Childhood rashes, skin conditions and infections (photos)

by Megan Rive | Medically reviewed by Dr. Diane Phillips, General Practitioner | September 2019 |

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  1 / 40

  Athlete’s foot

  Athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection. If your child has it, you may notice peeling skin between his toes. In more severe cases, the skin on his feet may crack and bleed. It can also be itchy for your little one, so you may notice him scratching his feet more than usual.
  
  If you think your child has athlete's foot, take him to your local pharmacist. She'll be able to prescribe a cream to clear up the infection.
  
  Get tips on how to care for your child's feet to prevent athlete's foot.
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  Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  2 / 40

  Baby acne

  If your baby has acne, he may have it at birth, but it usually shows up after a couple of weeks. It looks like small, red spots (pimples), and whiteheads may also develop, sometimes surrounded by reddish skin. The spots are likely to appear on your baby's cheeks, but may also appear on his forehead, chin and back.
  
  Discover how to treat your baby's acne.
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  Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  3 / 40

  Bee sting

  A bee sting can be very painful. The area around a sting can quickly become red, swollen and itchy, which can be uncomfortable for your child.
  
  Read more about insect bites and stings and how to treat them.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  4 / 40

  Blepharitis

  Blepharitis is the name for redness and swelling around the edges of your child's eyelid. It's usually caused by a skin condition such as dermatitis, or a bacterial infection.
  
  Blepharitis can make your child's eyelashes appear crusty or greasy, and they may stick together. His eyelid may also burn or itch, and he may be upset and cry more than usual. But blepharitis isn't normally serious, and it won't damage your child's eye.
  
  Find out how to treat blepharitis and other eye problems.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  5 / 40

  Chalazion

  If your child's eyelid looks like there's a bump under it, he may have a chalazion. This is a painless bump or cyst that can appear under the upper or lower eyelid. The cyst is caused by a blocked gland in your child's eyelid.
  
  A chalazion is usually more annoying than painful for your child. It should go away on its own after a month or so, though it can sometimes take longer. If your child still has a chalazion after a month, see your doctor.
  
  Find out how to treat chalazions and other eye problems.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  6 / 40

  Chickenpox

  The first symptoms of chickenpox can include:
  

  • fever
  • aches and pains
  • loss of appetite

  
  A chickenpox rash starts as little red spots that can appear anywhere on the body. These then develop into tiny, fluid-filled blisters, which eventually scab over. There may be so many spots that they join up, or there may be just a few.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your little one has chickenpox.
• Photo courtesy of CDC/Dr Herrmann.

  7 / 40

  Cold sores

  The first time your child catches the cold sore virus, it will probably give him swollen gums and a sore mouth, which will make him drool. He may also have a fever and swollen glands in his neck, and seem generally under the weather. Soon afterwards, you may notice painful blisters inside his mouth, which develop into ulcers. These can last for up to three weeks.
  
  The next time your child gets a cold sore, the symptoms are likely to be much milder. He’ll probably develop one or more blisters on or near his lips, which should clear up within a couple of weeks.
  
  Discover how to treat your child’s cold sore.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  8 / 40

  Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

  A pink eye may be a sign of conjunctivitis. Your child’s eye may also be more watery than usual, or you may notice a discharge that makes his eyelashes stick together. Conjunctivitis can be caused by an allergy or an infection.
  
  Infective conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and it's very contagious. It often starts in one eye, but can easily spread to the other one, too.
  
  Find out how to treat your child’s conjunctivitis and when to take him to the doctor.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Chris Priest/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  9 / 40

  Cradle cap

  If your baby has cradle cap, it will look like a bad case of dandruff. It's common in newborns, and can show up as a red area on your baby's scalp, covered with greasy, yellow, scaly patches. Over time the scales can start to become flaky so they rub off easily, just like dandruff, but often with bits of your baby's hair attached.
  
  Cradle cap can cover the whole of your baby's scalp. It can also appear on your baby's face and neck, and around his nappy area, armpits and the backs of his knees.
  
