by April Duke

Created on: April 05, 2011   Last Updated: May 05, 2011

It can be very unnerving when your baby has a rash. Because babies have extremely sensitive skin, they can develop rashes for a myriad of reasons. Learn how to identify four common skin rashes to help you determine what course of action you should take.

Heat rash is one of the most common explanations when a baby develops a skin rash. When your baby's skin becomes overheated, the sweat ducts can become blocked and cause a rash. The bumps are usually surrounded by a red halo and may form in groups, particularly in the folds of skin in the armpits, neck and groin area. Heat rash is harmless and can be remedied by cooling your baby. More severe cases may require a topical anti-itch cream.

If your baby develops a dry, red, scaly rash, he may have baby eczema. Baby eczema can make the skin appear thick and scaly, or it can look like red bumps that produce discharge and may become infected. This rash generally starts on the cheeks or forehead, but can spread to the rest of the body as well. Over half of eczema cases begin in the first year of life.

While heat rash and baby eczema are harmless rashes that are not contagious, roseola is a viral illness that produces a rash. A baby with roseola will develop a high fever for 3 to 7 days. During this time, she will develop a rose colored rash that is comprised of small, slightly raised sores. The rash generally starts on the trunk and then spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms can include a runny nose and a sore throat. Roseola is not an itchy rash, and may last as little as a few hours, or as long as a few days.

Finally, there is chicken pox. Due to the popularity of the vaccine, this rash is much less common than in days past. The chicken pox rash consists of small red blisters that look much like an insect bite. The pox begin appearing first on the trunk or face, and then spread to the rest of the body. The blisters burst and become scabbed over, even as more blisters appear. A diagnosis of chicken pox is almost guaranteed when blisters appear on the scalp.

As with anything, always check with your pediatrician if your child develops a rash, especially if the rash is accompanied by a fever. Your pediatrician will be able to advise you of the best treatment methods to employ.

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