Updated 02/09/2026

What should I do about my child's rash?

A guide to common childhood rashes, what you can do at home, and when to get medical help.

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What it is

Many childhood rashes are common and can be managed at home. The right approach depends on what the rash looks like and what other symptoms your child has.

• Molluscum contagiosum: Small, firm, raised spots that can be the same colour as the skin, darker, or pink. It can usually be treated at home [1].
• Nappy rash: Red or raw patches on the bottom or the whole nappy area. The skin can look sore, feel hot, be scaly and dry, and may have spots, pimples, or blisters. Your baby may seem uncomfortable or distressed [2].
• Hand, foot and mouth disease: Starts with a sore throat, high temperature, and not wanting to eat. A few days later, painful mouth ulcers and a raised rash of spots can appear on the hands and feet, and sometimes the groin and bottom. Spots can turn into painful blisters [3].
• Chickenpox: An itchy, spotty rash that can be anywhere on the body. It happens in stages, with new spots appearing while others become blisters or form scabs. A high temperature, aches, and loss of appetite can also occur [4].
• Milia: Very small spots, often on a baby’s nose, that appear a few days after birth. They can be white or yellow and usually go away within a few weeks without treatment [5].
• Erythema toxicum: Raised red, yellow, and white spots common in the first few weeks after birth. They usually appear on the face, body, upper arms, and thighs. The rash can disappear and reappear but should get better in a few weeks without treatment [7].
• Scabies: Very itchy, raised spots caused by tiny mites. There may be raised lines with a dot at one end, often first appearing between the fingers. It can usually be treated at home [8].

What you can do at home

For many rashes, home care is enough. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

• For chickenpox [6]:

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Try ice lollies if your child is not drinking.
  • Give paracetamol for pain and discomfort.
  • Cut fingernails and put socks on hands at night to stop scratching.
  • Use cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy.
  • Ask a pharmacist about antihistamine medicine for itching.
  • Bathe in cool water and pat the skin dry. Do not rub.
  • Dress in loose clothes.
  • Do not use ibuprofen unless a doctor tells you to, as it may cause serious skin infections.
  • Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years.
  • Do not scratch the spots, as this can cause scarring.
  • Keep your child away from newborn babies, pregnant women, or anyone with a weakened immune system, as chickenpox can be dangerous for them.

• For nappy rash: Keep the area clean and dry. Change nappies often. Speak to a pharmacist about suitable barrier creams.

• For molluscum contagiosum and scabies: These can usually be treated at home. Speak to a pharmacist about the right treatment.

When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department

The sources provided do not list specific warning signs for when to see a doctor. If you are worried about your child’s rash, or if it is not improving with home care, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

Common questions

My baby has tiny spots on their face. Is this serious? Very small spots called milia often appear on a baby’s face when they are a few days old. They usually appear on the nose but can be on other parts of the face, inside the mouth, or on the scalp or chest. In young babies, they usually go away within a few weeks and do not need treatment [5].

My child has a rash and a high temperature. What could it be? A high temperature can be a symptom of both hand, foot and mouth disease and chickenpox [3][4]. Hand, foot and mouth disease often starts with a sore throat, high temperature, and not wanting to eat [3]. Chickenpox can also cause a high temperature before or after the rash appears [4].

Can I use ibuprofen for chickenpox? No. Do not use ibuprofen for chickenpox unless you are told to by a doctor, as it may cause serious skin infections [6]. You can use paracetamol to help with pain and discomfort [6].

Sources

[1] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Skin-coloured or pink spots”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [2] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Symptoms of nappy rash”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [3] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [4] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Symptoms of chickenpox”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [5] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Rash without fever or itching Tiny spots on a baby’s face”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [6] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “How you can treat chickenpox yourself”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [7] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Red, yellow and white spots in babies”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/ [8] NHS — “Rashes in babies and children” (2024), section “Small and very itchy spots”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rashes-babies-and-children/

This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

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