Common baby rashes: your guide to redness, spots and rashes

What does dermatitis look like on a baby?

Dermatitis is just a general term for skin inflammation, and it’s something that can affect us at any age. It’s usually a mix of a red rash, some itchiness and dry patches. Here are the types you’re most likely to come across.

Is your baby’s rash nappy rash?

Nappy rash is one of the most common skin issues in babies, and it’s rarely anything to worry about. It usually happens when skin has been in contact with wee or poo for too long, or when a nappy has been rubbing.

What it looks like: Pink or red, sore-looking skin across the nappy area. In more severe cases, the skin can crack or break.

Where it appears: The nappy area, including the bottom, thighs and genitals.¹⁹

What helps: Regular nappy changes, gentle cleaning, and some nappy-free time can all help. If your baby seems distressed, or you spot signs of an infection, your GP may prescribe a steroid cream, antifungal cream or antibiotics.

Could it be cradle cap?

Cradle cap is one of the most common (and most harmless) skin conditions in babies, so if you’re dealing with it, you’re in very good company. Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes it, but one thing’s for certain: it’s nothing to do with how well you’re looking after your baby’s skin.

What it looks like: Yellow or white greasy, scaly patches. Once the flakes come away, the skin underneath can look a little pink or red, but that settles quickly.

Where it appears: Most often the scalp, but it can spread to the face, eyebrows, eyelids and even the nappy area.²

What helps: Wash your baby’s scalp with a gentle, approved baby shampoo, and brush their hair softly to loosen flakes. Try to resist picking at crusts. A pharmacist can also recommend an emollient cream, a gentle scalp shampoo or a barrier cream for the nappy area.

What does eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) look like?

Eczema often comes down to a skin barrier that isn’t quite doing its job, and can be triggered by things like harsh soaps, room temperature or certain fabrics.

What it looks like: Dry, red, itchy patches that can crack, weep or thicken during a flare-up.

Where it appears: Commonly in skin folds, like behind the knees or inside the elbows, but it can turn up anywhere.¹⁴

What helps: There is no cure for eczema, but it’s very manageable. Keeping triggers at bay, moisturising with emollients regularly, and using steroid creams during flare-ups (as advised by a GP) can all help keep it under control.

Eczema can also look different on darker skin, often appearing more purple, grey or brown rather than red. Read more about this in our guide to baby eczema on skin of colour.

What causes bacterial, viral and fungal rashes in babies?

A baby viral rash is simply a rash caused by a viral infection, and it’s one of the most common reasons babies develop spots or blotches. Bacterial and fungal infections can cause rashes too. Here’s what to look out for:

Fifth disease (Slapped cheek disease)

Fifth disease is caused by a common virus that spreads easily among young children, often alongside a mild temperature, runny nose, sore throat or headache.

What it looks like: Bright red cheeks (hence the name), sometimes followed by a lacy, pink rash.

Where it appears: Starts on one or both cheeks and can spread to the arms and legs.⁵

What helps: Rest and plenty of fluids usually do the trick. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease symptoms in babies aged two months or older.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that can affect anyone, though it tends to be mild in babies aged two months or older.

What it looks like: Mouth ulcers plus raised spots that can develop into small blisters.

Where it appears: The mouth, hands and feet, hence the name.¹⁸

What helps: It usually clears up on its own within a week or so. In the meantime, offer cool fluids (skip fruit juice, as it can sting), soft foods like yoghurt, and paracetamol or ibuprofen for babies over two months if they seem uncomfortable.

Roseola

Roseola is a common infection in babies and toddlers, usually starting with a high temperature that’s then followed by a rash.

What it looks like: Pink or red spots, patches or bumps that typically appear once the temperature breaks.

Where it appears: Starts on the chest, stomach and back, then spreads to the face, neck and arms.⁴

What helps: It tends to pass within a week. Keep your baby rested and hydrated and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for a temperature (never give painkillers to a baby under two months).

Call your GP or contact NHS 111 if your child is under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher, or three to six months old with a temperature of 39°C or higher.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is very contagious, especially anywhere babies and toddlers mix, like nurseries and playgroups. Most children catch it at some point, and it’s harmless in most cases, usually happening just once.

What it looks like: Small, itchy, red spots that turn into fluid-blisters, then scab over.

Where it appears: Can start almost anywhere, often the face, chest or back, before spreading across the body.

What helps: Most cases clear up within one or two weeks. Cooling gels from the pharmacy, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol (for babies two months and over) can ease discomfort. A pharmacist can advise on antihistamines too. Seek medical care immediately if your baby is under four weeks old, or shows signs of dehydration, a fever, difficulty breathing or a bacterial infection.

Measles

Measles spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, and it’s now uncommon among fully vaccinated babies thanks to the MMR vaccine. It can still spread quickly among children who aren’t vaccinated, so it’s worth getting checked early.

What it looks like: Flat, red-brown spots that can join into larger blotchy patches, sometimes alongside flu-like symptoms and small spots inside the mouth.

Where it appears: Usually starts on the face or behind the ears, then spreads across the body.⁶

What helps: The MMR vaccine helps prevent measles. If you think your baby, has it, request an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111. Keep them rested and hydrated, a check with a pharmacist before giving ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella, or German measles, is usually a mild illness in babies and young children.

What it looks like: A spotty rash, sometimes with a cough, sneezing or a headache.

Where it appears: Starts on the face or behind the ears, then spreads to the neck and body.¹⁰

What helps: The MMR vaccine helps prevent rubella. Symptoms usually settle within a week; speak to your GP first, then focus on rest, fluids, and paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (not for babies under two months).

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum Contagiosum is a harmless viral infection that usually passes on through skin-to-skin contact.

