Although skin rashes are often the result of an allergic reaction, there are a number of other causes that are non-allergic in nature. Other causes of skin rash often found in children include:

• Bacteria and viruses. Rashes resulting from bacterial or viral infection are typically associated with specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat and red eyes. These types of rash typically require immediate medical treatment. Bacterial and viral conditions associated with rash include:
  
  
• Measles. Symptoms include nasal congestion, fever, cough and eye redness. Symptoms may also include a whitish rash on the inside of the cheeks (Koplik's spots). On day three or four the child will develop a brownish rash on the face that spreads down the body. Rashes caused by this condition are becoming less common due to childhood vaccinations against the disease.
  
  
• Chickenpox. Symptoms include an itchy rash on the scalp, armpits or groin which spreads over the entire body. In the center of this red rash a small blister develops and then ruptures, leaving a crust. Each phase of chickenpox (scabs, blisters and crusts) begin at the same time everywhere on the body. Rashes caused by this condition are becoming less common due to childhood vaccinations against the disease.
  
  
• Scarlet fever. Symptoms include a mild to severe sore throat, headache, fever and swollen glands. A characteristic red rash also appears one or two days after infection. The rash is coarse, rough or bumpy – much like sandpaper. The face may look flush (except around the mouth).
  
  
• Rubella. Symptoms include a pink rash on the face. It spreads down the body and may swell lymph nodes on the neck and behind the ears. Rashes caused by this condition are becoming less common due to childhood vaccinations against the disease.
  
  
• Roseola infantum. Symptoms include a high fever for two or four days followed by a rash that is small and pink with slightly swollen lesions. The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the arms and legs.
  
  
• Impetigo. Symptoms include a rash that can spread to other parts of the body (and to other people). It starts with small blisters that rupture, leaving patches of red skin. A light brown crust develops over the itchy rash. Impetigo often results from scratching a mosquito bite and pushing surface bacteria under the skin.
  
  
• Coxsackieviruses and other enteroviruses. Symptoms include a rash that develops after fever or blisters.
  
  
• Hand–foot–and–mouth disease. Symptoms include fever, rash and blisters that develop in the mouth and tongue and then travel to the hands, trunk and feet.
  
  
• Molluscum contagiosum. Symptoms include small, waxy, dome-shaped lesions on the skin. It is benign and painless, and usually goes away spontaneously after a few months to a few years. It is most common in children under the age of 5 years.
  
  
• Fifth disease. Characterized by the appearance of a bright red rash on the face. The rash makes a person appear to have “slapped cheeks” or sunburn. The disease usually affects children ages 4 to 10. It is a contagious condition.
  
  
• Red dots (petechiae). Symptoms include red blood blisters that form on the skin with or without rash, fever, coughing and vomiting. This condition could develop into a life threatening situation.
  
  
• Meningococcemia. Symptoms include a fever with a rash of small bumps, developing blisters or red dots with headache, congestion, nausea, vomiting or aches. Parents should seek emergency attention immediately for their child if meningococcemia is suspected.
  
  
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF). Symptoms include headache, high temperature (102° Fahrenheit [39° Celsius] or higher), aches and a rash after a tick bite (sometimes undetectable). The rash begins on day two or three and usually starts with red dots developing on the ankles or wrists that spread inward. Parents should seek emergency attention for their child if RMSF is suspected.
  
  
• Lyme disease. Symptoms include a flu or fever (100° Fahrenheit [38° Celsius] and higher) that occurs after a tick bite. A target–like red rash then develops. It may drastically grow in size at the site of a tick bite. A child with this condition should receive emergency care. 
  
  
• Kawasaki disease. Symptoms include a persistent five–day fever, rash (red lesions or blisters), red eyes, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, swelling fingers and toes, as well as a red tongue, lips and throat.
  
  
• Toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms include a high fever, aches, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure and disorientation. A rash develops that may appear like a mild sunburn all over the body. This is a life–threatening condition and parents should seek immediate emergency care for their child if it is suspected.
  

