I am glad it is not Meningitis Rhubs. Having also been there done (with a random DTDs have been holding her wrists too hard diagnosis in the end) that I know that feeling of panic....
DD3 has just had what I (and a few knowledgeable half of MN) strongly believed to be Scarlet fever/Scarletina. Unfortunatly because there was no confirmed (but strong circumstantial evidence for) the sore throat GP refused to diagnose Scarlet fever, and so she had to sit it out without treatment.
If you want to know (and you can strike it from your mind if you don't wish to go back to work ) they can go back to childcare/school 2-3days after starting ABs according to NHS direct.
Oh and the peeling is pants....DD3 is currently in that phase and she looks like she has dipped her fingers in PVA. Apparently ABs can prevent/reduce the severity of the peeling, so that is one thing in his favour.