  Discover how to treat your baby’s cradle cap.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  10 / 40

  Ear infection (otitis media)

  Pus coming out of your baby's ear is a sure sign of an ear infection. Your baby will probably also have a fever and be generally unwell.
  
  Discover what causes ear infections and how to treat them.
• 11 / 40

  Eczema

  If your child has eczema, he may have dry, itchy, red and cracked areas of skin, which can sometimes ooze fluid and bleed. It can appear anywhere on the body or face, but it’s most likely to crop up in skin creases, such as around your child’s neck, wrists, elbows and the backs of his knees.
  
  There may be times when your child doesn’t have any symptoms at all, and other times when his symptoms are noticeable (flare-ups). These flare-ups are often caused by particular triggers, such as a food allergy or certain skincare products.
  
  Learn how to manage your child’s eczema and find out if it will clear up naturally as he grows.
• Photo courtesy of the CDC.

  12 / 40

  Erythema toxicum

  If your child has erythema toxicum, it will appear as a red, blotchy rash, sometimes with little spots or small, yellow-white pustules. It can appear anywhere on your baby's body, apart from the palms of his hands or the soles of his feet.
  
  In spite of the name, erythema toxicum isn’t toxic, and shouldn’t bother your child. The rash will usually disappear on its own within a few days or weeks.
  
  Learn more about erythema toxicum.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  13 / 40

  Folliculitis

  Folliculitis happens when your child’s hair follicles become infected. If your child has it, you'll notice little red or pus-filled spots around some of his hair follicles. These spots can appear anywhere on your child’s body that grows hair, most likely on his arms, legs, armpits or bottom.
  
  Most cases of folliculitis will get better on their own within 10 days. Keeping your child’s skin well moisturised may help it clear up faster. If your child’s folliculitis doesn’t seem to be clearing up within a few days, see your GP. She may prescribe an antibiotic cream to help it clear up faster.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  14 / 40

  Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

  The symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) include:
  

  • small, blister-like sores
  • sore throat
  • mild fever

  
  The small, blister-like sores will appear in your child's mouth and on his hands and feet. They may also spread up his legs and onto his bottom. The blisters may be extremely sore. Those in your little one's mouth may make it painful for him to eat or drink, so be careful to keep him hydrated.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your child has hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
• Image Copyright © 2018 DermPics/Science Source.

  15 / 40

  Heat rash

  Heat rash (also known as prickly heat, sweat rash or miliaria) is usually completely harmless. It happens because your baby's sweat glands aren't mature yet, so sweat can build up just under his skin, causing a rash.
  
  The rash is unlikely to bother your baby, though it can sometimes be a bit itchy and uncomfortable. It should go away on its own once your baby cools down.
  
  Learn more about heat rash, including ways to prevent it and when to see a pharmacist.
• 16 / 40

  Hives

  If your child has hives (also known as urticaria or nettle rash), he’ll have raised, swollen patches on his skin, which will be very itchy. These often appear in response to some kind of trigger, such as an allergen or a mild infection.
  
  Hives are very common, and they’re not contagious. They usually go away on their own within a few hours or days, though they can come back.
  
  Learn about common triggers for hives, and how to make your child more comfortable.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  17 / 40

  Impetigo

  Your child's impetigo will probably first appear as blisters around his nose and mouth, but it can spread to other parts of his face or body. Depending on the type of impetigo, the blisters may be tiny and burst easily, or be larger and take a few days to burst.
  
  Once the blisters have burst and dried, a scabby tan or yellow-brown crust will form. The crusts will gradually heal and won't leave scars.
  
  Impetigo isn't usually painful, but it can be itchy. Your child may also have a fever and swollen lymph glands in his face or neck.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your little one has impetigo.
• 18 / 40

  Ingrown toenail

  A toenail becomes ingrown when it starts to grow into the skin of the toe around it. This is most likely to affect your child's big toe, but can happen on any toe. It can be uncomfortable for your child, but there are things you can do at home to help.
  
