There are a handful of childhood illnesses that you should be aware of the symptoms of. While most are not as common as they used to be, with fewer parents choosing to vaccinate illnesses such as mumps, measles and rubella are on the increase again. Most are now treatable if caught at the right time but they do carry the risk of serious, potentially fatal, complications.

Chickenpox

An itchy rash that first appears as small red bumps, usually on the scalp or face.
Passed on: By touching, coughing, sneezing.
Children are most contagious a few days before the rash appears. As the blisters crust over, the risk of passing on infection diminishes.
Added risks: adults or pregnant women who are not immune.

What can help: To stop the irritating itching (and potential of scarring) aloe vera, oatmeal, calamine lotion or, if your GP prescribes it, antihistamines.

Scarlet fever

Begins with a sore throat, headache and fever. Tongue, tonsils or back of the throat may have a whitish coating. Rash breaks out on the second day, usually in the armpits, neck, chest and between the legs.
Passed on: By touching, coughing, sneezing.
Added risks: If scarlet fever isn't treated with antibiotics, it can cause abscesses on the tonsils, and can develop into rheumatic fever.
What can help: Ibuprofen or paracetemol, get plenty of liquids as well as ice cream, soups or milkshakes as swallowing can be extremely painful.
 
Mumps

Usually presents as a swollen and sore area just below the ears. Child may say it hurts to swallow and have a fever.
Passed on: By touching, or coming into contact with particles coughed out.
Added risks: Mumps can, in rare cases, inflame other parts of the body cause more serious complications.
What can help: Warm compress around the child's neck. Also, avoid tangy flavours as they can stimulate the salivary glands and cause added pain.

Measles

An itchy rash, a low fever that lasts about 24 hours, stuffed or runny nose, and enlarged lymph nodes (at the back of the neck, behind the ears).
Passed on: In the air, by sneezing or coughing.
Added risks: Your child is not at risk, but pregnant women who are exposed to the virus are. In the first trimester it can cause congenital rubella syndrome, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth and birth defects.
What can help: Ibuprofen or paracetemol to help bring the temperature down and make your child comfortable.

No related posts.