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.
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