CLAIM:
Most rashes in babies and young children are being wrongly labelled as chickenpox (‘mata’), leading to unnecessary panic and the spread of unscientific practices related to bathing, food, and maternal behaviour. Many of these rashes are actually common viral or allergic skin reactions and not chickenpox.
FACT:
True. Most baby rashes are caused by viral infections, skin conditions such as eczema or heat rash, or environmental and allergic triggers rather than just serious diseases like chickenpox. Experts say the majority of these rashes are harmless and resolve on their own, but medical attention is needed if the baby has a high fever, lethargy, poor feeding, or unusual behaviour.
In a viral Instagram reel posted by Dr Madhavi Bharadwaj, a paediatrician with over 1.6 million followers, the doctor addresses widespread myths surrounding childhood rashes. Popularly known on social media as ‘bacchon_ki_doctor’, Dr Bharadwaj regularly shares child health awareness content to bust common parenting misconceptions.
In the reel, she explains that many children are currently presenting with different types of rashes. “Many children are coming with rashes - some big rashes like hives, some with hand-foot-mouth disease, where there are ulcers in the throat and rashes on the body. Yes, sometimes there are chickenpox outbreaks too. But not everything is ‘mata’,” she says.
She further clarifies that in many cases, rashes appear even without typical symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold. “Sometimes there is no viral fever at all. Only rashes appear. When the infection is leaving the body, we call it a viral exanthem or a virus-associated rash. It stays for three to four days, peaks, and then goes away on its own,” she explains.
Expressing frustration over persistent misconceptions, Dr Bharadwaj says she made the video after repeatedly hearing parents panic over the word ‘mata’. “I am fed up of hearing — is it mata? Along with this come so many myths,” she says.
Addressing traditional practices, she explains that earlier restrictions were linked to preventing disease spread. “Earlier, people said don’t bathe and stay at home because there was a risk of spreading infection at common water sources. But today you have bathrooms at home. Please bathe your child and yourself. It reduces infection spread and prevents secondary bacterial infections,” she advises.
Addressing food myths, Dr Bharadwaj explains that avoiding tadka does not mean avoiding home food. “During viral illness, oily food may not digest properly, so simple food is better. That doesn’t mean stop home cooking, outside food is far worse,” she says.
Calling out social pressure on mothers, Dr Bharadwaj adds, “They tell mothers — don’t wash your hair, don’t apply lipstick, don’t wear certain clothes. These are baseless myths. Please understand the science behind illness instead.”
She concludes by urging parents to seek medical guidance. “If your baby has any rash - chickenpox, viral rash, eczema, hives, anything, please stay under your doctor’s follow-up,” she says.
The reel has gained massive engagement on social media, crossing 9.68 lakh views, 20,300 likes, and 6,282 shares, sparking widespread discussion on childhood illnesses and misinformation around rash-related myths.
What could be causing your baby’s rash?
Rashes in babies are common and can develop for several reasons. While most infant rashes are not serious, they can cause discomfort and irritation. In many cases, the cause is easy to identify, such as exposure to a new soap, detergent, fabric, or environmental trigger. However, in some situations, caregivers may need medical advice to determine the exact cause.
One common condition is cradle cap, which usually appears on the scalp, neck, or face as yellowish, greasy, scaly patches. It is harmless and typically clears on its own without treatment.
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Another frequent skin condition is eczema, which affects a large number of infants. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 60 per cent of people with eczema develop symptoms within their first year of life. Eczema causes dry, itchy, discoloured skin and, and while it has no permanent cure, symptoms can be managed through moisturising, gentle cleansing, and avoiding triggers. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe topical medications.
Diaper rash is another widespread issue among infants. It usually appears as red or irritated skin around the buttocks and groin area and is often caused by prolonged moisture exposure. Keeping the area clean and dry and using protective creams can help both prevent and treat the condition.
Similarly, newborn acne affects nearly 20 per cent of babies and usually appears within the first few weeks of life. Experts advise against using adult acne treatments, as baby acne typically resolves on its own.
