Rashes
Definition
- Eruptions on the skin.
- The eruptions can be solid, scaly, have clear fluid in them or contain pus.
- They can be of different sizes, ranging from pinpoint to the size of a coin.
- They may be of different colour e.g. red, violet, white, and dark. These colours are more apparent if the child is light skinned.
- They can be restricted to certain parts of the body like the trunk, the creases of joints or be generalised
- They may have their onset from a particular part of the body e.g. behind the ear like in measles.
How do they manifest?
- Eruptions, as described above
- Pain
- Itchiness
Other accompanying signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Irritability
- Coughing
- Lethargy
MOST RASHES ARE BENIGN AND SELF LIMITING
What could have caused the rash?
- Bacterial or Viral infection e.g. impetigo, chicken pox, measles et.c
- Fungal infection
- Drug allergy
- Food intolerance
- Atopy
What to do?
- Maintain hygiene
- Examine diet and possible points of exposure e.g. nappy rash
- Seek medical assistance if there is:
- Persistent rash
- Fever
- Rashes are filled with pus
- Persistent itchiness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Reddening of the eyes
- Running nose
- Cosmetic concern
Do not
Self medicate unless the child is already in a known treatment regimen.