  Try soaking your baby's foot in warm water three or four times a day, and keep it dry the rest of the time. Let him go barefoot as much as possible. If he's walking, make sure his shoes are wide enough for his feet. Don't try to cut his toenail, or pick at it, as these can make the problem worse.
  
  If your child's ingrowing toenail is really bothering him, you can give him the appropriate dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. See your GP if:
  

  • there are signs of infection, such as swelling or pus, which don't get better within a few days
  • your child develops a fever, which can be another sign of infection
  • your little one has diabetes

  
  If the toenail is infected, your GP can prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. In some cases, she may refer you to a specialist, who may recommend a minor procedure to remove part or all of the nail.
  
  Get tips on how to care for your child's feet to prevent ingrowing toenails.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  19 / 40

  Jaundice

  More than half of all babies develop a yellowish tinge to their skin in the first few days after birth. If your baby has dark skin, you're more likely to notice a yellow tinge to the white of his eyes, or on the palms of his hands or soles of his feet.
  
  If your baby was born full term, it will usually take a week or two for his skin and eye colour to return to normal. It may take a bit longer if he was born early.
  
  Find out when your baby’s jaundice may need treatment.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  20 / 40

  Lyme disease

  Sometimes, a tick bite can lead to lyme disease. It’s unlikely that your child can get lyme disease in Australia, but he could get it if you’re travelling in parts of Asia, Europe and North America.
  
  Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection that needs prompt treatment. If your child is bitten by a tick, look out for a spreading rash or ring around the site of the bite. If you spot this, take your child to your GP.
  
  Find out how to remove a tick on your baby.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Lowell Georgia/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  21 / 40

  Measles

  If your child has measles, his first symptoms can include:
  

  • runny nose
  • fever
  • cough
  • sore, red, swollen eyes
  • small white spots in his mouth

  
  Two to four days after these symptoms start, a red, blotchy rash will develop on your child’s head and neck. This will then spread over the rest of his body, developing a bumpy texture. It may also be itchy for your little one.
  
  As the rash appears, your child’s fever may rise. The rash usually lasts about five days, turning a brownish colour as it fades.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your child has measles.
• Image Copyright © 2017 Alamy. All Rights Reserved.

  22 / 40

  Meningitis

  Meningitis is a serious infection that can develop very quickly. The most distinctive feature is a rash that doesn't disappear when you press a glass to it. But the rash doesn't always appear, and when it does, the infection is usually already advanced. Earlier symptoms may include:
  

  • fever
  • general flu-like symptoms
  • unusually shrill crying
  • not wanting to be touched
  • vomiting or refusing food
  • a stiff neck or body

  
  If you suspect your little one may have meningitis, see a doctor straight away: don't wait. If your doctor’s surgery isn’t open, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
  
  Learn more about how to tell if your child has meningitis.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates / Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  23 / 40

  Milia

  Milia are tiny, slightly raised, white spots that may appear on your baby's face, usually across his nose, cheeks, chin or forehead, or around his eyes. They can also crop up on his chest.
  
  Almost half of all babies develop milia. They’re caused by blocked pores, and are completely harmless for your baby.
  
  Discover how long it may take for your baby’s milia to clear up.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  24 / 40

  Molluscum contagiosum (water warts)

  Molluscum contagiosum appears as small, raised, dome-shaped spots. Each spot has a dimple in the middle, and there are usually about 20 to 30 spots at any one time.
  
  The spots can appear anywhere on your child’s body, often his chest, tummy, back, armpits, behind his knees or around his nappy area. They shouldn’t be painful for your little one, though they can sometimes be uncomfortably itchy.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your child may have molluscum contagiosum.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Voisin/Phanie/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  25 / 40

  Mosquito bite

  A mosquito bite can leave an itchy, raised bump on your child's skin. Use a cold compress to soothe the itching, and then try to stop him from scratching the bite. Keep his nails short so that he can't scratch too hard. If the bite seems to be bothering your child, ask your pharmacist for a soothing cream.
  
