  
|  |
|
| Common childhood diseases |
|
|
Reviewed by Dr John Pillinger, GP
|
Chickenpox
 |
 |
| Some diseases, such as chickenpox, give immunity for the rest
of your life, which is why often only children get these diseases. |
|
|
Symptoms
Red, quite itchy, spots or blisters are scattered over the
entire body and the child has a moderate fever.
Treatment
Symptomatic treatment with
calamine lotion to
reduce itching.
Antiviral medicine in severe
cases.
Incubation period
Between 10 to 20 days from being exposed to the infection and
showing symptoms.
Infectious period
Chickenpox is
contagious before the disease breaks out and may be so until the last spots
have disappeared and the scabs or crusts have fallen off. The child should stay
home until the crusts have fallen off and the blisters are no longer
weeping.
Whooping cough
Symptoms
Whooping cough is
characterised by long fits of coughing followed by wheezy breathing and
possibly vomiting. Symptoms are typically worse at night.
Treatment
Fresh air is important. Because of the risk of vomiting, the
child should be given small meals more often, instead of a few large
ones.
Incubation period
Between 10 to 14 days from being exposed to the infection and
showing symptoms.
Infectious period
The disease is especially contagious during the first week,
while the child still has a trace of a cold. The infectiousness does, however,
wear off in the following five to seven weeks. It is important to keep the
child away from other children under the age of one year.
'Fifth' disease (erythema infectiosum)
Symptoms
The child has red specks on the cheeks, nose, arms, thighs and
buttocks. These are often blurred which makes it look like the child has been
slapped. For this reason,
fifth disease is
often known as 'slapped cheek' syndrome. It can last up to 14 days
and rarely causes a fever. It is mostly seen in children between the ages of 4
and 12.
Treatment
It cannot be treated, but disappears by itself. It is usually
quite a mild illness.
Incubation period
Two weeks between being exposed to the infection and showing
symptoms.
Infectious period
Once the rash appears, the disease is no longer
infectious.
Complications
Pregnant women should avoid being in contact with children
with fifth disease as it may cause a miscarriage. Pregnant women with a child
who contracts fifth disease should contact their doctor. The incubation period
is a couple of weeks.
Three-day-fever (roseola infantum)
Symptoms
A child with
three-day-fever has a
high fever for three days and a pink rash covers their body. It is mostly seen
in children under the age of three years.
Treatment
Undress the child to ensure they aren't too warm. Give
the child fever reducing medication (such as
paracetamol (eg Calpol)) to
control their temperature and plenty of fluids to avoid
dehydration.
Incubation period
Between 10 to 15 days from being exposed to the infection and
showing symptoms.
Infectiousness
It is contagious during the whole period of the disease and up
to two to three days after. Avoid contact with other children under three years
of age during the whole period.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Symptoms
The child has a large number of small spots and blisters,
particularly in the mouth and on the feet and hands. The disease can cause a
slight fever for a few days.
Treatment
As with most diseases causing a fever, it is important to make
sure the child gets plenty to drink. If the ulcers in their mouth are severe it
may help to mash up the child's food.
Incubation period
Two to three days between being exposed to the infection and
showing symptoms.
Infectious period
The disease is contagious as long as blisters or spots are
still present.
Scarlet fever
Symptoms
The child has a slight to moderate fever, a sore throat and a
rash which is often located in their armpits or groin. The child's skin
peels and they get a coarse, pink tongue - a condition known as strawberry
tongue.
Treatment
Antibiotics are usually given for
this disease. It is important to keep the child at home and avoid contact with
other children.
Incubation period
Three to eight days between being exposed to the infection and
showing symptoms.
Infectiousness
Scarlet fever is
contagious for the first few days, but after three days of antibiotics the risk
is almost gone.
|
Based on a text by Dr Carl J Brandt
|
Last updated 01.05.2005
|
 |
|
|
 |
| |      |
|
