Infectious rash - to nursery or not to nursery??

[mumof2222222222222222boys]

hi DS2 (nearly 3) has got a horrible sore rash under his arm. It is some form of skin infection and he very probably caught it from me (I had similar 3 weeks ago). Mine cleared up very quickly with cream and antibiotics. We took him to the Out of Hours Dr yesterday who said it was "an infectious rash" but not much else. He gave him cream and antibiotics.

In himself he is fine, very cheery and in great form.

The question is, when should he go back to nursery? He is off today (with AP). I think that if it has dried up by tomorrow am, he should be ok. Trying hard to speak to Dr but very very difficult. And without medical opinion, quite difficult to tell nursery that it is not going to go round the nursery...although my view is that as it is so inaccessible, there isn't really an issue on that front.

Any views? Would welcome your thoughts!

It could be parvovirus B19 which I think is not considered infectious once the rash has appeared. Incubation period is 4-18 days, so may fit with having got it from you.

It is a danger to pregnant women - so your DS should avoid contact with any pregnant women for the next 3 weeks or so.

You say dried up though, which I don't think fits... so could be something else. If the rash is one which is weeping, pussy then it needs to dry up before you can send your DS back to nursery.

Health Protection Agency: Guidance for Nurseries contains information on exclusion periods for certain types of rash. Problem is without knowing what sort of rash it is, you can't go with a specific exclusion period. So use your judgement. You must also warn nursery that it may still be a danger to pregnant women... so any pregnant staff and mothers collecting their children can avoid contact with your DS.

Anything that presents a danger to people likely to be around small children and I think you have to keep him off. Call NHS direct.

thanks all. It took 2 hours for the Doctors to answer the phone which wasn't v helpful, but thanks for your thoughts in the meantime. Anyway, we have another appointment at Dr tomorrow afternoon, so will see what she says then.

parvo virus doesnt normally manifest itself with a rash under the arm...it is normally on one side of the face and ears...hence slapped cheek syndrome. Both my boys had it...in fact their whole class had it and i was unfortunate enough to get it chronically.

if its a skin infection i would keep them away from others until it has dried up and ABx are finished.

Just seen doc. She says it is healing nicely, responding to the drugs and in view of where it is (tucked under his arm) there is no risk in him returning to nursery.

Quite relieved. It has been lovely to have him around at home today...but doesn't mix with working from home!!!

Roll on tomorrow (and hopefully arm will be even better...he says it doesn't hurt but that is because the medicine is FOUL!)