What to do if you have a rash?
CopyPublishWe paediatricians spend half our day looking at rashes. This is because they often cause great concern among parents and carers, especially with regard to the supposed risk of infection.
As is so often the case, it is important to differentiate between rashes. A rash that is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, itching or fatigue should be clarified by a doctor. Nowadays, it is often enough to send a few photos of the rash with a short text to the practice by email.
However, a post- or paraviral rash is most common in children. This is a rash that occurs when a viral infection has (usually) already subsided. There is a very nice saying: The rash is the dawn of recovery. This means that if the child has had a fever for two or three days, is feeling better and then the rash appears, this is an unmistakable sign that the infection is healing. It is also very often the case that the child is fighting off an infection and you don't even realise that it is ill - but this then becomes noticeable via the skin in the form of a rash.
In all these cases - in which the child does not have a fever (any more), does not complain of itching and appears generally unimpaired and fit - a rash is nothing to worry about at first. You can wait and see if it disappears on its own.
Once again, in a nutshell: If your child shows symptoms in addition to the rash, especially if it appears ill and has a fever, then please have it looked at or consult your paediatrician. Otherwise, don't panic and remember that recovery often begins with the rash.
Further interesting tips
Hives
The technical term is urticaria, the common word is nettle rash. This is appropriate because the children look as if they have fallen into a bed of nettles.
School readiness
When should my child start school? This question is on the minds of many parents every year. Especially if their child's birthday is after the deadline for school enrolment. The solution is complex, but there are pointers that make the decision easier.
Compare
"Never compare one child with another, but only with himself." A wonderful sentence by the educationalist Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who lived around 200 years ago.and yes, I know that's difficult.