Red cheeks in children can either signify healthy skin or it may suggest a more serious medical condition. Though having red cheeks is something that is considered regular, there are some cases where a child with red cheeks might have more than just rosy cheeks but an underlying issue that has to be attended to.
Redness of the cheeks in children can be observed for several reasons. Some of them deserve more attention and treatment.
A red face on your child can be confusing for parents, particularly if you know your child doesn’t have a sunburn.
5th disease, scarlet fever and eczema can all cause inflammation of the face on your child. All these conditions have different methods of treatment, so speak with your doctor for a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Red Cheeks in Children?
Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and is spread out from person to individual by fluids of the nose, mouth and throat.
Scarlet fever is caused by the same germs that causes strep throat. The germs releases contaminants that cause redness of the face and tongue.
The cause of eczema is unidentified, however children are at a higher risk for establishing this skin problem if they have family members with eczema, hay fever or asthma. Dry skin, a hot environment and using clothes with rough materials can cause eczema to flare up. If your child scratches the eczema, the rash will get worse.
Conditions that cause red cheeks in children are:
- Slapped cheek syndrome or erythema infectiosum — the fifth disease is produced by the parvovirus B19.
This is an air-borne disease and impacts mostly children. Around 60% of the adults likewise had this disease however they had become unsusceptible to it. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms and rashes. No treatment is needed except for the relief of the symptoms. - Rosacea, likewise known as rosy cheeks, is defined by a rosy, red, and blotchy coloring of the face which ends up being more extreme when exercising, bathing in hot water and eating spicy foods; bloodshot eyes; rough sensation on eyes upon waking; and red bump or acne-like spots on the skin.
- Food intolerance has actually been recognized as one of the causes of red cheeks. In this case, often there is an underlying problem that needs to be attended to as this may worry what the child has actually been taking.
- Some research studies show that magnesium shortage can also result in red cheeks in children, although this is carefully linked with the problem with food intolerance in children. In this case, it is best to talk to the doctor for verification.
Symptoms Red Cheeks in Children
Fifth disease is a typical youth illness that at first has actually cold-like symptoms followed by a red, slapped-cheek appearance on the face. As soon as the redness begins on the face, it will quickly infect the legs, arms and trunk of the body.
Scarlet fever begins as a red rash on the face prior to infecting other areas of the body, however the symptoms are more severe than with fifth disease.
Scarlet fever will give your child a red tongue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes of the neck, chills and a fever over 101 degrees. Nausea and vomiting might likewise be present.
Eczema is a skin problem that can appear on your child’s face and will be red, dry and itchy.
No treatment is needed except for the relief of the symptoms.
- sore throat
- chills
- headache
- disturbed stomach
- mild fever
- body aches.
Red Cheeks in Children Treatment
Fifth disease is a virus, so it must run its course. It does not cause your child to feel that ill, however if the rash is itchy, ask your doctor about itch-relieving medication. If your child does have a fever, acetaminophen can bring down your child’s temperature level.
Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics. It’s essential that your child completes the entire prescription of antibiotics even if he is feeling much better quicker. Stopping antibiotics early can cause the infection to return and be more durable to treatment.
Acetaminophen can likewise be used to reduce the fever and provide some convenience to the sore throat.
No treatment is readily available for eczema, however most kids grow out of the condition by age 5. Hydrocortisone cream or ointment can help alleviate itching, and a cool compress can assist with inflammation.
When treating red cheeks in children, think about the following approaches:
- Wash face regularly and observe appropriate health.
- Prevent using strong chemicals on the face.
- Use moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and meant for delicate skin.
- Use a sun block cream with SPF of 15 as minimum to use on skin for security versus the damaging rays of the sun.
- Prevent exposing skin to both severe hot and cold conditions.
- Eliminate spicy foods in the diet.
- Have routine workout.
- Looking for temperature level and offering possible medication to address fever.
Red Cheeks Prevention
5th disease is not contagious by the time the rash appears on your child’s face, so the disease is challenging to avoid. Your child can reduce his risk of both 5th disease and scarlet fever by often cleaning his hands with soap and water and not sharing dining utensils and food.
Eczema cannot be avoided, however you can prevent flareups by avoiding triggers. Keep your child cool, moisturized and in loose, light, cotton materials.
