Cricket Green Medical Practice

Chickenpox

On the first day a rash appears as small red patches about 3-4mm across. Within a few hours, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three or four days further patches will appear and the earlier ones will turn “crusty” and fall off.

• Calamine lotion may be applied to soothe the often severe itching
• Cool baths may also help
• The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days after this date. Children may return to school as soon as the last “crusts” have dropped off

German Measles (Rubella)

The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm across and doesn’t itch. No other symptoms are usually present apart from occasional aching joints.

• It is infectious from two days before the rash appears, until the rash disappears in about four or five days from that date
• The only danger is to unborn babies and, therefore, it is important that all contacts are informed in order that anyone who may be pregnant can contact their doctor
• Immunisation can prevent this disease

Measles

The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day of illness. It is at its most infectious from two or three days before the rash appears until eight to ten days after that date

Immunisation can prevent this disease

Meningitis

This is a rare illness that is most common in babies, children under four years and teenagers, and requires urgent attention. It is important to be aware of the symptoms which we have listed below.

Signs and symptoms in BABIES and VERY YOUNG CHILDREN are:

• Difficulty waking
• A high pitched cry that is different from a normal cry
• Repeated vomiting
• Refusing feeds
• Pale or blotchy skin, especially with red or blue/black bruises that don’t go white when you press on them
• Tight or bulging soft spot on the top of your baby’s head

If you are in any doubt contact your doctor immediately.

Signs and symptoms in OLDER CHILDREN and ADULTS are:

• A high temperature
• A constant headache
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness or confusion
• Dislike of bright lights
• Stiffness of the neck (moving their chin to the chest will be particularly painful)
• A rash of red/blue spots or bruises that don’t go white when pressed with a tumbler

If you are in any doubt contact your doctor immediately.

Mumps

Symptoms are: Swelling of the gland in front of one ear often followed, after a couple of days by swelling in front of the other ear.

It is infectious from two or three days before the swelling appears until eight to ten days after that date

• If the pain is severe you should consult your doctor
• Immunisation can prevent this disease