Paediatrics, by video or in person
Rashes in Children
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Rashes in Children
- Spots, blotches or patches on the skin
- Itching
- Small fluid-filled blisters, as in chickenpox
- A rash with fever, red eyes, cough and catarrh, as in measles
- Mouth sores with spots on the hands and feet
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Rashes are very common in children and most are harmless: heat rash, nappy rash, eczema, insect bites and the spots that come with many viral illnesses. Some are infections that spread, such as chickenpox, measles and hand, foot and mouth disease. A few are emergencies, above all the rash of meningitis or a blood infection, which does not fade when pressed. On brown and black skin, redness can be hard to see, so look at the palms, the soles of the feet, the lips, the tongue and inside the eyelids.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Spots, blotches or patches on the skin
- Itching
- Small fluid-filled blisters, as in chickenpox
- A rash with fever, red eyes, cough and catarrh, as in measles
- Mouth sores with spots on the hands and feet
- Dry, rough patches that come and go, as in eczema
- Tiny dark spots or bruise-like marks that do not fade under pressure
When to See a Doctor
Go to a hospital emergency department now if your child has a rash that does not fade when you press the side of a clear glass firmly against it, especially with a fever, or if a child with a rash is very unwell, drowsy or floppy, has a stiff neck, is struggling to breathe, or has sudden swelling of the lips, mouth or tongue. See a doctor the same day for a rash with a high fever, a baby under three months with a rash and a temperature, or a rash with fever, red eyes and cough, which can be measles. See a doctor if a rash is spreading, blistering, weeping or crusting, or has not settled in a few days.
Treatment options
- The glass test, done at home, for any rash with a fever
- Light clothing for heat rash, and frequent changes with a barrier cream for nappy rash
- Moisturisers and, where needed, prescribed creams for eczema
- Keeping a child with chickenpox or measles away from other children while they are infectious
- Urgent antibiotics in hospital for a rash that does not fade, with fever
- Measles vaccination, which prevents the most dangerous of the common childhood rashes
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
How do I do the glass test on dark skin?
Press the side of a clear drinking glass firmly against the rash and look through it. If the spots or marks can still be seen through the glass, go to a hospital now. On brown and black skin, check the palms, soles, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids, where colour changes are easier to see.
Is measles still a danger?
Yes. Measles still causes outbreaks and can lead to pneumonia, blindness and death in young children. Two doses of measles vaccine protect your child; ask a doctor if your child has missed one.
What should I not put on a child's rash?
Avoid bleaching creams, steroid creams bought without a prescription, kerosene and herbal applications, which can burn or damage a child's skin. A doctor can tell you what is safe to use.
Need Help?
A children's doctor on a video call, who tells you whether your child needs to be examined in person.
See a paediatrician by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified paediatrics specialist near you.
Paediatrics in Lagos →Paediatrics in Abuja →Paediatrics in Port Harcourt →Paediatrics in Jos →Paediatrics in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Rashes in babies and children. NHS. Patient information.
- Meningitis (bacterial) and meningococcal disease: recognition, diagnosis and management (NG240). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Measles. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
Links last checked 24 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.