What should you know about infant rash?

Note when the rash began, where it started, whether it is dry, moist, scaly, blistered, or crusted, and whether it follows a new product, medicine, illness, heat, or contact with another person. Atopic dermatitis often causes itchy, dry areas; contact dermatitis follows irritation or an allergen; heat rash appears in warm, sweaty areas. Other possibilities include [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/), [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/), [Scabies](/conditions/scabies/), [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), or a drug rash. A rash does not identify its cause by itself.

Take clear photographs in good light and record any new soap, cream, detergent, food, medicine, clothing, or visitor with a similar rash. Wash gently with lukewarm water, pat dry, keep folds clean and dry, and use a simple fragrance-free moisturiser on dry skin. Dress the infant in breathable layers and avoid overheating. Do not apply steroid, antifungal, antibiotic, or scented products unless a clinician has recommended a product and instructions for your infant.

Contact a clinician if the rash persists, spreads, recurs, or interferes with feeding or sleep. Seek prompt care for blisters, open sores, pus, honey-coloured crusting, marked swelling, warmth, tenderness, or a rash after a new medicine. Get urgent help if your infant has trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, or appears seriously unwell.

Ask what diagnoses fit the rash’s distribution and texture, whether it could spread to other household members, which products are safe, and what changes should trigger review. Bring the timeline, photographs, product list, temperature concerns, and information about feeding, sleep, and wet nappies.