Localised, mild and child otherwise well.
Gentle skin care and pharmacy advice may suit minor irritation, eczema or insect bites. Monitor for spread, pain, fever or reduced wellbeing.
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Rashes in children · GP care
Look at the rash. Look at the child first.
Many childhood rashes are mild, but the child's breathing, alertness, temperature and hydration determine urgency. Good photographs can help, yet an unwell child may need immediate examination.
Rashes and colour changes can look different across skin tones. Check palms, soles, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids when pallor, blue-grey colour or blotchiness is a concern.
Choose a suitable route
Choose the right starting point.
A well child with a mild local rash can often start with pharmacy advice; fever, rapid spread or systemic illness needs clinical review.
Persistent, spreading or uncertain.
Arrange review for a new rash you are worried about, possible infection, itch affecting sleep, blistering, recurrent symptoms or diagnostic uncertainty.
Explore in-person GP careUnwell, non-fading or allergic signs.
Use 999 for a non-fading rash with illness, breathing or swelling signs. Use 111 for fever, rapidly changing rash, poor feeding or dehydration.
Contact NHS 111Do the glass test only when safe and do not let a fading rash falsely reassure you if the child is seriously unwell.
Notice the pattern
What changes the next step.
Distribution, texture and associated symptoms are more useful than colour alone.
Blanching versus non-blanching
A non-fading bruise-like rash in an unwell child is an emergency; press a clear glass firmly if you are unsure.
Itchy and raised
Hives, eczema, bites and contact reactions can itch, but mouth swelling or breathing difficulty indicates anaphylaxis.
Blisters or crusts
Blistering, weeping, honey-coloured crusts or rapidly spreading painful skin may indicate infection.
Rash with fever
The child's age, vaccination history, illness contacts, breathing, feeding and overall behaviour guide urgency.
Measles is highly infectious. If you suspect it, call the GP or NHS 111 before attending in person so the service can reduce exposure to others.
A focused GP assessment
Combine photographs with an age-aware examination.
A clinician can review the pattern and general health, but children who are unwell or whose diagnosis is unclear may need face-to-face care.
Explore in-person GP care01
Describe the rash.
Discuss where it began, spread, texture, itch, pain, blisters, crusting, blanching and how long it has been present.
02
Assess the whole child.
Cover fever, breathing, alertness, feeding, hydration, sore throat, joint pain, medicines, vaccinations and illness contacts.
03
Decide on examination or testing.
An in-person skin and general examination, swab or other test may be needed for infection, blistering or uncertainty.
A proportionate plan
Treat the pattern while watching the child.
Different rashes need very different care. Avoid starting strong or leftover treatments before the likely cause is clear.
01
Gentle skin care
Use fragrance-free products and avoid new irritants. A pharmacist can advise on moisturisers and suitable itch relief.
02
Infection control
Some rashes spread easily. Handwashing, separate towels and school or nursery advice depend on the diagnosis.
03
Clinical treatment
A clinician may advise antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral, steroid or other treatment only when the assessment supports it.
Do not apply someone else's prescription or strong steroid to a child's rash. Treatment strength, site and duration matter, especially on the face and skin folds.
Prepare for a useful review
Take clear photos—without delaying care.
Photograph the rash in natural light: one wider image showing location and one close image showing texture. Include a ruler or coin for scale if useful.
Note the child's age, fever, behaviour, breathing, feeding, urine, itch or pain, new products or medicines, illness contacts, vaccination status and when the rash began.
Explore GP appointments ↗Good to know
Questions about rashes in children.
Practical answers to help you choose a sensible next step without trying to diagnose the concern yourself.
What is the glass test?
Press the side of a clear glass firmly against the rash. If an unwell child's rash does not fade, call 999 or go to A&E.
Can a video appointment assess a child's rash?
Good photos and video can help, especially if the child is well. An in-person assessment is safer when the child is unwell, the rash is painful or blistering, or the diagnosis is unclear.
How do rashes look on brown or black skin?
Redness may be less obvious. Texture, heat, swelling and pain matter, and colour changes may be easier to see on palms, soles, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.
What if I think it is measles?
Seek urgent advice and call before attending a clinic because measles spreads easily. Mention vaccination status and any known exposure.
Clinical information: NHS rashes in babies and childrenNHS anaphylaxisNHS measles. This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice.