Cross posting this because it won’t get off my mind: should I talk to the parents of the kid I look after about his rash?

[Rafi2009]

I look after a kid and often times he has lice which I don’t find out about until I get there and the parents make a dash out the door.

This is mildly irritating but as I have curly hair I know the chances of me picking up lice aren’t too high.

Today, I’ve arrived and the child has four/five crusty sores on his arm. He’s very tactile and I’m afraid whatever it is may be contagious. I’m very annoyed that the parents would not tell me about this, especially as the father was home in the morning and chatted to me about mundane things. I don’t care if they aren’t worried about it but I believe it should be my choice on whether or not I want to be in contact with something they themselves don’t know what it. But I don’t know if I’m making a bigger deal of it that it actually is

Could be impetigo, which is very very contagious!

What on earth makes you think that curly hair doesn't get infested with lice, though?

Impetigo? It's very infectious.

Oh no! That’s what I was thinking 😩 And the curly hair thing is because I’ve only ever had lice once and people have always attributed it to my having v thick curly hair

Call them and tell them he needs to be seen by a doctor to determine the rash.

I would be worried that this is abuse. Not treating lice and ignoring rashes.

I think the NHS has photos of skin conditions online. Have a look through and definitely bring up with parents. He may need treatment and you may need to avoid it.

Impetigo tends to start around the face and middle.

I agree that the father should have spoke to you about the child’s rash - if only to tell you if they are treating it etc. Could he have forgot rather than intentionally misled you? Why don’t you send him a text?

Unfortunately germs and nasties are an occupational hazard when working with children.

There are exclusion policies in schools and nurseries for certain conditions, but headlice isn’t one as it’s so common and doesn’t pose a serious health risk.

Ringworm?

I have very fine, straight hair and have never had lice, I don’t think it has anything to do with hair type.
Yes he should have told you about the rash.

I’ve just shot a text to him and the mum. They’re kind of a though it out family so I think that may be the reason they aren’t treating it as yet. They could be right and it’s just nothing... just looks a bit gammy

Re: the lice, it’s not necessarily neglect if he seems to have them often/constantly. I get them occasionally since my children started school and I swear there was one period of about 4 months when I just couldn’t shift the buggers. They should be warning you about it though!

Just to let you know, I’ve got really thick curly hair and I had lice all the time growing up. And even caught them a few years ago when doing a placement at a primary school.

You’re right about the rash. Impetigo tends to be ‘moist’ when contagious. If it is a dry scab it’s probably either been treated or not impetigo

They are not abusive or neglectful parents, he just gets lice a lot

@Tunnocks34 good to know about it being moist as it’s just red and dry!

Not so good to know about the lice... you’ve got me thinking that my luck may run out soon

Can you take the child to see a pharmacist? They might be able to advise whether to see a doctor.

Do you point out the lice when he has them?

OP is not the person to take a child for medical attention unless it's an emergency. It would be inappropriate.

Not eczema is it?

Thank you all for your replies. An appointment has been made for him. I was so unsure of what to do so thank you

Maybe ring worm.