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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Do toddler exanthemata itch?

Roseola infantum is an acute febrile developmental disease caused by human herpesvirus type 6, and in some cases, by human herpesvirus type 7. Generally, the fever lasts three to five days, and a rash appears after the fever subsides, typically lasting about two days before fading. If there are no complications, recovery is usually swift. The rash in roseola infantum is roseola-like maculopapular and is neither painful nor itchy. Therefore, this rash does not cause itching. If the rash is significantly itchy, the likelihood of roseola infantum is relatively small, and it may be caused by allergies or other reasons.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What causes roseola in infants?

Exanthema subitum in children is caused by a viral infection, generally starting abruptly with a fever above 39°C, and a rash appears as the fever subsides. The rash is roseola. During the period of exanthema subitum, it's important to avoid drafts, ensure indoor ventilation twice a day, and keep the air fresh. Since exanthema subitum is caused by a viral infection, it is necessary to treat children with antiviral medications. It is recommended to use traditional Chinese medicine antivirals because they tend to have fewer side effects. During the exanthema subitum period, avoid going out, and children should not attend kindergarten to steer clear of crowded places.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How many days does it take for a toddler to develop a rash in the case of sudden rash syndrome?

If it's roseola infantum, it is a febrile rash disease. Generally, fever might last about two to three days. After that, a rash will appear, usually after the fever settles down. Initially, this rash typically starts on the face and head, and then spreads to the trunk, chest, back, and can even cover the entire body. These rashes are small papules and generally fade away within two to three days without leaving any scars. Once the rash appears, there's no need to worry, as the body temperature should start to decrease.

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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.