It’s one of the perils of having kids at school, and rashes are on the rise. But what do the spots and red skin on your child mean – and could it be serious?
Dermatology nurse Karen Pett, from Epaderm, says: “The majority of rashes aren’t dangerous and are often caused by an unexplained viral infection, which will pass without treatment.
“However, if your child has a rash that doesn’t blanch when you hold a glass over it with light pressure, it can be a sign of meningitis.
"And if a rash is accompanied by swelling of the lips and tongue, or difficulty breathing, it could indicate an extreme allergic reaction.
“In both cases you should seek medical treatment immediately.”
Here Karen gives the lowdown on common childhood rashes – spotting the symptoms, treating them and advising whether or not your tots need to take time off school.
HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE
The Rash Red spots in the mouth and on the hands and feet that turn into greyish yellow blisters.
It’s caused by a viral infection and your child may also have a sore throat, temperature and painful tummy.
Treatment Give plenty of fluids, children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen and teething gel to soothe mouth blisters. Try not to pop blisters as they could become infected.
See your GP if they do or if temperature rises to 38C or above.
Should they stay off School? Be guided by your child. If they seem unwell, then keep them off until they feel better. Some schools and nurseries have policies asking that you keep your child away until all blisters have dried up.
ECZEMA
The Rash Red, scaly, patches of dry skin, usually on cheeks or in creases of the neck, elbows and knees, but can be anywhere on the body.
Flare-ups can happen in winter because central heating lowers the air humidity which dries out skin. Extreme itchiness can cause your child to scratch the skin so much it weeps and bleeds.
Treatment See your GP if you think your child has eczema for the first time or if the rash becomes infected, yellow and weeping.
Management with frequent application of emollients is key.
Choose one free from sodium lauryl sulfate, perfumes and colouring. Try Epaderm Junior Cream (£7.99, nationwide), developed by dermatologists and recommended by doctors.
Should they stay off School? No, eczema is not contagious.
SCARLET FEVER
The Rash Pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper. Usually starts on the torso and spreads.
Cheeks can be bright red and the tongue red and swollen. Your child may also have swollen neck glands, sore throat and nausea.
Treatment See your GP who will usually prescribe antibiotics for this bacterial infection.
Should they stay off School? Yes, for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
SLAPPED CHEEK SYNDROME (FIFTH DISEASE)
The Rash A bright red rash on the cheeks, sometimes followed by a light pink rash on the body. Usually accompanied by a raised temperature, runny nose and sore throat.
Treatment The virus should clear up without treatment after a few days.
Give plenty of fluids and if they have a temperature or headache, children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen. Use an emollient if the rash is itchy.
Should they stay off School? Only if unwell. They’re no longer contagious when the rash has appeared, but do let the school know.
MEASLES
The Rash Before the rash appears, your child may have cold-like symptoms and sore, red eyes.
White spots may appear in the mouth, followed by a rash of small red-brown flat or raised spots, often starting on the head or neck before spreading to the rest of the body.
Treatment This viral disease is far less common than it was years ago since the introduction of the MMR vaccine. Contact your GP if your child hasn’t been vaccinated and you suspect measles.
Give your child fluids, ibuprofen or paracetamol for aches and pains, and keep their eyes clean by wiping with damp cotton wool.
Measles can cause serious complications so treat it as an emergency if your child develops breathing problems or chest pains.
Should they stay off School? Yes, for at least four days after the rash first appears to avoid spreading the infection.
CHICKENPOX
The Rash Red spots that appear anywhere on the body and fill with fluid to form blisters.
Treatment Ensure your child has plenty of fluids. Try a soothing product such as PoxClin CoolMousse (£10.99 nationwide), to relieve itching.
Should they stay off School? Yes, until all spots and blisters have scabbed over (usually about five days after the spots first appear), as then they will no longer be infectious.
RINGWORM
The Rash Ring-shaped red or silvery rashes that can appear anywhere on the body, caused by a fungal infection.
Treatment See a pharmacist for anti-fungal cream. If the rash is on your child’s scalp they’ll need to see their GP for a specialist fungal treatment.
Should they stay off School? No, it’s fine to go to school once treatment has started, but do let your child’s teacher know. Try to keep the infected areas covered to prevent it spreading.
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