When is a spot not a spot?

It’s often tough to tell if your child’s spots are just itchy and sore or a symptom of something more sinister. Here team leader of Health at Hand nurses for AXA PPP healthcare, gives the lowdown on which spots to worry about

any aches or pains if you or your child is uncomfortable. (Aspirin should not be given to children under 16). Speak to your pharmacist if you are not sure which medications are suitable for you child.

Is it contagious? Stay away from work or school for at least four days from when the measles rash first appears to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

It’s important to avoid contact with people who are more vulnerable to the infection, such as young children and pregnant women.

You can avoid catching measles by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles is unlikely in people who are fully immunised or who have previously contracted the infection.

Vaccination with one dose of the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should provide about 90% immunity.

However, vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine, as indicated by the UK Childhood Immunisation Programme, is thought to provide close to 100% lifelong immunity. a pregnant woman catches the virus in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy because it can cause birth defects in her baby.

How is it treated? You should always contact your GP if you suspect rubella. It’s best to phone before your visit as your GP surgery may need to make some arrangements to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

There’s no specific treatment for rubella. The condition is usually mild and improves without treatment within seven to 10 days.

If the symptoms of rubella are causing discomfort for you or your child, there are some things you can do while you wait for the infection to pass:

Rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce a fever and relieve any aches or pain. (Aspirin should not be given to children under 16). Speak to your pharmacist if you are not sure which medications are suitable for you child.

Is it contagious? While you have rubella, it’s important to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

If you or your child has the condition, you should avoid work or school for four days from when you first develop the rubella rash.

In rare cases, rubella can cause serious problems in an unborn baby, so you should also try to avoid contact with pregnant women for four days from the start of the rash.

If you are pregnant and develop a rash or have been in contact with