It's normal for babies to develop skin rashes from as early as a few days old, as their sensitive skin adapts to a different environment. Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own.
However, if your baby has developed a rash and seems unwell, or if you're worried, see your GP to find out the cause and for any necessary treatment. It's especially important to be aware of the warning signs of meningitis.
This guide may give you a better idea of the cause of the rash, but don't use it to diagnose your baby's condition by yourself. Always see a GP for a proper diagnosis.
This page covers the most common causes of skin rashes in babies, which are:
milia (blocked oil glands)
- erythema toxicum (the "normal newborn rash")
- "baby acne"
- eczema
- nappy rash
- ringworm
- prickly heat
- impetigo
- hives
- slapped cheek syndrome
- erythema multiforme
- hand, foot and mouth disease
- keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
It also describes the warning signs of meningitis and explains what you should do if you're worried your baby may have this.
The causes of skin rashes in children and skin rashes in adults are covered separately.
Milia
About half of all newborns will develop small white spots, called milia, on their face. These are just blocked pores and usually clear within the first four weeks of life.
Erythema toxicum
Half of all newborns will develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum, usually at two or three days old. It is a normal newborn rash that won't bother your baby and will soon clear after a few days.
"Baby acne"
Pimples sometimes develop on a baby's cheeks and nose. These tend to get worse before clearing up completely after around six weeks.
Eczema
Eczema is a long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. The most common form is atopic eczema, which mainly affects babies and children but can continue into adulthood.
Atopic eczema usually occurs in areas with folds of skin, such as behind the knees or on the front of the elbows. Find out how to manage your baby's eczema.
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is a fungal infection of the skin around the baby's nappy area. Most rashes can be treated with a simple skin care routine. Read how to treat your baby's nappy rash at home.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash almost anywhere on the body (the baby's scalp, feet and groin are common areas). It is usually easily treated using over-the-counter creams. Find out more abouthow ringworm is treated.
Prickly heat (heat rash)
A heat rash (prickly heat) may flare up if your baby starts to sweat, for example because they are dressed in too many clothes or the environment is hot and humid. It is a sign that your baby's sweat glands have become blocked. They may develop tiny red bumps or blisters on their skin, but these will soon clear.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the surface layers of the skin, which causes sores and blisters. It is not usually serious but you can visit your GP for a prescription of antibiotics, which should clear the infection within 7-10 days. Find out more about how impetigo is treated.
Hives
Hives (also known as urticaria) is a raised, red itchy rash that appears on the skin. It happens when a trigger (such as a food that your baby is allergic to) causes a protein called histamine to be released into their skin. The rash is usually short-lived and can be controlled with antihistamines. Learn more about treating hives.
However, if your baby gets hives repeatedly, it's important to see your GP, as your baby may be allergic to something they are being fed frequently, such as cow's milk.
Slapped cheek syndrome
Slapped cheek syndrome (also known as fifth disease) is a viral infection that is particularly common in children and babies. It typically causes a bright red rash on both cheeks and a fever. Most babies will not need treatment as slapped cheek syndrome is usually a mild condition that passes in a few days.
Erythema multiforme
Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction triggered by medication, an infection (usually the herpes simplex virus) or an illness. Red spots develop on the hands or feet before spreading across the body. Your baby will probably feel unwell and may have a fever, but you should be able to treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medicine. It may take two to six weeks before your baby feels better.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
your GP. Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, mild viral illness that causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Your baby may feel unwell and have a fever. Treatment is usually not needed as the baby's immune system clears the virus and symptoms go away after about 7 to 10 days. If you're worried, see
Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin")
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. There's no cure for this skin complaint, but it shouldn't bother your baby.
Meninigitis warning signs
- It's important to be aware of the warning signs of meningitis in your baby, which include:
- becoming floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with jerky movements
- becoming irritable and not wanting to be held
- unusual crying
- vomiting and refusing feeds
- pale and blotchy skin
- loss of appetite
- staring expression
- very sleepy with a reluctance to wake up
- Some babies will develop a swelling in the soft part of their head (fontanelle).
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