First Aid: Rashes

Rashes can be caused by viruses , bacteria , medicines, heat, allergies, and many other things. Many are only a minor annoyance. But some can be serious and need medical treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

• redness
• spots on the skin
• scaly skin
• itchiness
• swelling
• bumps
• blisters
• pimples

What to Do

To ease discomfort:

• add a few cups of oatmeal to the bath
• pat the skin dry (instead of rubbing) after a bath or shower
• don't scrub or scratch the affected skin
• leave the rash exposed to the air as much as possible

Get Medical Care if:

• your child also has a fever
• your child looks sick
• there are tiny red dots that can't be felt when touched and don't fade when pressed
• there are bruises not related to injuries
• there is no improvement after a week

Think Prevention!

Rashes can be hard to avoid. But some types can be prevented:

• Have kids avoid people with contagious skin rashes.
• For allergic rashes, try to avoid the substance that causes the reaction.
• Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
• If your child gets eczema flare-ups, avoid harsh soaps.