail to vanish and your little kid is still suffering from red spots, patches, and pain, then it is time to consult your doctor ASAP.
FAQ’s
1. How do Viral Rashes Look?
Viral rashes will often be pinkish or red in color and will look like spots or blisters.
2. What are the Most Common Types of Viral Rashes?
You have multiple types of viral rashes such as fifth disease, cold sores, chickenpox, and more.
3. When is a Viral Rash on Your Baby Cause for Concern?
Most of the rashes are harmful, but if it fails to go away and still remain prominent on the skin, it is then time to call up a doctor for help. If the rash remains persistent with high fever and cold and cough symptoms, call a doctor immediately.
4. Are the Viral Rashes in Baby to be Worried About?
If the viral rashes are extremely painful and unbearable for the baby, you need to worry about that. Avoid your kid tough the itchy space much.
