Symptoms and Management of Childhood Infections
IMPORTANT: THIS ADVICE IS INTENDED FOR REGISTERED PATIENTS ONLY AND IS IN
NO WAY INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR.
Chickenpox
On the first day, a rash appears with small red spots that develop small blisters
at the centre within a few hours. During the next 3 or 4 days, further spots
will appear and the earlier ones will turn crusty and fall off. Calamine lotion
may be applied to help the itching. The most infectious period is 2 or 3 days
before the rash appears and until the last spots have formed dry centres, usually
7 to 10 days after the rash started. Children may return to school as soon
as the last crusts have fallen off.
German Measles (Rubella)
This rash appears on the first day of the illness and consists of small red
spots covering the body, arms, and legs. The rash does not itch. Other symptoms
may include a slight cold and aching joints. It is infectious from 2 days before
the rash appears until the rash disappears in 4 or 5 days. This illness is
only dangerous for unborn babies; it is important to avoid pregnant women who
are not immune to German Measles (Rubella). THIS ILLNESS CAN BE PREVENTED
BY IMMUNISATION.
Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body on about the
fourth day of feeling unwell. It is most often accompanied by a cough and redness
of the eyes. It is most infectious from 2 or 3 days before the rash appears
until 8 or 10 days afterwards. THIS ILLNESS CAN BE PREVENTED
BY IMMUNISATION.
Mumps
The symptoms are swelling of the salivary gland in front of one or other ear,
often followed by a swelling in front of the other ear. It is infectious for
2 or 3 days before the swelling starts until 10 days afterwards. THIS ILLNESS
CAN BE PREVENTED BY IMMUNISATION.
These illnesses are caused by virus infections. There is no specific
remedy for these and the main treatment consists of giving appropriate doses
of Paracetamol and plenty of fluids to drink.
Bruises
Bruises are very common in children. They normally get better in 7 to 10 days.
If a child gets up at once after a fall and moves about normally, it is unlikely
that a bone has been broken, but the child may be stiff the next day because
of the bruising. Severe bruising can be treated by rest for 24 to 28 hours.
In the case of a badly bruised leg, the limb should be raised. A cold compress
may ease a bad bruise, if applied at once.
