To be concerned about this rash

[CamillasToe]

Our creche has reported 4 cases of scarlet fever since Friday.

On Monday my 3 year old developed a temperature, then today she has a lot of spots around her mouth and on her cheeks. They have tiny heads on them. Nothing anywhere else and she doesn't have the bright red cheeks or strawberry tongue symptoms for scarlet fever.

The GP has prescribed antibiotics as she's been exposed to SF but now I'm wondering if it could he something else? Could it be impetigo?

The rest of us have come down with something - high temps, achy etc but no one else has the spots.

It's a bit blurry so difficult to see, impetigo normally has (or will soon develop) a golden crust to the lesions. If the GP has seen and prescribed I don't think there's anything more to worry over, if they do change and develop a crust and scab over and you think looks more like an impetigo get back in touch with GP to consider a topical treatment in addition to the abx.

Take as prescribed, plenty of fluids (looks a little dry maybe), soft foods/ice cream if throat sore, analgesic if required. If seems to be worsening despite treatment, especially if suddenly recontact GP/111/A&E as appropriate

Hand foot and mouth?

Actually thinking about it even if it was an impetigo it would likely be covered by the prescribed antibiotic and guidelines don't recommend prescribing a topical treatment in addition.

Extract from management plan in NICE guidelines:
"For widespread non-bullous impetigo:
Offer a short course of a topical or oral antibiotic for people who are are not systemically unwell or at high risk of complications."

But as said if things seem to be getting worse despite treatment get back in touch with doctor.

Thank you.

@SleepyRich there isn't a crust yet. I had impetigo when I was 18 and I well remember the golden crust! Took ages to clear up.

@Greentomatoes21 I was wondering that today. She doesn't have any sores on her hands and feet (yet).

It's not impetigo

Looks like hand foot and mouth

Can that present without the hand and foot sores? Or do they come later?

That really really looks like hand foot and mouth. I say this not as a Dr but a parent and teacher so I've seen it quite a lot. Not pleasant but not too worrying. Worse for the adults who get it.

Can be without, and they can come later. Can also affect the nappy area too so check there.

Check for mouth ulcers too.

Thanks. How long does hand foot and moth take to clear up? I'm concerned because we are supposed to be going to stay with my elderly parents on the 23rd for Xmas but I really don't want to pass anything on to them.