![]() The virus is spread by inhaling droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by someone infected or by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth or nose. Those who have a blood disorder, a weakened immune system or those with symptoms of severe anaemia, such as - very pale skin, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting. Those who should contact a GP include: pregnant women exposed to anyone with slapped cheek syndrome or who have symptoms of the infection.To reduce itchiness, oral antihistamines can be taken and/or emollients used – some antihistamines are not suitable for young children, so check with your pharmacist first.Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old. For a fever, headaches or joint pain you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.Dehydration poses the greater risk, particularly in the young. Rest and drink plenty of fluids - babies should continue their normal feeds.If you or your child is feeling unwell, you can try the following to ease the symptoms: Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild and should clear up without specific treatment. It is accompanied by slight fever and the child will feel mild/moderately unwell but get better after a few days. This is caused by parvovirus and causes a bright red rash on the cheeks. Is it contagious?īacterial meningitis can be contagious and you will be advised by the professionals looking after your child of actions that need to be taken. ![]() If meningitis is suspected then the child must go immediately to an Accident and Emergency Department. The rash may be harder to see on darker skin so check for spots on the paler areas, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or the abdomen. This is if you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin and the rash doesn’t fade, it’s a sign of blood poisoning (septicaemia) and you should seek medical attention immediately. The glass test is a very useful way to check. Remember though, a rash is often one of the last signs of meningitis or septicaemia, so do see a doctor if you are concerned about any of these symptoms: What to look forĪ child with meningitis would normally be very unwell with reddish/purple spots which look a little like tiny fresh bruises on the skin – the key is that these do not blanch in colour when you press on them. This is the scary one every parent dreads. Here Jackie lists some of the most common spots and rashes to watch out for: 1. Go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance if you or your child develops any of these symptoms. A sharp chest pain that feels worse with breathing.Floppy body tone (your child looks and feels like a rag doll when you pick them up).If spots are accompanied by any of the following symptoms and your child appears to be more unwell then seek urgent medical attention. As a general rule, people are most infectious in the days prior to rash outbreak, continuing until a few days post-rash outbreak. The “incubation period” – the time between contracting the virus, to developing the symptoms - will vary between viruses. Furthermore, it is this underlying viral infection that can be transmitted between children and not the rash itself. Viral rashes are the result of an underlying infection and their duration is only a period of the total duration of infection. This is especially important with children who are under 12 months old, who have very high fevers or who are refusing to take fluids. Talk to a doctorĪlways consult a doctor if you are worried about a rash on your child or complications that follow, such as ear infections. Nevertheless, though there aren’t any cures, symptoms can be managed from home with help of your pharmacist.įor example, encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration and paracetamol to aid pain relief and fever control. they resolve themselves within several days without the need for treatment. Many viral infections that cause rashes are self-limiting i.e. ![]() They can accompany common cough, cold, sore throat or tummy bug illnesses. Watch for tiny, pinprick, red spots on the chest, abdomen and limbs which disappear easily when you press on them (or glass test negative). It’s not easy for parents to know whether a rash or skin changes indicate a serious medical problem and whether further medical assessment is needed.Ī rash can give a clue to the type of illness but other signs/symptoms are just as important in determining how serious an illness may be. Are your child’s spots just itchy and sore or a symptom of something more sinister? Jackie Hall, nurse and team leader in AXA Health’s 24/7 health support line, gives the lowdown on which spots to worry about.Īny new parent will tell you that spots can make them anxious, and even the more experienced ones can still have sleepless nights over unusual rashes.
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