A body-wide rash can be caused by various conditions, including viral or bacterial infections, adverse drug reactions, or autoimmune diseases. It is common in infants and young children and can cause itchy bumps or flat, red patches. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but most rashes go away on their own or with medication. It is important to see a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.
A rash is a rash that covers most or all of the body. It is a rare complication in adults, but quite common in infants and young children. Many different conditions can trigger a rash, including viral infections, bacterial infections, adverse drug reactions, and abnormal immune system responses. The presentation and symptoms of the rash depend on the underlying cause, but many rashes cause itchy bumps or flat, mottled patches of red skin. Rashes typically go away once the cause is treated or the virus runs its course, but a pediatrician may suggest special lotions or topical ointments to ease symptoms in the meantime.
Common causes of a rash include viral infections chickenpox, measles, and the flu. Almost any widespread bacterial infection can lead to a severe rash in a very young child, including staph and strep. A child could also suffer from an allergic reaction to a topical or oral medication or to a particular type of lotion. Occasionally, a serious autoimmune disease is responsible for the rashes. In some cases, a rash may also appear without any recognizable cause.
Most rashes are preceded by other symptoms of the underlying disease. Viral infections, for example, often cause fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and loss of appetite before the rashes appear. A child may be highly irritable or particularly lethargic when an illness occurs. When a rash develops, it often covers nearly all of the baby’s skin. Redness and bumps are usually more concentrated on the torso, buttocks, arms and legs than on the hands, feet and face.
It is important to visit a pediatrician whenever a body-wide rash and other symptoms develop to determine the best course of treatment. A doctor can usually determine the cause based on the child’s physical symptoms. In some cases, blood or skin tissue samples may need to be collected and tested to confirm the diagnosis.
Many childhood viral illnesses don’t respond well to medical treatment. Doctors simply encourage parents to ensure their children get plenty of rest and fluids until the infections go away. Oral antibiotics are usually effective in speeding the healing phase of a bacterial infection, and stopping or changing medications ends drug-related reactions quickly. If the rash is itchy and irritating, a pediatrician may provide a topical antihistamine ointment or recommend an over-the-counter calamine lotion. Most rashes go away in about two weeks without causing permanent skin damage or lingering health problems.
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