While skin rashes are rarely dangerous, parents should not attempt to diagnose a skin rash condition on their own. Parents should consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The methods used for the diagnosis and treatment of skin rashes in children are largely the same as for adults. Skin rashes can often be identified through a visual examination by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional. In some cases, a skin biopsy or other test (e.g., blood test, urine test) may be necessary to determine the exact nature of a rash. Details from a medical history can also aid diagnosis.

Treatment options vary significantly depending on the type of rash. Some rashes clear on their own over time. Others may require treatment with medications. Treatment options for various rashes include:

• Antibiotics. Topical or oral antibiotics may be used to treat skin rashes caused by underlying bacterial infections. The entire course of prescribed antibiotics should be taken, even if symptoms improve, to prevent recurrence.
  
  
• Antihistamines. Oral antihistamines block the release of histamines into the body. Histamines cause the symptoms – including some skin rashes – that occur during an allergic reaction or other immune system responses. Topical antihistamines can also help prevent the itching that may accompany some rashes. However, topical antihistamines can sensitize the skin and cause reactions themselves. Older antihistamines used to cause drowsiness, but there are newer ones on the market that cause little or no drowsiness.
  
  
• Corticosteroid medications. These potent medications help lessen inflammation. However, they should be carefully used, as they can cause thin skin or other complications. In most cases, a topical corticosteroid will be used. If the rash covers a large portion of the skin or is severe, a physician may prescribe corticosteroid pills or injections. A patient is usually tapered off the medication gradually over a two-week period to prevent recurrence of the rash.
  
  
• Phototherapy. Some skin rashes can be treated by exposing the patient in controlled circumstances to ultraviolet light waves over a period of time.

Keeping a child’s skin healthy is the first step in preventing skin rashes. For individuals with allergies, the key is to identify and avoid contact with any allergens. By limiting contact with allergens, individuals can prevent the allergy attacks that result in skin rash symptoms.

Other tips that can help prevent skin rashes in children and infants include:

• Breastfeed for at least the first six months of life. This may cause the child to develop fewer food allergies than a child who is not breast-fed. While it is highly debatable whether this technique is effective at preventing food allergies, almost all physicians agree that breastfeeding is greatly beneficial to the overall health of a child. 
  
  
• Vaccinate children against childhood illnesses such as chickenpox, measles and rubella.
  
  
• Instruct the child not to scratch to prevent spreading the rash. Parents can put socks over their babies’ hands to prevent them from scratching.
  
  
• Limit the use of any skin products or laundry products that contain added fragrances.
  
  
• Refrain from exposing the skin to particularly hot or cold air. Children should also stay out of the sun as much as possible.
  
  
• Prevent the development of a contagious rash by regularly changing a child.
  
• Since most children do not require daily bathing, do not wash the child too frequently. This can cause dry skin and a rash to develop.
  
  
• Children should be dressed sparingly in hot weather. The fewer articles of clothing, the better. Cotton clothing is generally lighter and less abrasive than other types of clothes.
  
  
• Wash children’s clothes with mild types of soap rather than detergents.