Glossary
A description of the medical terms used in this baby skin rashes guide.
A
Acne
A common skin condition, caused by an excess production of oil in the skin from the sebaceous glands. This results in a distinctive skin rash which consists of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules and lesions. This skin rash usually affects teenagers although babies and adults can also be affected.
Allergen A substance which causes an allergic reaction.
B
Birthmark
A spot or patch of skin which is present at birth or develops a few weeks later. There are different types of birthmarks which include ‘stork bites’, ‘port wine’ stain and ‘cafe au lait’ spots.
Blackheads
Small black spots or bumps on the skin which develop during an acne outbreak.
C
Cradle cap
A thick, red scaly rash which develops on the scalp in babies. This rash can either be dry and flaky or greasy and sore. Also known as ‘infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis’.
D
None at present.
E
Eczema
A chronic condition which results in patches of itchy, red dry skin. There are several types of eczema but the one which affects babies and children is known as atopic eczema.
Erythematous
A medical term for redness of the skin, usually caused by an injury or inflammation.
F
None at present.
G
German measles
Also known as Rubella: this contagious viral illness is spread from one person to another via airborne droplets or contact with an infected surface.
Symptoms of this include a fever, runny nose and skin rash.
H
Hives
Swollen, red itchy patches or spots on the skin which develop as a reaction to a potential allergen. This allergen releases a chemical called histamine which in turn, triggers this reaction.
Also known as urticaria.
I
Impetigo
A highly infectious skin rash, which is caused by bacteria, that results in red spots or blisters.
J
None at present.
K
None at present.
L
Lesions Lesions are infected areas of the skin, e.g. ulcers.
M
Measles
A highly contagious viral infection which causes a cough, runny nose, fever and a skin rash.
Milia
These are also known as milk spots: tiny, white spots which develop around the eyes, nose and cheeks. Can also develop on the roof of the mouth and the gums.
N
None at present.
O
None at present.
P
Petechial
Small red or purple spots on the skin which look very similar to bruises. This type of rash is often associated with meningitis.
Pimples
Types of spots caused by a blocked skin pores. This blockage can be caused by excess sebum and dead skin cells. These often develop during an acne outbreak.
Pustules
Small, pus filled swellings (similar to blisters) which develop on the skin.
Q
None at present.
R
Reye's syndrome
A potentially fatal condition which attacks almost any organ in the body. This can develop in children if they given aspirin.
Rubella
Another name for German measles.
S
Sebaceous glands
These are sac-like structures within the skin which produce an oil called sebum. This oil helps to lubricate the hair and skin.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
A skin condition which affects the scalp, face and other parts of the body. It causes flaky, itchy red skin which can result in hair loss.
There is version which develops in babies called ‘infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis’.
Sebum
A wax like substance which is used to lubricate the hair and skin in humans.
T
None at present
U
Urticaria
Red, swollen itchy skin rash which develops as an allergic reaction. Also known as hives.
V
None at present.
W
Whiteheads
Similar to blackheads: these are small white spots which develop on the skin as part of an acne outbreak.
X
None at present.
Y
None at present.
Z
None at present.