What’s that rash?

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. 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.

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.

No, eczema is not contagious.

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.

See your GP who will usually prescribe antibiotics for this bacterial infection.

Yes, for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

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.

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.

Yes, for at least four days after the rash first appears to avoid spreading the infection.