Rash Behind the Ears in Infants
A rash that appears anywhere on the body of a tiny infant can be distressing. However, a rash that appears behind the ears of a baby often can be identified as a particular, treatable condition. As with any skin condition, it's important to note other symptoms, such as fever, and consult a pediatrician for a more precise evaluation.
Measles
The measles rash usually starts behind the ears as flat red spots and then travels down the rest of the body. Measles actually is a respiratory infection, though its most common symptoms are red spots on the skin. Other signs of the disease include a fever, runny nose and cough. Measles has a vaccine, so it is much less common than it was in the past, particularly in the United States and most developed countries. There is no cure for measles; if your infant contracts measles, the virus must run its course.
Seborrheic dermatitis
An inflammation of the scalp or ears, including the area behind the ears, may be seborrheic dermatitis 2⭐ . The skin condition may present as a scaly or oily rash, or it may appear as reddish skin. It's also known as "cradle cap" and is considered to be a combination of skin oil and the presence of a yeast called malessizia. Infrequent cleanings or the use of bath products that contain alcohol may contribute to the problem. A medicated shampoo often can solve the problem, but if it persists, a doctor may need to be consulted.
Rubella
Also known as German measles, rubella is similar but different than standard measles. In addition to a rash that can begin on the face, neck or behind the ears, rubella is marked by swollen glands behind the ears, a fever, headache, aching joints and a runny nose. Symptoms usually last just a few days, though if a pregnant woman develops rubella, she may be prescribed antibiotics to help diminish the effects of the disease on her and her baby 3⭐ .
Treatment
If you're unsure about what's causing the rash, consult with a health care provider, such as your pediatrician or a nurse. In general, anything that cools the skin and relieves some of the itching, such as a cool, damp washcloth, can help. In addition, depending on the guidance of your pediatrician, an antihistamine medication may help, too.
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- KidsHealth.org: Measles
- Medline Plus: seborrheic dermatitis
- Mayo Clinic: Rubella symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles Cases and Outbreaks
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola). Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination: What Everyone Should Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles (Rubeola). The Measles Virus Laboratory at CDC
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles (Rubeola): For Healthcare Professionals. Updated February 5, 2018.
- Gans H. Measles: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Updated December 5, 2017.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Measles. Updated January 2018.
- Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images