Rashes in children can have many causes. They are most often benign and heal very well. Here are the most common causes of pimples in infants and toddlers.

Pimples, redness and itching are common in infants and young children. They can be caused by irritation, allergy, inflammation, bacterial, fungal (a fungus) or viral infection. In some cases, the pimples resolve spontaneously, without treatment. In other cases, treatment is necessary.

Infant diaper rash 

It is also called buttock dermatitis. It is characterized by a bright red rash in the skin areas in contact with the diaper (buttocks, sex). Diaper rash is often caused by prolonged wearing of a dirty diaper, the moisture causing skin irritation. It can also be a symptom of contamination by a fungus, Candida. In this case, the infant suffers from small red pimples in the skin folds. 

This problem affects babies fed formula more than breast milk because the stools of breastfed babies contain fewer substances that irritate the skin. 

The best preventive and curative treatment for infant diaper rash remains frequent diaper changes to prevent maceration of stool and urine. This is usually sufficient to improve the condition of the skin. In addition, moisturizers or creams that create a protective barrier between the skin and the diaper can be applied. 

If the infection is related to a fungus, an antifungal cream is prescribed by a doctor. If the infection is of bacterial origin (rarer), an antibiotic cream is prescribed. 

Cradle cap

Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis, are small red or yellowish scales located on the scalp of babies (this rash can sometimes appear on the skin folds of the infant). They are not serious and disappear around the age of 6 months. To eliminate them, it is enough to apply a vegetable oil in massage on the scalp to take off them, to wash the hair with a mild shampoo then to pass a fine comb to remove them. If despite this, the scabs persist, treatment with corticosteroid creams may be necessary. 

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, results in itchy red pimples that can become scabs when scratching. The rash manifests as periodic patches that may worsen with cold and dry skin. In children, eczema patches with oozing and scabs are usually localized on the face, scalp, buttocks, hands, arms, feet and legs. As children grow older, they tend to develop patches on their hands, forearms, the crook of the elbow or the back of the knees. Childhood atopic dermatitis is often linked to an allergy. It most often disappears with age.  

The treatment is based on the application of a moisturizer, the use of a mild soap, a corticosteroid cream and antihistamines.

Viral infection

Several viral infections cause pimples in children:

• roseola (pink spots on the chest, abdomen, hips and shoulders).
• epidermal megalerythema (a rash that is mottled or made up of raised red papules on the legs, arms and trunk) 
• measles (large raised red patches with spaces of healthy skin between them).
• rubella (small pink spots first on the forehead, then on the face and body).
• chickenpox (small pink buttons that turn into blisters filled with a transparent liquid, then scabs).
• molluscum contagiosum (white clusters of pimples). 

Roseola, megalerythema epidermis, and molluscum contagiosum cause pimples that go away without treatment. As for measles, rubella and chickenpox, compulsory vaccination of children has greatly reduced their circulation. 

They are called dermatophytosis or more commonly tinea capitis. These are infections caused by fungi. The rash is itchy and itchy. Very common in children, they are well treated with a local antifungal treatment (cream to be applied to the affected skin areas) or to be taken orally. 

These small white cysts often appear on the face of newborns. They happen when a child’s sweat glands start to work. Milium seeds go away without treatment a few weeks after birth.