  Discover how to treat insect bites and stings.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  26 / 40

  Mouth ulcer

  Mouth ulcers are sores that can appear anywhere in the mouth, most often on the inside of the cheek or lips. They usually look white or pale yellow, though the area around them may look red or swollen.
  
  Your child may just get one ulcer, or several at once. They're not usually very painful, though they can be uncomfortable for him.
  
  Your child may have got an ulcer from accidently biting his cheek or lip, or perhaps a sharp piece of food cut his mouth a little. Illness or tiredness can also trigger ulcers.
  
  Mouth ulcers aren't contagious, and they usually clear up on their own within 10 to 14 days. In the meantime, a mouth ulcer can make eating uncomfortable for your little one, so try feeding him softer foods.
  
  Brushing his teeth extra carefully with a soft toothbrush will also help. See your GP if the ulcer lasts for more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, or seems to be very painful for your child.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  27 / 40

  Nappy rash

  Nappy rash causes a red puffy rash around your baby's genitals, bottom and the folds of his thighs. The rash can sometimes look pimply, and may feel warm to the touch. Your baby may often get nappy rash during his first year, and wetness is the main cause.
  
  Discover the best ways to prevent nappy rash.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  28 / 40

  Oral thrush

  White spots or patches in your baby's mouth may be a sign of thrush. These patches will look a little like cottage cheese or milk curds. Your baby's mouth may be quite sore and he may be reluctant to feed.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby may have thrush.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  29 / 40

  Papular urticaria

  Papular urtucaria is a mild allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting, often from fleas, mites or bed bugs. It causes itchy, red bumps around the site of a bite, which can sometimes develop into fluid-filled blisters.
  
  Papular urticaria usually clears up by itself, though it can sometimes come back if your child gets another bite or sting. In most cases, it stops coming back, or becomes milder, as your child grows. If the spots or blisters are bothering your child, or there’s any sign of infection, see your GP.
  
  Learn more about treating insect bites and stings.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Scott Camazine/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  30 / 40

  Poison ivy and rhus tree

  Poison ivy and rhus trees usually grow in North America, but have been introduced to Australia and are now declared weeds here. Rhus is a close relative of the poison oak tree.
  
  If your child comes into contact with one of these plants, he may have an allergic reaction that will cause a rash. This will appear on his skin as swollen, red patches, which will develop into blisters a day or two later. The blisters will crust over after a few days, but they will be very itchy in the meantime.
  
  Poison ivy and rhus rashes usually get better on their own within about two weeks, though severe cases can last for up to a month. If you're worried about your child's rash, or if it covers large areas of skin, see your doctor.
  
  Discover which other house and garden plants aren't safe for your little one.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  31 / 40

  Ringworm

  In spite of the name, ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, and has nothing to do with worms. If your child has it, he'll have a rash that looks like one or several red rings, which can appear anywhere on his body. The rings will be crusty or scaly on the outside and smooth in the middle. They may also feel itchy. As the fungus grows, the rings get larger, ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres.
  
  Ringworm can also affect your child's scalp, though this is less common in young babies. Scalp ringworm can be dry and crusty, or moist and filled with pus. It's easy to confuse ringworm with dandruff or cradle cap.
  
  Discover what causes ringworm and how to treat it.
• Image Copyright © 2018 DermPics/Science Source.

  32 / 40

  Roseola

  The first symptoms of roseola include:
  

  • sudden fever of 38 to 42 degrees C
  • runny nose, cough or sore throat
  • puffy eyes
  • swollen neck glands
  • mild diarrhoea

  
  Your child may also seem generally under the weather, and not feel like eating much. His fever may last for three to four days, before suddenly disappearing.
  
