What does a baby rash look like and what types are there (the Polish folk names kaszka and grysik, as well as hormonal and disappearing)?
Applies to age: 0–12 months
In short
Very small spots called milia often appear on the face of a baby a few days old, and raised red, yellow and white spots (erythema toxicum) are common in the first weeks after birth and can disappear and reappear. A rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when pressed with a glass, in a child with a rash who feels unwell, needs immediate medical help.
What is normal
Some claims: international norm
- Very small spots called milia often appear on a baby's face when the baby is a few days old.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Very small spots, called milia, often appear on a baby's face when they're a few days old.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Milia spots usually appear on the nose, but can also be on other parts of the face, inside the mouth, on the scalp or on the chest.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
The spots usually appear on their nose but can also be on other parts of the face, inside their mouth, or on their scalp or chest.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Milia spots can look white or yellow, depending on the color of the child's skin.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
The spots may appear white or yellow, depending on your child's skin colour.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In young babies, milia usually go away within a few weeks and do not need treatment.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
In young babies, they usually go away within a few weeks and do not need treatment.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Raised red, yellow and white spots (erythema toxicum) are common in babies in the first weeks after birth.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Raised red, yellow and white spots (erythema toxicum) are common on babies in the first few weeks after birth.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Erythema toxicum usually appears on the face, trunk, upper arms and thighs.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
They usually appear on the face, body, upper arms and thighs.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- A rash with erythema toxicum can disappear and reappear.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
The rash can disappear and reappear.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Erythema toxicum should go away within a few weeks without treatment.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
It should get better in a few weeks without treatment.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Spots on the upper body, scalp, cheeks, forehead and chin that appear up to 6 weeks after birth may be baby acne (neonatal acne).
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Spots that appear on a baby's upper body, scalp, cheeks, forehead and chin up to 6 weeks after birth could be baby acne (neonatal acne).
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Baby acne does not need treatment.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
You do not need to treat baby acne.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Baby acne usually gets better after a few weeks or months.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
It usually gets better after a few weeks or months.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- A rash of small, raised spots that is itchy or feels prickly may be heat rash.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
A rash of small, raised spots that feels itchy or prickly could be heat rash (prickly heat).
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Heat rash appears as raised spots 2–4 mm across, and some of them may be filled with fluid.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Some spots may be filled with fluid.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Heat rash can appear anywhere on the body and can spread, but it is not contagious.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Yellow or white, greasy, scaly patches on a baby's scalp may be cradle cap.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Yellow or white, greasy, scaly patches on your baby's scalp could be cradle cap.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Cradle cap is not itchy, does not hurt and does not bother the baby.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
It is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In infants, seborrheic dermatitis can show up as white or yellow, greasy scales on the hairy part of the scalp (so-called cradle cap).
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
U niemowląt ŁZS może się objawiać jako białe lub żółte, tłuste łuski na owłosionej skórze głowy (tzw. ciemieniucha).
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- A red and sore bottom in a baby may be diaper rash.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
If your baby has a red and sore bottom, it could be nappy rash.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Symptoms of diaper rash can include red or irritated (raw) patches on the bottom or in the whole diaper area.
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
red or raw patches on your baby's bottom or the whole nappy area
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Skin that is itchy, dry and cracked may point to atopic dermatitis (AZS).
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Skin that's itchy, dry and cracked may be atopic eczema.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- The first symptoms of atopic dermatitis in infants appear between the 3rd and 6th month of life.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Pierwsze objawy występują u niemowlaków między 3. a 6. miesiącem życia.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Not every change on the skin is atopic dermatitis; a doctor makes the diagnosis.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Nie każda zmiana na skórze jest AZS.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
Polish original
Rozpoznania dokona lekarz.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
- Raised, itchy patches or spots can be caused by an allergic reaction (hives).
Source: NHS · international norm – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Raised, itchy patches or spots could be caused by an allergic reaction (hives).
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
When to worry
All claims: international norm
- A temperature of 38°C in a child under 3 months of age needs an urgent medical assessment (a criterion given on the page about rashes in children).
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- A temperature of 39°C or higher in a child aged 3 months or older needs an urgent medical assessment (a criterion given on the page about rashes in children).
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
is aged 3 months or older and has a temperature of 39C or higher
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Worth discussing with a doctor:
- Blisters or sores that burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches may be impetigo; if you suspect impetigo in a child, it is worth seeing a doctor.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Sores or blisters that burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches could be impetigo.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
Speak to a GP if you think your child may have impetigo.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
ER / 112 (Poland)
Some claims: international norm
Immediate medical help needed: international norm
- A rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when pressed with a glass, in a child with a rash who feels unwell, needs immediate medical help.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
the rash looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Difficulty breathing (including very fast breathing) in a child with a rash who feels unwell needs immediate medical help.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs), breathlessness, or they're breathing very fast
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Pale, blue, gray or blotchy skin, lips or tongue in a child with a rash who feels unwell needs immediate medical help.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- A stiff neck or confusion, agitation or reacting differently than usual in a child with a rash who feels unwell needs immediate medical help.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
a stiff neck
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
they seem confused, agitated or they're not responding like they usually do
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- Hives (itchy, raised patches or spots, a possible allergic reaction) with swelling around the child's mouth or difficulty breathing needs immediate medical help.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
But call 999 if there's swelling around your child's mouth or they're struggling to breathe.
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- An ambulance is called for acute and intense allergic reactions (rash, shortness of breath) resulting from taking a medicine or from a bite or sting by venomous animals.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
ostre i nasilone reakcje uczuleniowe (wysypka, duszność) będące efektem zażycia leku, ukąszenia lub użądlenia przez jadowite zwierzęta
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
See a doctor
Some claims: international norm
Urgent medical assessment needed: international norm
- A rash that worries a parent and about which the parent does not know what to do needs an urgent medical assessment.
Source: NHS – show the original wording (EN)
Summarized and translated by the editors, not an official translation. Verbatim quote from the source, in its original wording:
has a rash you're worried about and you're not sure what to do
NHS · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [1]
- In the case of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AZS) in an infant or child, the Patient Portal (Portal Pacjenta) advises going to a doctor for advice.
Source: Portal Pacjenta – show the quote
Verbatim quote from the source:
Polish original
Jeśli widzisz objawy u niemowlęcia lub dziecka, idź po poradę do lekarza.
Portal Pacjenta · open the source · accessed: 2026-10-09 · license [2]
international norm “International norm” next to a section heading means its claims come from a non-Polish source, because no Polish source in our registry covers this topic. When this applies to only some of the claims, the foreign ones carry the same label next to their source.
Sources
- NHS (nhs.uk, Anglia)License: Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: NHS (nhs.uk, Anglia). Content summarized and translated by the editors; changed relative to the original. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The summary is ours and is not attributed to the NHS.
- Portal Pacjenta (pacjent.gov.pl)License: CC BY 3.0 PL. Source: Portal Pacjenta (pacjent.gov.pl). Content summarized and translated by the editors; changed relative to the original.