Drool Rash is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Most often it occurs in children under the age of 5 years old. It causes redness, swelling, itching and sometimes blisters. The most common cause of drool rash is contact with saliva from someone who has a watery mouth such as when they have diarrhea or vomit. Drool rash may also occur after eating foods containing yeast, mold or bacteria such as sushi and pizza.
The main symptom of drool rash is redness, swelling and itchiness. However, some people experience other symptoms such as:
Itching is usually worse at night or during the day. Some people notice itchy skin on their face, arms and legs. Other times itchy skin spreads to cover the whole body.
A person may feel like they are having a heart attack or experiencing a stroke if they touch their eyes or nose while having drool rash.
People may develop a fever and swollen lymph nodes. They may also get a rash on their lips, tongue or throat. These rashes are called lipoid eruptions. Lipoid eruptions are caused by the immune system attacking the lining of your mouth and throat. If left untreated, these rashes can spread to other parts of the body causing them to become infected (septicemia).
If a person experiences any of the following they should see a doctor immediately:
Bleeding in or around the eyes
Difficulty seeing
Drainage coming from the ears
Facial swelling that extends beyond the cheekbone and jawline
Facial swelling that is accompanied by a fever
Pain or difficulty swallowing
Redness that spreads to the head, neck or shoulders
Swelling or redness that is worsening
Drool rash is treatable and can be prevented through common sense hygiene. It can be spread through direct contact with the saliva of someone who has a watery mouth. The best way to prevent drool rash is to wash your hands after changing a diaper, before preparing food and after blowing your nose or vomiting. It is also important not to share eating utensils, cups or toothbrushes with people who have a watery mouth.
Once a person has developed drool rash it is important to treat the symptoms as they appear. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can be used to stop itching and speed up healing. Amoxicillin can be taken orally to fight infection. Antibiotics should only be taken in cases of severe swelling or infection. In cases where there is no swelling or infection, taking antibiotics may cause yeast infections and fungal skin infections to thrive.
Sources & references used in this article:
Handbook of COVID-19 prevention and treatment by T Liang – The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University …, 2020 – covid-19.conacyt.mx
… , infection is often misdiagnosed. Here is a look at distinguishing features of type 1 infections and a review of associated disorders, diagnostic tools, and treatment … by M Andreae – Contemporary Pediatrics, 2004 – go.gale.com
A bitter pill: how the medical system is failing the elderly by J Sloan – 2009 – books.google.com
Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine-E-Book: The Basis of Diagnosis and Treatment by C Scully – 2012 – books.google.com
