Babies produce a remarkable array of skin changes in the first year — most are entirely harmless and self-resolving. The challenge is knowing which are which. Here's a guide to the most common rashes in babies and infants.
Before we cover the harmless ones — know this sign. A non-blanching rash (one that does not fade under pressure) alongside fever and general illness is a potential medical emergency.
The glass test: Press a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the spots or rash remains visible through the glass rather than fading, seek emergency help immediately. Call 999.
Other signs of meningococcal disease: fever, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, severe headache, vomiting, cold hands and feet, pale or blotchy skin, unusual sleepiness, high-pitched cry. A rash may not appear at all in early stages — these symptoms alone warrant urgent attention.
Now, the common, harmless ones:
What it looks like: Red blotches with a white or yellow spot in the centre, scattered across the face, trunk, and limbs. Can look alarming — resembles small pustules or flea bites.
When it appears: First 1–4 days of life; may come and go for a week or two.
Cause: Unknown — but not infectious, not an allergy, not serious. Very common — affects up to half of all full-term newborns.
Treatment: None needed. Resolves on its own within a week or two.
What it looks like: Tiny white or pearlescent spots, usually across the nose, cheeks, and chin. Look like whiteheads.
Cause: Blocked pores from skin cells that haven't shed yet.
Treatment: None — don't squeeze or pick. Clears on its own, usually within 4–6 weeks.
What it looks like: Small red or white pimples on the face, most often the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Can look like teenage acne.
When it appears: Usually 2–4 weeks after birth; can persist for a few weeks.
Cause: Thought to be related to maternal hormones passed across the placenta stimulating sebaceous glands. Not caused by dirty skin.
Treatment: None — wash gently with water, don't apply creams or squeeze. Resolves by 4–6 weeks in most cases.
What it looks like: Tiny red bumps, sometimes with small blisters, usually in skin folds and areas covered by clothing (neck, armpits, nappy area, behind knees).
Cause: Sweat ducts blocked in hot, humid conditions.
Treatment: Cool the baby down — remove excess layers, move to a cooler room, use a fan. Avoid applying lotions or creams (these can block pores further). Resolves within hours of cooling.
Prevent: Dress baby appropriately for the temperature — overheating is very common in well-meaning parents.
What it looks like: Dry, itchy, inflamed red patches. In babies, often on the face, scalp, and limbs — especially in joint creases. Can crack and weep in more severe cases.
When it appears: Often from 2–3 months; usually improves with age (many children outgrow eczema).
Cause: Genetic predisposition, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental triggers (heat, certain fabrics, soaps, pet dander, house dust mites).
Treatment:
See our full eczema guide for more detail.
What it looks like: Yellow, greasy, scaly crust on the scalp. Can extend to eyebrows and ears.
Not itchy or painful. See our full cradle cap guide for treatment.
What it looks like: A ring-shaped, slightly raised, red, scaly rash with a clearer centre. Despite the name, not caused by a worm — it's a fungal infection.
Cause: Fungal infection, usually picked up from contact with infected animals or people.
Treatment: Antifungal cream (Clotrimazole — Canesten) available over the counter. Apply for 2 weeks. See your GP if it doesn't clear or affects the scalp.
What it looks like: Starts with a fever and feeling unwell, then red spots appear and quickly develop fluid-filled blisters. Blisters crust over over 5–7 days. Very itchy. Can appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and on the scalp.
Contagious from 2 days before the rash until all blisters have crusted over.
Treatment:
See a GP urgently if: baby is under 4 weeks old, baby seems very unwell, spots are infected (spreading redness, swelling), high fever that doesn't come down.
Note: A chickenpox vaccine is available privately in the UK but is not currently on the NHS routine schedule.
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