Causes of Red Bumps on a Child's Body
A variety of conditions and factors can cause red bumps to form on a child’s body. These bumps are the result of the body reacting to a virus or to environmental conditions. Viral rashes, heat rashes, contact allergies, insect bites and infections are some conditions that may cause red bumps on a child's body 2. See a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis 14.
Viral Rashes
Many viruses can cause a red rash to appear on the skin. A child easily contracts viruses from others around him. Examples of viral infections that may cause a red rash include fifth disease, chickenpox and measles 2. Fifth disease outbreaks often occur during the spring and spread through breathing in contaminated droplets from an infected person exhaling. A lacy, red, raised rash appears on the arms, legs and trunk following a blotchy red rash on the cheeks of the face. Chickenpox rashes appear as red, itchy bumps filled with fluid that will break open and form a scab. The measles causes small pinkish-red, flat bumps to appear on the face and neck and can spread to other areas of the body. A vaccine will help prevent viruses such as chickenpox and measles.
- Many viruses can cause a red rash to appear on the skin.
- Chickenpox rashes appear as red, itchy bumps filled with fluid that will break open and form a scab.
Heat Rash
Jock Itch in Children
Learn More
A heat rash causes small, red bumps to appear on a child’s face, neck and shoulders. The bumps form due to blocked sweat glands. This condition, also referred to as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, occurs most often in hot, humid areas and on children who have a fever or who are overdressed. The red bumps may also cause itching and pain. The condition improves after decreasing the excessive heat to the body.
- A heat rash causes small, red bumps to appear on a child’s face, neck and shoulders.
- This condition, also referred to as prickly heat or miliaria rubra, occurs most often in hot, humid areas and on children who have a fever or who are overdressed.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when a child develops inflammation due to repeat exposure to an irritating product 1. Some items such as poison ivy, medications or detergents will cause an allergic reaction. Touching the substance can cause red bumps to form on the skin in the area of the exposure. Allergy testing can help determine what is causing the reaction for children with recurring contact dermatitis 1.
Insect Bites
Allergies in Children With Fever
Learn More
When an insect bites a child, it leaves a red bump on the skin because of the venom injected during the bite. Depending on the insect, it may bite multiple times or several similar insects may bite during the same exposure time. The bites may sting, itch or become painful. Protecting against insect bites is possible with the use of insect repellents.
- When an insect bites a child, it leaves a red bump on the skin because of the venom injected during the bite.
- Depending on the insect, it may bite multiple times or several similar insects may bite during the same exposure time.
Bacterial Infection
A fever may accompany the red rash. Treating the infection will also treat the rash 3.
Related Articles
References
- American Family Physician: Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis
- Merck Manuals: Viral Infections: Introduction
- Merck Manuals: Streptococcal Infections
- American Family Physician: The Generalized Rash -- Part I. Differential Diagnosis
- American Family Physician: The Generalized Rash -- Part II. Diagnostic Approach
Writer Bio
Abigail Adams began her freelance writing career in 2009, teaching others about medical conditions and promoting wellness by writing on online health and fitness publications. She is educated and licensed as a registered nurse, having received her degree from North Georgia College and State University.