Almost all kids get a rash sometime during childhood. But most rashes are nothing to worry about and go away on their own.

• Use any prescribed medicines, creams, or lotions as directed by your health care provider.
• If the health care provider recommends covering the rash, use a clean bandage and change it every day.
• If the rash is itchy:
  • Remind your child not to scratch the skin because this might make the rash worse.
  • Keep your child's nails short and smooth.
  • If your child is still a baby, you can use baby mittens to prevent scratching. Use mittens only when your baby is awake (never during sleep) and someone is nearby to watch.
  • Give your child an oatmeal bath. Use plain oatmeal and grind it up very fine. Add up to 1 cup to your child's bath. Or buy a pre-made oatmeal bath mix.
  • Gently put a cool, wet washcloth on your child's rash.
  • Keep your child cool. Heat can make a rash itch more.
• Use mild soap when bathing and rinse well. Pat the skin dry (don't rub).
• When doing your child's laundry, use fragrance-free products (detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets).

• The rash doesn't get better within about a week.
• The rash gets worse.
• The rash gets itchier or more painful, red, or swollen.
• There is pus or drainage from the rash.
• Your child gets a fever or develops other symptoms.

What causes a rash? A rash can happen for many different reasons, including:

• irritation (for example, from a chemical in soap or sunscreen)
• heat
• allergy
• infection from a virus or bacteria (types of germs)
• a reaction to a medicine

Because so many things can cause rashes, sometimes health care providers don't know why a child gets one. Over time, the rash may change or get better. This can give health care providers more clues about the cause.