• Parasites. These organisms (e.g., mites, lice) live off a person’s skin tissue and often cause a rash. Parasite-related causes of skin rash include:
  
  
• Scabies. Symptoms include an itchy rash that develops around the armpits, wrists and arms and between the fingers. Children should see a pediatrician if scabies is suspected.
  
  
• Fungi. Fungal infection often results in the appearance of a skin rash. Fungus-related causes of rash include:
  
  
• Ringworm. Symptoms include an itchy rash that may appear as dandruff on the scalp. The condition often looks like a ring, with central clearing and a raised area around the outside. The condition is contagious. Children with this condition should see a pediatrician.
  
  
• Athlete’s foot. Symptoms include an itchy rash between the toes.
  

A baby’s skin commonly has some skin blemishes or blotchiness, but these conditions are usually harmless and need little or no treatment. However, there are some skin conditions that commonly cause rashes in infants. These include:

• Erythema toxicum. Typical newborn rash that begins with small blisters or redness and may have a white or yellow substance inside. The rash usually begins on the second or third day of life. Treatment is not required.
  
  
• Heat rash. Blockage of the sweat glands that leads to little red bumps or small blisters. This is usually not a serious condition.
  
  
• Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis). Scaly, red, slippery, bumpy rash that can be on the scalp, armpits, diaper area or behind the ears. Parents should point out this condition to a pediatrician.
  
  
• Diaper rash. Red rash caused by chafing and moisture in soiled diapers. The rash often appears "beefy red" with little blisters around its edge called "satellite lesions." If the rash persists, parents should take their infant to see a pediatrician.
  
  
• Strawberry hemangioma. Common, harmless growth that develops during the first year of life. It starts as small pink birthmark but can rapidly grow in size within a couple of weeks. Some specialty treatments are available to treat this condition. 
  
  
• Milia. Tiny white pimples on the chin and nose. It is common for babies to be born with this condition.
  
  
• Prickly heat (miliaria). Rash and blisters found on the nose. This condition commonly occurs when the child is dressed too warmly.
  
  
• Acne. Newborn acne consisting of pimples on the face.
  
  
• Yeast infection (candidal rash). Red rash that thrives in moist environments. It has raised lesions and is usually found in the crease and folds of the baby’s skin.

Other types of common skin rash conditions include:

• Shingles. Contagious condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It may lie dormant in the body for many years. The condition re–emerges as a painful, blistering skin condition. Symptoms are usually limited to one side of the body, almost never crossing the midline.
  
  
• Psoriasis. Red, itchy, scaly patches that appear over joints and along the scalp. The condition is caused by the body’s excessive production of skin cells.
  
  
• Pseudomonas dermatitis (hot tub rash). Skin infection that produces a bumpy, red, often itchy rash that may become tender. It is often caused by a bacteria found in the water and soil and appears within a few days of swimming in a contaminated pool, lake or hot tub.
  
  
• Neurodermatitis. Skin rash that occurs when a tight garment repeatedly rubs against sensitive skin. The skin rash often appears on the wrist, arm and back of the neck and is characterized by rough and thickened patches of itchy skin.
  
  
• Perioral dermatitis. Rash or irritation involving the skin around the mouth and nose that primarily affects younger women and occasionally children or men. The cause is unknown but makeup and face creams and some dental products may be responsible.
  
  
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Flaking of the skin that usually affects the scalp. It is more common in children with oily hair and is often inherited. Dandruff is usually treated with a medicated shampoo that contains salicylic acid or a prescription medicine that contains selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc.
  
  
• Hand dermatitis. Rash on the hands that is red, dry, cracked and inflamed. This condition is often experienced by individuals who are in constant contact with oils and lotions and who perform frequent hand washing (e.g., massage therapist).
  
  
• Stasis dermatitis. Excess of fluid that builds up in the tissues beneath the skin. It thins out the skin and interferes with the body’s ability to nourish it. Fluid build–up can be caused by varicose veins and other chronic conditions.