When your child is old enough to go to preschool, their world will expand like never before. They’ll start learning how to socialize with other children their age, learn important social cues, values, and other skills that will help them get through life. It’s also when they start learning and applying the concept of sharing as they’re exposed to their classmates’ exciting belongings.
Sometimes, they get too enthusiastic about sharing that they start to spread rashes with each other. If your child came home with suddenly inflamed skin, there’s a good chance they picked it up from their playmates. Here are the most common rashes your child may bring home from preschool:
1. Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac
Many people believe that they can’t get poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash as long as they steer clear of a forest, but that isn’t true. These plants thrive in various environments and may be in proximity to your child’s preschool. They also have an oily substance called urushiol that adheres to the skin and causes itchy blisters.
Luckily, the rash itself isn’t contagious. However, if your child has urushiol on their skin or belongings and comes into contact with another child, they’re more likely to spread. The rash is easily treatable by applying soothing lotion and soaking it in a cool bath, but you may also want to bring your child to a doctor just in case.
2. Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
As implied by the name, hand-foot-mouth disease affects these three body parts and manifests as small, red blisters or sores. It can also spread to other body parts, such as the arms, legs, and buttocks, and may even result in a fever. This disease is caused by a virus easily transmissible through oral fluids, which means children can fall sick by sharing a drinking cup or utensils.
If your child has this disease, be sure to bring them to a doctor right away for proper treatment. They may be dehydrated by the virus, so provide them with plenty of fluids. You can also teach your child the differences between sharing toys and accidentally spreading germs.
3. Hives
Hives don’t come exclusively from preschool, but if your child has many allergies, they may encounter objects or substances that can trigger hives. These are incredibly itchy bumps that are smooth and red and can be treated with calming creams and antihistamines.
Fortunately, hives are not contagious. Still, it’s essential to know what caused the reaction so you and your child can avoid it. If the reaction includes difficulty swallowing or breathing, bring them to the emergency room right away.
4. Fifth Disease
The symptoms of the fifth disease closely resemble those of a cold. When your child has a runny nose, a headache, and a mild fever, you may think that they’re down with the flu. However, when they start bearing lacy rashes on their torsos and thighs, that’s a sure sign of a fifth disease.
These rashes may even crawl up to their cheeks and other parts of the body. Your child may also feel tired and complain of aches. This disease is incredibly contagious and quickly spreads in a class, so be sure to teach your child to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes the right way, and avoid sick people. Fortunately, the fifth disease goes away on its own, but it would help to get your child checked by a medical professional at a telemedicine clinic in Orlando, FL.
5. Impetigo
Impetigo is a rash caused by bacteria, often appearing near the nose and mouth. Sometimes, it shows on arms and legs. The rash resembles clusters of blisters that harden to look crusty and yellow and is surrounded by red skin. Children can pass it to each other if they touch the sores or objects in contact with the rash, like clothing.
The bacteria typically enter through a cut, scrape, or open wound. To treat the rash, doctors usually prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral medication. Impetigo spreads by sharing and touching each other, so you’ll need to keep your child at home to prevent them from spreading it to their classmates.
Conclusion
These five rashes are among the common ones in preschool. By learning what these rashes are and how to treat and prevent them, you can give your child the attention they need to recover while learning basic hygiene practices.
If your children are due for their flu shots in Orlando, FL, let us know at Your Kids Urgent Care. We are the leading provider of superior and convenient urgent are pediatric services, serving as the intermediary between your child’s primary care physician and the emergency room. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help!