  Once the fever subsides, a pinkish-red, spotty rash appears. It’s most likely to start on your child's chest and tummy or back, but can spread anywhere on his body. It usually fades within a few days.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your baby has roseola.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  33 / 40

  Rubella (German measles)

  The first sign of rubella is small pinkish-red spots that appear on your child's face and neck, and then spread elsewhere on his body. If your baby has darker skin, it can be harder to see the spots, but you may notice that his skin feels rough or bumpy.
  
  Some children feel totally fine while they have rubella, but your little one may develop other symptoms, such as:
  

  • a fever
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • red, inflamed eyes
  • swollen glands

  
  Find out what to do if you think your child has rubella.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr. P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  34 / 40

  Scabies

  If your child gets scabies, he'll develop an extremely itchy, bumpy, red rash. This often starts around the hands or feet, and can spread to the whole body. You may also notice little silvery lines on your child’s skin.
  
  Discover what to do if you think your little one has scabies.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  35 / 40

  Scarlet fever (scarlatina)

  If your child has scarlet fever, his first symptoms will probably be:
  

  • sore throat
  • headache
  • fever
  • swollen glands
  • nausea or vomiting

  
  Up to two days after your little one starts feeling under the weather, he’ll develop the scarlet fever rash. This looks a bit like sunburn, and feels a bit like sandpaper. It usually starts on the chest or stomach, before spreading to the rest of the body.
  
  Your little one will need antibiotics if he has scarlet fever, so take him to the doctor.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr HC Robinson/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  36 / 40

  Slapped cheek

  If your child has slapped cheek disease, he'll have a blotchy red rash on his cheeks. A red, lacy-like rash may also appear on his body and limbs. He may have a slight fever, and feel achy and flu-like. Or he may have no other symptoms at all.
  
  Find out what causes slapped cheek disease and how to treat it.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Western Ophthalmic Hospital/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  37 / 40

  Stye

  If your child has a stye, you'll notice a small red or yellow bump on, or in, his eyelid. A stye can be uncomfortable for your little one, particularly when he touches it. His eyes may also water more than usual.
  
  Discover what causes styes and how to treat them.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Dr P Marazzi/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  38 / 40

  Tonsilitis

  Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, the almond-shaped glands that bulge out on both sides of the back of your child's throat. You may be able to see it by looking into his mouth – his tonsils may look red and swollen, and there may be white spots on them.
  
  Other signs of tonsillitis include:
  

  • a sore throat, which can make it hard for your little one to swallow
  • general cold and flu symptoms, such as a cough, headache, earache, or seeming generally under the weather
  • fever
  • swollen glands in his neck
  • bad breath

  
  Tonsillitis usually clears up on its own within a few days. But if you think your child has it, take him to your GP, so she can double-check what’s causing his symptoms. In some cases, she may prescribe antibiotics.
• Image Copyright © 2014 SPL/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  39 / 40

  Umbilical hernia

  A hernia is a lump under the skin, in the tummy or groin. A hernia happens because your baby's muscles haven't developed fully. An umbilical hernia occurs around the belly button and affects up to one in six babies. It's more common in some ethnic groups, particularly babies of African descent.
  
  Learn more about how to tell if your baby has a hernia and when hernias need treatment.
• Image Copyright © 2014 Biophoto Associates/Science Source. All Rights Reserved.

  40 / 40

  Warts and verrucas

  If your child has common warts, they're most likely to appear on his hands, though they can appear elsewhere. They look like raised, grainy bumps. The bumps will probably be the same colour as your baby's skin, but they may also be lighter or darker. The warts often contain one or more little black dots.
  
  There are other types of warts, too:
  

  • Flat warts are smaller and smoother than common warts. They're most likely to appear on your child's face.
  • Plantar warts (verrucas). These are likely to appear on the soles of your little one's feet and can be quite painful.

  
  Most warts will go away without treatment within a couple of months, although some can take several years. Warts can sometimes be treated if they bother your child, so talk to your pharmacist if you’re worried.
  
  More information:
  

  • Check out our photo gallery of common birthmarks.
  • Learn more about when to take your baby to the doctor.
  • Find out when to keep your little one home from childcare.

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