CHILDHOOD AILMENTS
Chicken Pox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3 to 4 mm across. Within a few hours. Small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next 3 or 4 days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn “crusty” and fall off. Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching. Cool baths may also help. The most infectious period is from 2 to 3 days before the rash appears and up to 5 days after this date.Children may return to school as soon as the last “crusts” have dropped off.
German Measles ( Rubella)
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2 to 4 mm across and does not itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints. It is infection from 2 days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about 4 to 5 days from that date.The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can seek medical advice.Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the 4 day of the illness. It is at its most infectious from 2 to 3 days before the rash appears until 8 to 10 days after that date.Immunisation can prevent this disease.
Meningitis
This is a rare illness that is most common in babies, children under 4 years and teenagers and requires urgent medical attention. It is important to be aware of the symptoms listed below
Signs and symptoms in babies and the very young are:
- Difficulty walking
- High-pitched cry that is different from a normal cry
- Repeated vomiting
- Refusing feeds
- Pale/blotchy skin, especially with red or blue/black bruises that do not go white when you press on them.
- Tight or bulging soft spot on the top of your baby’s head.
If you are in any doubt seek medical advice immediately.
Signs and symptoms in older children and adults are:
- A high temperature
- A constant headache
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Dislike of bright lights
- Stiffness of the neck (moving their chin to the chest will be particularly painful)
- Rash of red/blue spots or bruises that don’t go white when pressed with a tumbler.
If you are in any doubt seek medical advice immediately.
Mumps
Symptoms are:
- swelling of the gland in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days by swelling in front of the other ear.
It is infectious from 2 to 3 days before the swelling appears until 8 to 10 days after that date. If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease.