What to do with baby's sudden rash?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on October 27, 2024
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If a child develops sudden exanthema, parents need not be overly worried, as this condition is a rash-causing disease due to herpes virus infection and it can heal on its own. Often, the child may experience high fever for three to five days, during which physical cooling techniques and oral antipyretics can be used for symptomatic treatment. It is also appropriate to ensure the child drinks plenty of water and eats nutritious food. Once the fever symptoms alleviate, scattered rose-like rashes may appear on the child's face and trunk, which can fade on their own. During this period, symptoms of indigestion or itchy skin may occur, and taking calamine for itch relief and oral probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of digestive upset. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Do infants with roseola feel itchy?

Toddler rash, also known as roseola infantum, is a common acute febrile rash skin disease in infants and young children. It is characterized by a sudden drop in body temperature after high fever for 3-5 days in infants and young children under three years of age, accompanied by the appearance of rose-red maculopapular rashes. The distinctive feature of these rashes appears concurrently with the subsidence of the fever or after the fever has subsided, mainly concentrated on the trunk, head, and neck, with fewer occurrences on the limbs. There are usually no rashes below the elbows and knees or on the palms and soles. The rash fills up within 24 hours, and starts to fade 1-2 days later without leaving any pigmentation or scaling. The rash in toddler exanthem does not cause significant itching, and does not leave pigmentation or scaling after it subsides. Therefore, during the rash period of toddler exanthem, if the child is crying and restless, it may be related to the high fever. Parents should generally avoid scratching the rash for the baby to prevent skin damage and secondary bacterial infections.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Do infants with sudden rash need to take medicine?

Childhood rash illness is a common pediatric acute fever caused by herpes simplex virus types 6 and 7, characterized by a high fever lasting three to four days, followed by the appearance of a rash after the fever subsides. The treatment mainly involves symptomatic management. When a child's body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen suspension can be administered. It is also important to ensure the child stays well-hydrated. Before the rash appears, it is not certain that it will occur. For most children who have been confirmed through a blood test to have a viral infection, antiviral medications might sometimes be administered. However, these medications ultimately do not shorten the duration of the illness. Once the child has been feverish for three days and the rash appears, no further medication is typically necessary; just ensure the child drinks plenty of fluids. The rash usually spreads within about two days and then quickly fades. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of roseola infantum

Roseola infantum, also known as baby measles, is caused by human herpesvirus infection, characterized by acute fever accompanied by a rash. Generally, there is no obvious trigger, and it begins with a sudden high fever, where the temperature can reach up to 39°C or even higher than 40°C. The high fever usually lasts for 3-5 days, during which some may experience fever-induced convulsions. Once the fever subsides, the rash begins to appear. Generally, the rash lasts for 1-2 days. After the rash subsides, and in the absence of complications, the condition resolves.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Process of fever reduction for children with roseola

Infantile roseola, also known as exanthema subitum, is a common acute febrile rash illness in infants and young children. It is characterized by high fever in children under three years old lasting for 3-5 days, followed by a sudden drop in body temperature. Simultaneously, rose-pink maculopapular rashes appear. One distinguishing feature of the fever associated with this illness is that after three to five days of high fever, body temperature generally spikes, then suddenly drops. Typically, within 24 hours, the temperature returns to normal. After the fever subsides or as the body temperature drops, rashes begin to appear on the skin.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can children with roseola go outside?

Roseola infantum, also known as exanthema subitum, is caused by human herpesvirus type 6 or type 7. It is an acute febrile infectious disease that evolves over time. The fever may last three to five days. It's important to keep warm, especially in winter, as failure to do so can worsen the child's condition. However, going out is generally fine as long as proper precautions are taken to avoid aggravating the child's illness. Still, it is crucial to intensify care, maintain a light diet, and provide a quiet and comfortable environment for the child, all of which are beneficial for recovery.