A rash on your child can be alarming, but it isn’t always a sign that something is seriously wrong. Many rashes are caused by everyday triggers such as heat , irritation, allergies or common viral bugs, and often clear up on their own. However, it’s still important to keep a close eye on how your child’s skin looks and feels over the next few hours and days – including whether the rash spreads, changes colour, becomes swollen or starts to blister. Paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead,
creator of child and first aid education group CPR Kids, has urged people to pay close attention to any suspicious marks, as any changes should be assessed by a GP without delay. According to Ms Hunstead, there’s a remarkably straightforward pen trick that can help you monitor this, and it takes no more than a few seconds. Simply draw a border around the suspected rash or mark using a skin-safe pen. This makes it far easier to spot whether the mark is changing in any
way, such as growing larger. The nurse shared a handy way to remember it, noting: “Remember: Outline with pen, then check it again!” In an Instagram post, she added: “Grab a pen, circle around the outside, and check it again later. This is an easy way of being able to tell whether something is spreading or not.” A rash or bite isn’t always cause for concern, but it can be a telltale sign your little one may require some form of treatment. Parents should also
watch for other symptoms alongside the rash, such as a high temperature, breathing difficulties, unusual sleepiness, vomiting, or their child seeming very unwell, as these can sometimes indicate an infection or allergic reaction that may need medical advice. The HSE website states: “If your skin breaks out in bumps or patches you may have a rash. These patches can look red on white skin and grey on black or brown skin. “If the rash appeared quickly and you do not feel well, you may have
an infection. “If you have a rash but feel well, it is probably an allergic reaction to something. The most common type of allergic reaction is urticaria (hives). “It can also mean your skin has come into contact with something that has caused a reaction. It also advises you should go to your nearest GP or emergency department if you spot symptoms of meningitis that include: a severe headache vomiting high temperature a stiff neck sensitivity to light If you have any concerns about your
health, visit a health professional as soon as possible. You can also visit the HSE website for more advice about rashes.
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