Infantigo rash: what parents should know

Parents often use infantigo to describe crusted, weeping, or sore spots that resemble impetigo. The rash may start where skin has been scratched, rubbed, or broken and can spread by touch. Yellow-brown crust, moist areas, small blisters, or redness around a sore are useful details to report.

The appearance is not diagnostic. Atopic Dermatitis, Contact Dermatitis, Heat Rash, Intertrigo, and other conditions can cause redness or broken skin. Note whether the rash is in the nappy area, folds, face, or limbs and whether the baby has fever or feeding changes.

Arrange advice from a healthcare professional rather than relying on a name alone. Until then, wash hands before and after care, clean gently with water, pat dry, and discourage scratching by keeping nails short. Do not pick crusts, squeeze blisters, or apply borrowed creams.

Use separate towels and clothing, wash soiled fabrics, and limit close skin contact with other children while the rash is being assessed. If treatment is prescribed, follow the instructions precisely. Do not use an antibiotic, steroid, or combination product without advice because the underlying cause may differ.

Seek prompt assessment for a baby with spreading sores, increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus, blisters, fever, or reduced feeding. Get urgent help if the rash is near the eyes, the baby is hard to wake, breathing abnormally, or appears severely unwell. A very young infant with a new rapidly changing rash should be assessed without delay.

Ask what diagnosis best fits the rash, whether it is contagious, how to clean it, whether coverings are useful, and when the baby can mix normally with others. Mention eczema, recent illness, new products, medicines, and any fever.