The simple mantra to keep track of any dangerous marks on your child
AT the tail end of holidays and the start of a new school year, a rash or weird looking bite is never a welcome sight parents.
It can be hard to know whether or not should be worried about any marks your child is sporting.
A rash or bite spreading is usually a telltale sign that your tot might need some form of treatment.
But if you’re struggling to tell if it’s changed at all since you last looked at it, the medics behind CPR Kids have shared a handy tip used by nurses to monitor rashes, spots and bites.
And it’s not complicated – all you’ll need is a pen and a simple rhyme.
In a recent clip posted to their Instagram page, the paediatric nurses behind the baby and child first aid education site revealed how you can know if a rash, bite, or spot is spreading.
They shared a simple mantra: “Outline it with a pen, then check it again!”
Basically, grab a pen and draw a circle around the outside of the mark.
That way, when you check it again later, you’ll clearly be able to see whether or not the rash or spot has grown bigger than the border you drew.
Many things can cause rashes in babies and children – usually they’re nothing to worry about or they can be treated at home.
But do see a GP if you’re worried about your child’s rash and you’re not sure what to do, NHS guidance states.
If any of the below symptoms appear along with the rash and your tot appears unwell, the NHS advises you call 999 or head to A&E:
- a stiff neck
- bothered by light
- seems confused
- a high temperature
- difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs – breathlessness, or they’re breathing very fast
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it
- their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Take note that on brown and black skin, it may be easier to see a rash or colour changes on the soles of your little one’s feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.
Paramedics at Tiny Hearts Education have previously shared five lifesaving questions parents should ask themselves when they first spot a rash on their kid.