What Causes Red Patchy Rashes On Body Of An Infant?

Posted on Thu, 11 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 Answered on

Sat, 27 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor, my 15 month toddler has some strange rashes on er skin these days? Lasts for a few hours or a day XXXXXXX and I have not seen her itching or any other accompanying problem. Yet was wondering what is causing them? I have not tried anything new in food. sometimes like small boils, sometimes just a red long patch, sometime very fine granules on her nose area. What are the possibilities of such allergies?

Answered by Dr. Arun (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
viral rash or urticaria

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanksfor writing to us.
The rash you described doesn't look like any serious bacterial infection. It looks like a viral exanthematous rash or allergic rash called urticaria. Viral infections are commonly associated with such rash.
Do send us some pictures if you have .
This is pretty common at this age.
Don't worry. If your baby is otherwise stable, active , with no fever , there is no need to worry.
I usually prescribe calamine lotion only to be applied twice daily.
As there is no itching , there is no need for anti histamines like atarax, which can be given if it gets itchy.
However if rash persisits or gets itchy and worse you need to consult your doctor .

Wishing your toddler speedy recovery.

Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Viral could be the cause. She had a stomach infection and fever last week for which she took due medicines. But the rashes could have followed. Is Atarax an OTC medicine? Is there any other name to it? I just want to know in case I may want to use in future. In the meantime, will keep calamine lotion handy.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes its is OTC

Detailed Answer:
Atarax is OTC medicine
Alternatives include cetrizine syrup, which should be available everywhere
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad