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Kids Health Info

Rashes

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    Key points

    • A rash is a change to the skin’s normal look and feel.
    • Rashes can be red, raised, flat, bumpy, blistered or any combination of these. Some may feel itchy, while others may not.
    • It is very common for babies and children to develop rashes.
    • Most rashes caused by viruses are harmless and will go away on their own.
    • Sometimes, rashes can be a sign of a serious condition.
    • Rashes that do not turn skin colour when you push on them (non-blanching) can be a sign of a serious condition. If your child is unwell with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more) and has a non-blanching rash, call an ambulance (000) immediately.

    What is a rash?

    A rash is a change to the skin’s normal look and feel.

    Rashes are very common in children and babies. They are commonly caused by a virus. Usually, viral rashes are harmless and will go away on their own over time.

    If a rash is not viral, it may be caused by:

    • another condition, such as an allergy or eczema
    • touching something that irritates the skin, like a stinging nettle plant or certain soaps.

    Signs and symptoms of rashes

    Rashes can look and feel different. They may be red, raised, flat, bumpy, blistered or any combination of these. Some rashes may be itchy, while others are not.

    Depending on the cause of a rash, it may spread to different parts of the body before it goes away.

    Rashes caused by touching irritants like plants will often go away faster than rashes caused by viruses.

    Some rashes are distinctive. For example, a measles rash is red and blotchy; it starts on the head and spreads around the body.

    Read about other viruses that cause rashes in these fact sheets:

    Non-blanching rashes

    You may have heard the term ‘non-blanching’ used to describe a rash. This means that the rash does not turn skin colour when you push on it.

    Non-blanching rashes are usually more serious. For example, meningitis and meningococcal are both very dangerous infections that can cause non-blanching rashes.

    If your child is unwell with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more) and has a non-blanching rash, you should treat this as a medical emergency and call an ambulance (000) immediately.

    How to care for rashes at home

    • If your child has a rash that turns skin colour when you press on it (blanching), and you do not think it is caused by an allergy, it is usually not important to know the cause.
      • This is because most viral rashes will get better on their own without treatment.
    • Antibiotics do not work on viruses and will not help viral rashes.
    • Most rashes from touching an irritant will go away if your child avoids it.
      • For example, if you think their rash is from washing liquid, try changing the liquid you use to wash their clothes.
    • You should speak with your child’s doctor if you think they have an allergy.
    • If your child's rash is itchy or making them miserable, speak with a pharmacist about treatment options.

    When to get help

    Call an ambulance (000) if:
    • your child is unwell with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more) and has a rash that does not turn skin colour (blanch) when you press on it.
    • your child has a rash with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), along with a headache, stiff neck and/or back pain.
    • your child has a rash and signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as trouble breathing, wheezing or tongue swelling.

    Go to a hospital if:
    • your child has a fever and a bright-red, spotty rash.
    • your child has a purple, blotchy rash that looks like a bruise but does not turn skin colour (blanch) when you press on it.
    • your child has a rash with red, blistering skin that looks like a burn or scald.

    See a doctor or health professional if:
    • your child has a rash that does not turn skin colour (blanch) when you press on it, but they seem otherwise well and do not have a fever (temperature of 38°C or more).
    • your child has a fever with a rash that turns skin colour (blanches) when you press on it.
    • your child has a red and blotchy rash, along with other signs of measles such as a fever (temperature of 38°C or more), cough and runny nose.
      • tell the doctor or receptionist before seeing the doctor, as your child may be contagious.
    • you are worried about your child’s rash for any reason.

    Look after your child at home if:
    • your child’s rash turns skin colour when you press on it (blanches), and they seem otherwise well.

    Common questions about rashes

    Why are rashes more common in children?

    Rashes are more common in children as their immune systems are still developing. This makes them more likely to catch viruses, which are a common cause of rashes. Children also have more sensitive skin, so they may get rashes from touching irritants that do not affect others.

    How do viral rashes spread?

    A viral rash is caused by a virus, and all viruses spread differently. If your child has a viral rash, the best way to stop it from spreading to others is to practice good hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands regularly – especially after touching your child’s bodily fluids like saliva. You should also stop them from sharing things like cutlery, cups, towels, toothbrushes and clothing until the virus has gone away.

    What is a heat rash?

    A heat rash is a skin condition that develops when sweat gets trapped in the skin. It usually happens when the body sweats more than usual, such as in the summer. Heat rash is harmless, but it can be very itchy and uncomfortable. In most cases, heat rash will go away on its own. If your child has heat rash and is miserable, speak with a pharmacist about possible treatments.

    Do I need to take my child to the doctor every time they have a rash?

    You do not need to take your child to the doctor every time they have a rash. Follow the advice above on when you should seek care.

    My child has a rash and I am pregnant. Should I be worried?

    Some viral infections can cause problems in early pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your child has a rash, and you are worried, you should see your local doctor or obstetrician for advice.

    Can my child still go to childcare or school if they have a rash?

    In most cases, your child can still go to childcare or school if they have a mild rash that turns skin colour when you press on it (blanches), and they seem otherwise well. If your child has a rash along with a fever (temperature of 38°C or more) or other signs of illness, they should stay home until they are well again.

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    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed November 2025

    Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

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