My baby has a rash

Rashes are common in newborns and babies. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own. You may notice that your baby’s skin is dry or peeling in the first 1-2 weeks of life and this is normal.

A common rash seen in babies in the first 3-4 days of life is erythema toxicum. Babies with this type of rash are well in themselves. They have a red blotchy rash that can come and go and often appears on the face, body, upper arms and thighs. This rash does not require any treatment and will go away on its own.

Erythema toxicum:

Baby with Erythema toxicum rash on face and chest

Baby with darker skin with Erythema toxicum rash on face, torso and arms

Picture credit: Skin Deep

Information and pictures of other common skin rashes in babies can be found here.

In the first 3 months of life, if your baby has a rash and other symptoms, they may need to be reviewed by a medical professional. Please see below for things to look out for.

 

Click below to watch a video from Best Beginnings on common skin rashes:

When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
  • Is blue around the lips
  • Is pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Too breathless to talk or eat or drink
  • Is extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Is confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops swollen lips, a swollen tongue and is struggling to breathe
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C or 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features) 

You need urgent help

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has a rash that looks like small blisters or fluid filled spots
  • Has broken skin and the surrounding area becomes warm to touch or red. Look out for redness around the base of the umbilicus (belly button) in the first few weeks of life
  • Nappy rash that isn’t getting better with simple measures such as regular nappy changes or barrier creams
  • Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C or 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or 100.4°F  or more for more than 5 days
  • Becoming increasingly sleepy and not consistently waking for feeds
  • No wet nappies in the last 8 hours
  • Has a dry mouth or sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
  • Is getting worse or you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please call your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - call 111.

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features.

None of the above features are present

  • It is common for newborns to develop blotchy red skin at 2 to 3 days old. This is a normal newborn rash and shouldn’t bother your baby. It clears after a few days
  • Closely monitor your baby for any signs of deterioration by looking out for any red or amber features

 Additional advice is also available for families to help cope with crying in otherwise well babies – click here ​​​​​​​

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child contact your Health Visitor or call NHS 111 – dial 111

Where should you seek help?

For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between

Self-care

You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed when required, using the recommended medicines and getting plenty of rest.

Sound advice

Children can recover from illness quickly but also can become more poorly quickly; it is important to seek further advice if a child's condition gets worse.

For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?

 

Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets. You don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.

Sound advice

  • Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP
  • Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should seek further medical advice immediately
  • Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy

For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness through the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school.

Health Visitors can also make referrals for you to other health professionals for example hearing or vision concerns or to the Community Paediatricians or to the child and adolescent mental health services.

Contact them by phoning your Health Visitor Team or local Children’s Centre.

Sound advice

Health visitors also provide advice, support and guidance in caring for your child, including:

  • Breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating
  • Exercise, hygiene and safety
  • Your child’s growth and development
  • Emotional health and wellbeing, including postnatal depression
  • Safety in the home
  • Stopping smoking
  • Contraception and sexual health
  • Sleep and behaviour management (including temper tantrums!)
  • Toilet training
  • Minor illnesses

For more information watch the video: What does a health visitor do?

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.

Sound advice

You have a choice of service:

  • Doctors or GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to A&E
  • Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about visiting the GP or going to a walk in centre

For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?

If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, you can call 111 or use 111 online.

Please note that 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.

Sound advice

Use NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services

For information on common childhood illnesses go to What is wrong with my child?

 

A&E departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Sound advice

  • Many visits to A&E and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services
  • If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment
  • Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to A&E or riding in an ambulance
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