What it looks like: Small, raised, dome-shaped spots (often around 2 to 5mm wide) sometimes with a tiny white dimple in the centre.

Where it appears: Can appear anywhere, but often in skin folds such as the groin, armpits or behind the knees.¹⁷

What helps: It usually clears up by itself over time. If the spots are bothering your baby, a GP may suggest antibiotics or a steroid cream.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is contagious, and symptoms can range from a high temperature and sore throat to swollen glands in the neck.

What it looks like: A fine, pink rash that can feel rough, a bit like sandpaper.

Where it appears: Starts on the chest and stomach, then spreads.¹¹

What helps: It’s treated with antibiotics, and symptoms usually improve within about a week.¹¹

Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection that can affect anyone, though it’s more common in younger children. The good news: it’s very treatable.

What it looks like: Red sores or blisters that burst, leaving crusty, golden-coloured patches.

Where it appears: Most often around the nose and mouth, though it can spread through skin-to-skin contact.¹²

What helps: Keeping cuts and grazes clean, and treating any existing skin conditions like eczema, can help prevent it. Treatment usually involves antibiotics.

Ringworm

Despite the name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not a worm. It looks worse than it is and responds well to treatment. It spreads through contact with infected people, animals or objects.

What it looks like: A ring-shaped, scaly or dry patch that can be itchy.

Where it appears: Most commonly the arms, legs and torso.⁹

Prevention and treatment: A pharmacist can recommend an antifungal treatment and will let you know if a GP visit is needed.

What other conditions can cause a baby rash?

Not every rash is down to an infection or dermatitis. A few other common causes:

• Teething: Can cause a rash on your baby’s face, alongside drooling, sore gums and general grumpiness.¹

• Allergic reactions: May cause itchy skin or a raised rash, sometimes alongside a runny nose, coughing or sneezing. Reactions can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, torso and arms, and are commonly triggered by food, skincare products or environmental allergens such as pollen or pet dander.¹³

• Heat rash: Also known as prickly heat, this shows up as small, raised spots that feel itchy or prickly.³

• Warts: Small, rough, firm lumps that can appear on the palms, knuckles, knees or fingers.¹⁶

• Baby acne: A very common newborn skin condition, usually showing up as small breakouts on the face and chest. ^{20, 22}

• Milia: Tiny white or yellow spots, often on the nose, that can appear on a newborn’s face in the first few days.²⁰

• Erythema toxicum: Raised red, white or yellow spots on the face, body, arms or thighs, common in the first few weeks.²⁰

• Scabies: Itchy, raised spots, often starting between the fingers, caused by tiny mites under the skin.⁸

Rash on baby's face

A rash on your baby's face could be baby acne, milia or erythema toxicum in the first few weeks, or a teething rash if they're a little older. It could also be an early sign of something like slapped cheek disease, measles or rubella, especially if it comes with a temperature. Cradle cap can spread here too, usually from the scalp down towards the eyebrows and eyelids. An allergic reaction can also cause redness, swelling or a raised rash on the face.

Rash on baby's nappy area

In the nappy area, you're most likely looking at nappy rash, though cradle cap, heat rash and allergic reactions can all show up here too.

When to call a doctor for baby rash

Most baby rashes are nothing to worry about, and settle down on their own. That said, it's always worth calling your GP or NHS 111 if:

• You're concerned about a rash and aren't sure what to do

• Their back or chest feels hotter than usual, or they seem shivery or sweaty

• They're under three months old with a temperature of 38°C or higher

• They're three months or older with a temperature of 39°C or higher

• They're five years or older with a temperature below 36°C.

Seek immediate medical attention if your baby is unwell with a rash and also:

• Has a stiff neck

• Is bothered by bright light

• Seems confused, agitated, or isn't responding as they normally would

• Has trouble breathing, appears breathless, or is breathing very fast

• Has pale, blue, grey or blotchy-looking skin, lips or tongue

• Has swollen lips, mouth, throat or tongue

• Has a tight throat or is finding it hard to swallow.

Has a rash of tiny bruises or bleeding under the skin that doesn't fade when you press a clear glass against it. This can be a sign of meningitis or sepsis and needs immediate attention. Not every case of meningitis causes a rash, so trust your instincts and seek help if your baby seems seriously unwell, even without one.

References

This content is brought to you by the UK's No. 1 Recommended Baby Skincare Brand for Babies with Sensitive Skin, based on the online survey of 201 UK retail pharmacists conducted by IQVIA for Kenvue, May 2026.

1. _{Baby teething symptoms. (2020). In} nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/

2. _{NHS. Cradle cap.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cradle-cap/

3. _{NHS. Heat rash (prickly heat).} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-rash-prickly-heat/

4. _{NHS. Roseola.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/roseola/

5. _{NHS. Slapped cheek syndrome.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/

6. _{NHS. Measles. NHS.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

7. _{NHS. Contact dermatitis.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/

8. _{NHS. Scabies.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/

9. _{NHS. Ringworm.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ringworm/

10. _{NHS. Rubella (German measles).} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rubella/

11. _{NHS. Scarlet fever.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/

12. _{NHS. Impetigo.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/impetigo/

13. _{NHS. Allergies.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/

14. _{NHS. Overview - atopic eczema.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/

15. _{NHS. Chickenpox.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/

16. _{NHS Choices. Warts and verrucas.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/warts-and-verrucas/

17. _{NHS Choices. Overview - molluscum contagiosum.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/molluscum-contagiosum/

18. _{NHS Choices. Hand, foot and mouth disease.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/

19. _{NHS website. Nappy rash.}https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash/

20. _{NHS. Rashes in babies and children.} https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/rashes-babies-and-children/

21. _{NHS. Meningitis.} https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/

22. _{NHS – Healthier Together. Rashes.} https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/new-parent-and-baby/rashes