Blotchy Skin Rash on a Baby's Face

When your baby suffers from a blotchy rash on his face, there could be several causes. Viruses, heat exposure and teething are all associated with red and splotchy rashes that appear on the face. Most rashes affecting babies disappear without any special treatment. If the baby is suffering from any discomfort because of the rash, your doctor may recommend a topical cream to relieve itching and dryness. Take your child to the pediatrician for a proper diagnosis.

Teething

A bright rash on the face could appear as a side effect of your baby’s teething. The face, lips, chin and neck area may be affected after the baby has excessively drooled while teething. The rash may appear raised in certain areas on the face. This type of rash lasts only temporarily and does not require treatment. If you are concerned about your baby’s comfort, apply a small amount of lanolin cream to the affected skin.

Heat Rash

Red Bumps on Babies' Skin

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Heat rash appears as clear or red spots on the surface of the baby’s skin. Any area of the body may be affected, including the face. Heat rash is a result of the baby's being exposed to high temperatures. Hot weather and overdressing the baby are common causes. Heat rash disappears typically when the baby is moved into cooler temperatures or extra layers of clothing are removed.

Fifth Disease

When your baby has bright cheeks with a red blotchy appearance, she may be suffering from fifth disease, or parvovirus B19 infection 3. Other areas of the body where the rash could appear include the chest, hands and feet. Prior to the rash, your baby may have suffered a slight fever. Once the rash appears, it can last an average of seven to 10 days. The infection is viral and can be spread to other children and adults. No topical treatment is applied to the rash when the baby has been diagnosed with fifth disease 3.

Roseola

What Causes a Rash on a Baby's Face After Eating?

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The rash associated with roseola typically starts on the trunk and neck but can spread to a baby’s face and neck. The rash appears on spotty red bumps that are either flat or raised. Rosela is another viral illness and most commonly affects children between the age 6 months and 3 years. Additional symptoms of roseola include high fever, fatigue, eye swelling, appetite changes and diarrhea. The rash associated with roseola may last only a few hours to several days. No treatment is required for roseola.