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Babies and rashes just seem to go together. Diaper rash, baby acne, eczema, and prickly heat are but a few of the many rashes that a baby can acquire. Rashes can also arise as a result of an allergic reaction to the family pet, or from an infection or parasite contracted from the pet.

It can be difficult to positively determine the exact cause of a rash. However, there are clues that can help. For example, if a rash is located under a diaper – it is probably diaper rash. If your pet has a rash or skin condition and the child develops something similar, there may be a connection. Often, however, it may be necessary to consult your child's pediatrician to determine the exact cause of a rash.

• Ringworm: Children can develop a fungal infection called ringworm. This infection can be contracted from an infected pet. Although not technically a rash, on a child, a ringworm infection will appear as red, ring like sores. Often these sores are very itchy. On a pet, a ring worm infection is characterized by a loss of hair, and small, red, encrusted sores. In both human and animal cases, the infection is treated with topical antifungal agents. It is also necessary to disinfect any areas that the pet may have encountered.

• Fleas: Often people do not associated flea bites with rashes, however if a child is bitten repeatedly, the small, pimple like sores that are caused by a flea bite can have a rash like appearance. Fleas are common pests that are found on and around animals. If you are unsure if your pet has fleas, you can check your pet by combing him with a fine-toothed comb. Fleas are small brown like creatures and they will become trapped in the teeth of the comb.

If your pet has fleas, he will need to be deflead. This can often be accomplished by giving him a flea dip bath. Once your pet is deflead, steps need to be taken to prevent further infection. Your veterinarian can recommend oral or topical treatments that will help keep your pet flea free. You will also need to clean your house to remove any fleas or flea eggs that are still around. Fleas can be very difficult to eradicate, although repeated vacuuming can be helpful. Before using any pesticides or other potentially harmful substances to deflea your home, check with your child's pediatrician to see if the product is safe to use around your child. In addition to pesticides, most pet stores sell nontoxic flea removal systems.

• Sarcoptic (Scabies) Mites: These are microscopic creatures that can cause your child to develop an itchy rash. Sarcoptic mites are common to pets, and people can get these mites by being in close contact with an infected animal, such as by sleeping with it. Identification is often made by taking a skin scraping from the pet and looking at it under the microscope. Once the specific type of mite is identified, proper treatment can be prescribed to rid your pet of his unwanted companions. Treatments for humans range from simply washing the mites off to topical treatments.

• Allergies: Perhaps the most common type of pet related rash that your child may develop is one caused by an allergic reaction that your child has to the pet. Your child's pediatrician can conduct an allergy test to determine if the pet is causing the allergy, and why. Common pet allergies are allergies to the pet's hair, dander, saliva, or other bodily secretions. Once the allergen is identified, the condition can be controlled, treated, or the allergen (i.e., the pet) can be removed from the home.

How you deal with your pet will depend in part, upon why your pet is giving your child a rash.

• If the rash is due to an allergic reaction, you may need to keep your pet and your child totally apart. Unfortunately, this may entail having to give the pet away.
• If the rash is allergy related, regularly washing the pet and keeping your house scrupulously clean may also help.
• In regard to skin conditions, fleas, or mites - once the problem is identified and treated, take steps to prevent reinfestation.