Introduction:
Teething rash is a common skin condition that can occur in babies as they start to teeth. The rash may be red, itchy, and scaly. It can also be painful. It is important to treat the rash as soon as possible so it does not get worse or spread to other parts of the baby's body.
What Is Teething Rash?
The child’s teeth start to erupt from six months to two years of age. Children tend to show various signs and symptoms of teething, like drooling and the urge to chew on objects. Teething can irritate the skin inside the baby’s mouth as well as in and around the mouth, face, and neck. This rash is called teething rash or drool rash. The baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and prone to irritation. Teething rashes appear as a result of the saliva, food, and constant wetness irritating the skin in and around the mouth. Habits like putting the fingers in the mouth, constant rubbing, and chewing on objects may further irritate the skin and cause rashes. These rashes are harmless and usually subside on their own.
What Are the Symptoms of Teething Rash?
The baby initially drools for the first two years. Drooling is a first sign of teething and excess salivation may cause the baby to wet their beddings and clothing often. Other symptoms of teething include gum pain and irritation in the gum pads causing increased crying and fussing. Rashes can begin as soon as six months of age to two years. Teething rashes appear around the mouth, chin, chest, cheeks, and neck. These rashes are flat and slightly raised reddish patches on the skin. These rashes also may have tiny red bumps on the skin. The skin may become chapped or scaly and may irritate the skin to a level of extreme discomfort. Teething rashes are not accompanied by fever and chills. Fever and chills may indicate other underlying conditions or infections and may need a doctor’s consultation.
Is Teething Rash a Serious Condition?
Teething rashes may appear like measles or hand, foot, and mouth disease. Children with fever, chills, and weak immunity appear ill and may be in a serious condition. Hence, it is important to understand whether the rash is a teething rash or a symptom of some other condition or illness. It is, however, best to consult a pediatrician or a dermatologist to identify the rashes. In the case of petechiae along with fever, the condition may require immediate medical attention.
Teething rashes may require immediate medical help in case:
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The symptoms of teething rashes spread to the entire body.
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Rashes get worse and do not seem to get any better.
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Rashes appear cracked and scaly.
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Rashes are accompanied by fever and chills under six months of age.
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The gum pads appear extremely red and swollen.
Can Teething Rashes Be Prevented?
Teething rashes mostly occur as a result of constant drooling. Though drooling of saliva cannot be prevented, rashes can be prevented by keeping the skin clean and dry. This can be done by:
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Wiping the face with a dry cloth several times a day.
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The mouth should be dabbed with a sterile cloth instead of wiping and rubbing it harshly, as rubbing or wiping it harshly may further irritate the skin.
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The child’s clothing should be regularly changed at periodic intervals if the clothes are soaked with the baby’s drool.
How to Ease Symptoms of Teething Rashes?
To ease the symptoms of teething rashes it is best to keep the skin clean and dry. Saliva should be wiped off regularly to keep the skin dry. Healing balms and soothing gels can be applied to the skin to ease skin irritation. Gels, creams, and lotions that repel water and saliva help to keep the skin free from saliva as an irritant. This also keeps the skin dry and helps ease the symptoms. Mothers must avoid lotions and gels that contain any skin irritants like perfumes or allergic contents that may further irritate the skin. Emollient creams can be applied several times a day.
How Can Teething Rashes Be Cured?
Teething is often associated with gum pain and gum irritation. The urge to chew on objects and sucking may be tempting and soothing for the child. Erupting teeth often cause discomfort and may or may not be painful for the child. The following measures can be taken to help the baby get relief from teething symptoms:
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Massaging Gums - Rubbing the gum pads gently with a moist cloth or a clean finger can help ease the gum irritations. This can be done twice a day for two minutes.
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Teething Toys - Teething toys are made from a material that the baby can easily chew on and help in soothing gum irritation. It is recommended to refrigerate the teething toys to cool them. Cool objects help to soothe and give relief from discomfort. However, freezing the toys should be avoided.
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Teething Foods - Babies above one year can be given fruits like bananas to chew on. They may also enjoy the sweetness of the fruit as well as be able to chew to get relief.
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Pain-Relieving Medicines - In severe cases of discomfort, children can be given pain-relieving syrups and gels as the doctor prescribes to ease the symptoms.
Conclusion:
Teething rash is a common skin condition that affects babies and young children. It can be uncomfortable, but it does not usually require medical attention. When the baby's first tooth erupts, the gum pads become extremely sensitive to touch. This can make eating and drinking painful, especially on putting a finger or spoon in their mouth. The baby may also have trouble sleeping at night. Preventive measures can help ease the baby's discomfort by giving them plenty of cool baths or applying soothing gels to the area around the teeth. Teething rashes appear as red spots around the edges of their gums and lips. These are called papules and are very tender, and can cause mild swelling when touched. These symptoms typically disappear once all the milk teeth erupt or the drooling stops.
