What it could be
What to do
Eczema may be an inherited condition. It could be caused by allergies arising from baby’s diet or your diet if nursing. Chemical irritants in lotions and washing detergents, dry skin, soap or heat could be a cause.
Ask your doctor for treatment solutions. Use a mild soap to wash, pat your baby’s skin dry and moisturise. Use cotton clothing. Avoid scratchy fabrics. Use mild, fragrance free detergents to wash clothing.
Itchy red, raised, swollen skin patches that come and go on body. May last a few hours or months.
Hives is when the body release histamine into the bloodstream in reaction to an insect bite or sting, allergies, medications or sudden temperature changes. Possible anaphylactic shock – a severe and deadly allergic reaction – could occur.
Call for medics fast if breathing problems are present. If you suspect a pollen or pet allergen, bathe your baby to wash off allergens. Dab skin with calamine lotion for relief. Dress in light clothing. For pain and itching relief, ask your doctor.
Very itchy red patches found on elbows, armpits, lower abdomen, wrists, genitals and in between fingers. Accompanied by thin red lines, inflamed pimples and blisters. Baby gets restless at night.
Scabies is caused by microscopic parasitic mites in the skin. It is highly contagious. When your baby scratches the rash, scabs form and bacterial infection can set in. The itching is caused by the mites burrowing under the skin, dropping feces and eggs.
Call your doctor quick. A topical cream must be applied all over the baby’s body from the neck down, including in between fingers and toes. Leave on for 8 to 14 hours before washing off. Cover baby’s hands with socks to prevent the medicine from getting his mouth.
A raised pink rash on body, fever for 2 to 5 days and a runny nose. Affects children between 6 months and 3 years.
Roseola is a type of herpes virus and like most viral illnesses will run its course. It is a contagious illness that spreads via coughs, sneezes and saliva.
Your doctor will give fever medication. Give baby plenty of liquids to keep him hydrated.
White spots appear in the mouth first before the red, bumpy rash on face and neck. Fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes and vomiting.
Measles is spread via cough and sneeze droplets. A child with measles is contagious 4 days before and after rash appears. It takes 18 days for symptoms to show. Could also be rubella (German measles).
Seek urgent medical attention to confirm illness. Ensure child gets MMR vaccine to protect against mumps, measles and rubella, at 12-15 months and again at ages 4 and 6.