RHCG - Concerned about your child's rash

Concerned about your child's rash

This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about your child’s rash or think that they may be unwell, consult a health care provider.

Skin rashes are common in babies and children.

Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own.
The causes of skin rashes tend to differ in babies compared to older children. Many viruses can cause a rash as well as other symptoms such as fever and cough. The rash often varies in shape and size, usually appearing as blotchy red spots commonly affecting most of the body. They sometimes appear quite quickly and can last from a few days to several weeks. These rashes are generally ‘non-specific’, which means that it is often hard to say which specific virus is the cause.
See also our page: A visual guide to rashes and other skin conditions in babies and children.

When should I get help?

If your child has any of the following features:

Has blue lips
Is too breathless to talk / eat or drink
Is pale, mottled (a blotchy rash) and feels cold to touch
Is very agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction),
Is confused or very difficult to wake
Has a rash that that does not go away when you press on it (the ‘Glass Test’)
Has swollen lips, a swollen tongue and is finding it hard to breathe

You need help now.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following features:

Has a painful rash
Has a blistering rash
Has a rash affecting more that 90% of their body
Has had chickenpox in the past few days and has any of the following:
- A weakened immune system or is under 4 weeks of age
- Is becoming more unwell with a new fever and spreading red rash
- Has new spots appearing after 7 days
Has red lips or a red tongue
Has significant skin peeling
Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they have had their vaccinations)
Has a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days

You need to see a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, then consider taking them to your nearest Emergency Department.

If none of the above features are present

If none of the above features are present, most children with fever and rash can be safely managed at home.
If you think that this is a worsening of your child’s eczema, optimise your child’s eczema treatment or see their GP or practice nurse.

Self care

You can keep looking after your child at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111

What should I do?

Some rashes will get better by themselves without any treatment. This includes viral rashes. If your child has a fever, you may want to lower their temperature using paracetamol (calpol) and/or ibuprofen.
Some rashes require you to keep your child off from nursery or school. This includes chickenpox and scarlet fever.

However, certain conditions such as eczema and impetigo need treatment from your GP.

Where should I get help?

If it is non urgent, speak to your local pharmacist or health visitor.
If your child has any of the above red or amber features, urgently see your GP. For an urgent out-of-hours GP appointment, call NHS 111 .
You should only call 999 or go your nearest emergency department in critical or life threatening situations.

Self Care

For wear and tear, minor trips and everything in between.

Self-care

You can treat your child's very minor illnesses and injuries at home.

Some illnesses can be treated in your own home with support and advice from the services listed if needed. Use the medicines that have been recommended by your pharmacist or doctor. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

Sound advice

Children can get better from illness quickly but can also become more poorly quickly. It is important to get further advice if your child's condition gets worse.

More information on common childhood illnesses.

Local Pharmacist

Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare. They are the first port of call for minor ailments and can give advice and medication (if needed) for a wide range of long term conditions and common ailments including coughs and colds.

Pharmacy First is a free service. You do not need an appointment and many pharmacies have a private consultation area.

Your pharmacist will let you know if you need further medical attention.

Sound advice

Visit a pharmacy if your child is ill, but does not need to see a GP.
Remember that if your child's condition gets worse, you should get further medical advice straight away.
Help your child to understand - watch this video with them about going to the pharmacy.

Health Visitor

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle and preventing illness through the Universal Health Visiting Pathway. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school.

Your health visitor may be able to refer you on to other health professionals, for example if there are hearing or vision concerns.

Contact them by phoning your local health visiting team.

Sound advice

Health visitors also provide advice, support and guidance in caring for your child, including:

Breastfeeding, weaning and healthy eating
Exercise, hygiene and safety
Your child’s growth and development
Emotional health and wellbeing, including postnatal depression
Safety in the home
Stopping smoking
Contraception and sexual health
Sleep and behaviour management (including temper tantrums!)
Toilet training
Minor illnesses

For more information watch the video: What does a health visitor do?

GP (General Practitioner)

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.

Sound advice

You have a choice of service:

Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to the Emergency Department.
For minor injuries such as cuts that need stitches, broken bones, sprains and minor burns in children aged 5 or over, go to one of our Minor Injury Units (MIU).
Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about visiting the GP or going to a minor injury unit

NHS 24

If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, call 111. An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.

Sound advice

Use NHS 24 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.

Emergency Department

Emergency departments provide vital care for life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, suspected heart attacks, breathing difficulties, or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, call 111 for advice.

Sound advice

Many visits to the Emergency Department and calls to 999 could be resolved by any other NHS services.
If your child's condition is not critical, choose another service to get them the best possible treatment.
Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about going to the Emergency Department or riding in an ambulance

Content adapted with permission from the what0-18.nhs.uk resource produced by the Healthier Together initiative

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 24 August 2022

Next review: 31 August 2025

Author(s): Dr Paula Beattie, RHC

Co-Author(s): Dr. Morag Wilson