Children of all ages are frequently exposed to other infected children because of the close contact they have with one another in daycare facilities and schools. It is not uncommon to see a rash develop after the child becomes ill with a virus; this is the body's normal response when fighting the infection.
Roseola
Commonly seen during early childhood, Roseola affects nearly one third of all infants before their second birthday, notes Dr. Fred Ferri in his book, titled "Ferri's Clinical Advisor." Roseola is usually associated with a high fever, possibly up to 104 degrees F, which lasts for 3 to 5 days; and other symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat and cough, notes Ferri and Mayoclinic.com. Following the fever, a rash develops on the face, neck, central body area, arms and legs usually within 48 hours, according to Ferri. It appears as flat, pink spots or patches, sometimes causing the child to itch, according to MayoClinic.com
Measles
According to Derm Net NZ, measles is highly contagious and caused by the measles virus. It is a lesser problem in areas that routinely immunize. Symptoms usually first appear as though the child has a common cold with fever, cough and sore red eyes, mentions the same website. A unique characteristic is something called Koplik spots, which are small white spots in the mouth. Between the third and seventh day a rash develops, usually first on the face and then over the entire body.
According to MayoClinic.com, the disease kills thousands of people per year, usually under the age of five, and no treatment is available once a child contracts it. MayoClinic.com also notes that the number of measles cases is rising because families are deciding against immunizing their children. Attempts should be made to immunize with the measles vaccine within 72 hours after exposure. If measles develops, its symptoms are usually milder.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, or SSSS, is caused by an infection by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that releases toxins that cause a rash that looks like a burn or scald, according to Derm Net NZ. This syndrome, also referred to as Ritter's disease, usually appears in children under the age of five and more commonly in newborns, and occurs frequently in childcare facilities as it usually is brought into the facility by an adult who carries the bacteria on the skin. First a fever develops, and then a widely spread redness to the skin appears, followed by blisters within 24 to 48 hours, DerNet NZ notes. The rash causes the top layer of the skin to slough off, leaving open, tender, painful areas exposed. Hospitalization is usually warranted so intravenous antibiotics can be administered.
References
- DermNet NZ: Roseola
- "Ferri's Clinical Advisor"; Fred Ferri, MD; 2011
- DermNet NZ: Measles
- DermNet NZ: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
- MayoClinic.com: Roseola