Some rashes are caused by infections. Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, leads to itchy blisters and yellow-crusted sores and is highly contagious. It requires antibiotic treatment and proper hygiene to prevent spread. Fifth disease, a viral illness also known as erythema infectiosum, often causes a characteristic rash on the cheeks along with mild symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and irritability.
Another common viral cause is hand, foot, and mouth disease, which produces mouth sores, skin rashes on the hands and feet, fever, and loss of appetite. Allergic reactions can also trigger rashes in babies, usually appearing as raised red or discoloured bumps known as hives. These reactions may be caused by food, insect bites, medications, or environmental allergens and often resolve without treatment in mild cases.
Environmental factors also play a role. Heat rash develops when babies overheat and sweat becomes trapped in the skin. It appears as small raised bumps or tiny blisters and is not associated with fever or illness. In contrast, chickenpox causes itchy, fluid-filled blisters along with fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent chickenpox, with routine doses recommended after 12 months of age.
In rare but serious cases, a rash may indicate meningitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection that requires immediate medical attention. Along with a rash, symptoms may include high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting, extreme fussiness, lethargy, cold hands and feet, and a bulging soft spot on the baby’s head. Vaccination is the primary method of prevention.
Medical research also supports the view that most childhood rashes are linked to viral infections rather than chickenpox alone. A 2023 hospital-based observational study examining children with fever and rash found that viral infections were the most common cause. The study notes, “Fever with rash is common among children and is seen by both dermatologists and paediatricians. Viral exanthems are by far the most common cause of fever with rash in children.”
Researchers analysed 90 children using antibody tests and diagnostic screening for multiple viruses. The findings showed that 51.1 per cent of cases were caused by viral infections, with measles and chikungunya being the most frequently identified viruses. The most common rash pattern observed was maculopapular rash. Based on the results, the study concluded that “viral exanthems should be considered a strong differential in all children presenting with fever and rash.”
What experts say?
Dr Jagdish Kathwate, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital, Pune, explained that classical infectious rashes such as chickenpox have reduced in frequency due to widespread vaccination, but viral rashes remain common among children.
“Chickenpox cases have reduced significantly because most children are now vaccinated. When it does occur, the rash usually starts on the back and gradually spreads. It often appears like small raindrop-shaped blisters and is commonly accompanied by fever,” he said. He added that in some cases, children may also develop eye irritation along with the rash.
He further clarified that not all rashes indicate chickenpox. “Many viral infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease, roseola, and infections caused by coxsackie virus can also lead to rashes,” Dr Kathwate explained. According to him, in post-viral cases, children often develop a red rash after the fever subsides. “These post-viral rashes are usually harmless and tend to settle on their own within a few days,” he said.
Addressing common myths, Dr Kathwate noted that strict restrictions are no longer advised. “There is no need for special food restrictions or avoiding bathing. The focus should be on keeping the child well hydrated, ensuring adequate rest, and providing symptomatic treatment,” he said. For fever management, he recommends fever medication and tepid sponging when required.
Speaking about patterns seen in daily clinical practice, Dr Kathwate said rashes in children are broadly categorised into those associated with fever and those without fever. “When rashes appear along with fever, we usually suspect viral infections such as hand, foot and mouth disease, chickenpox, or other viral illnesses that cause post-fever rashes,” he explained.
In cases where rashes appear without fever, the causes are often different. “These are commonly due to eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, or heat rashes,” he said. He also pointed out that excessive use of oils on infants’ skin can sometimes worsen rashes. “In small babies, heat rashes are quite common, especially when the skin is heavily covered or exposed to hot weather,” he added.
Highlighting when parents should seek medical attention, Dr Kathwate stressed that not every rash is dangerous, but certain warning signs should not be ignored. “If the child is lethargic, not feeding well, has high-grade fever, or is unusually inactive and not playful, it is important to consult a doctor immediately,” he advised.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.