Skin rash

[Al&Em]

My 3 month old has suddenly come out in a skin rash. It started as a small patch of reddish dry skin on his belly but has developed into smallish pinky pimples spread across his chest, shoulders and arms. I had been putting some aqueous cream on the dry bits, which I've been putting on his dry skin for a while, so would be surprised if he's suddenly become allergic to it. It doesn't seem to be upsetting or irritating him, he doesn't have a temperature and is his happy playful self but wondered whether this is common or should I be worrying? He had his 2nd lot of jabs earlier this week - could it be linked to that? We haven't changed our washing liquid or anything... Could it be heat rash (even though it's not as hot anymore??)?

[Saffron]

Yes, it could be heat rash. It could also be viral, even if Baby doesn't have a fever. In either case it should resolve on its own. It could also be the start of eczema, although GPs are not necessarily any good at diagnosing this. Heat rash, viral rash, and eczema can start off looking very similar in many babies.

Look for a skin cream that does not have any of the following: sodium laurel or laureth sulphate (SLS/SLES), lanolin, or any of the parabens. Even many creams which say they are for eczema (even prescribed ones!) contain many of these ingredients. From memory, Aveno makes one that doesn't have any of these. A thin layer of Sudocrem can also be very helpful. If it does turn out to be eczema, the Forum has a wealth of collective knowledge on how to help! xx

[jennyh]

My daughter is 4 months and has come out in a pimply rash too. Hers came about after the peak of the hot days and seems to be worse when she is upset so when she gets red faced and hot. I saw the health visitor today to get her weighed and she took a look and want concerned. Like anything just said to keep an eye on it and if worsens or accompanied by temperature or discomfort then seek more help.