Camp Fairview and TWU Summer Camps are fun, but no child is immune to getting a rash at some point during these fun summer events. If your child gets a rash, how are you, as the parent, supposed to know if it’s something that will go away after a few days or if it’s a sign of something more serious?

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team has some answers, so keep reading!

What Are Rashes in the First Place?

Rashes are abnormal changes that cause the skin to become swollen, inflamed or irritated. Skin rashes can have many causes, but some of the most common ones are eczema, granuloma annulare, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea.

Although these are some of the most common types of skin rashes among adults, some are more common among children. We’ve listed a few of them below.

Common Skin Rashes Among Children

• Cellulitis
• Chickenpox
• Eczema
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
  
• Measles
• Psoriasis
• Scabies
• Scarlet fever
• Hives

What Should I Do If My Child Gets a Rash?

Rashes can also be caused when the skin comes in contact with an irritant, such as poison ivy. If your child is off at camp this summer and comes home with a rash on his or her body, an irritant or allergy to something in nature has likely caused it.

We’ve listed some things you can do at home to reduce the itchiness and severity of the rash, but if your child’s rash becomes painful, is accompanied by a fever or has not faded in three days, visit our AFC center ASAP to get the necessary treatment.

At-Home Rash Treatments

• Use mild soap to wash the rash, but remember not to scrub it.
• Use a soft towel to pat the skin dry.
• Keep clothes or bandages away from the rash.
• Apply a damp washcloth to reduce itching and scratching.
• Remind your child not to scratch.

If you aren’t sure what to do about your child’s rash, don’t hesitate to visit our team at AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN today!