Skin Infections & Rashes

Articles In This Section

• Abscess

  An abscess is a sign of an infection, usually on the skin. Find out what to do if your child develops one.

• Acanthosis Nigricans

  Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.

• Pityriasis Rosea

  This harmless rash often forms a telltale "Christmas tree" pattern on the back that makes it easy to identify.

• Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

  Got flakes? Most cases of dandruff don't require a visit to a doctor's office. Treat them at home with special, over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.

• Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis)

  This harmless condition - the infant form of dandruff - causes rough, scaly patches on a baby's skin.

• Paronychia

  Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Most of the time, it's not serious and can be treated at home. Learn what causes it, what to do, and how to prevent it.

• Hives (Urticaria)

  Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.

• Molluscum Contagiosum

  Molluscum contagiosum is a common wart-like viral skin infection. For most children, the rash is no big deal and goes away on its own over time.

• Vitiligo

  While vitiligo might make your child self-conscious, this skin condition is not medically dangerous. Kids with vitiligo are as healthy as other kids.

• Erythema Multiforme

  By the looks of the "bulls-eye" marks this rash leaves on the skin, you might think it's cause for concern. But erythema multiforme clears up on its own within a few weeks.

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

  This common illness spreads easily in daycare centers and other places where young kids congregate. Learn how to protect your child.

• Cold Sores

  Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own.

• Oral Thrush

  Oral thrush, a very common infection in infants that causes irritation in and around the baby's mouth, often goes away on its own without medical treatment.

• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

  Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infection transmitted by ticks. Find out more about it - including how to prevent it.

• Infections That Pets Carry

  Kids can benefit from the companionship, affection, and relationships they share with pets. But it's important to know how to protect your family from infections carried by pets and other animals.

• Toxic Shock Syndrome

  Toxic shock syndrome is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS is a medical emergency - symptoms include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches.

• Chickenpox

  It's most common in kids under age 12, but anyone can get chickenpox. The good news is that a vaccine can prevent most cases.

• Genital Herpes

  Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that's usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

• Lyme Disease

  Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease in kids is almost always treatable.

• Roseola

  Roseola is a viral illness that usually affects kids between 6 months and 3 years old. Learn its signs and symptoms when to call the doctor.

• Measles

  Measles is best known for the skin rash it causes. Although rare, outbreaks can happen. Getting your kids fully vaccinated is the best way to protect them from this disease.

• Scabies

  Scabies is an infestation that affects the skin, and is caused by a mite that burrows into the top layer of skin. It most often causes itching, which may be worse at night or after a hot bath.

• Scarlet Fever

  Scarlet fever is an illness with a characteristic rash that is caused by a strep infection. Learn important facts about scarlet fever in this article for parents, including how to recognize its symptoms.

• Rubella (German Measles)

  Rubella infection, or German measles, usually is a mild disease in kids that can be prevented with vaccination. Its primary medical danger is to pregnant women because it can affect developing babies.

• Warts

  Many of us have had a wart somewhere on our bodies at some time. But other than being a nuisance, most warts are harmless.

• Impetigo

  Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that usually produces blisters or sores on the face, neck, hands, and diaper area. It's one of the most common skin infections among kids.

• Fifth Disease

  Especially common in kids between the ages of 5 and 15, fifth disease is a viral illness that produces a distinctive red rash on the face, body, arms, and legs.

• Cellulitis

  Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues that can affect any area of the body. It begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch.

• Eczema

  Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Fortunately, more than half of the kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teenagers.