By Sarah McCann
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that often impacts children.It is easily identified by an itchy, spotty, rash, however, that can also be the symptom of many other common conditions in children.Chickenpox and a heat rash can appear similar, this is why it鈥檚 important to know the difference.
Babies and children can develop rashes for many reasons, they鈥檙e often only minor and nothing to worry about, however, if your child develops chickenpox it鈥檚 important to know what the signs and symptoms are.
With the warm weather, many of us are enjoying family time outdoors in the sunshine, however, this can put us and our children at risk of developing a heat rash, which are caused by hot, humid weather.
A heat rash can look similar to chickenpox, however, it鈥檚 important to know how to tell the difference as chickenpox is highly contagious and can have severe consequences.
What are the symptoms of chicken pox?
Chickenpox is a common, highly contagious infection that mostly affects children, unlike a heat rash, chickenpox is incredibly infectious and can easily spread.
The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy, spotty rash that can be anywhere on the body. Other symptoms can include a high temperature, aches and pains, generally feeling unwell and loss of appetite.
Chickenpox happens in three stages, stage one is when the first appear and are very small, stage two is when they form blisters and stage three when the spots form a scab.
This is what a chicken pox rash looks like:
If your child has chickenpox they will need to stay off nursery or school for five days until they are no longer infectious. Your local pharmacist or doctor will be able to recommend treatment options to help soothe the sores and relieve the itching.
It鈥檚 important that if your child has chickenpox that they do not go near those who are vulnerable of becoming seriously ill from an infection, such as new born babies, anyone who is pregnant or who has a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of a heat rash?
The symptoms of heat rash can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but unlike chicken pox it is not contagious and cannot be passed on to other people.
The symptoms of heat rash are:
small, raised spots an itchy, prickly feeling mild swelling
This is what a heat rash looks like:
A heat rash is normally characterised by a rash of small, raised spots that can feel itchy or prickly. Symptoms can usually be treated at home, keeping your skin cool by wearing loose fitted clothing or applying a cold compress for twenty minutes at a time can offer relief.
If you have any concerns about your child鈥檚 heat rash, you can contact your local pharmacist who can offer advice on how to ease symptoms and calm down the skin.
You can find out more about rashes in babies and children at NHS.UK.