Many children develop some or the other kind of infection in the initial days of joining a daycare. Since daycare centres host many children at once, the transmission of germs from one kid to other is almost inevitable. However, in most cases, the infection is only minor and nothing to worry about as it also helps in building up the immune system of the child.
At daycare centres, children are exposed to a diverse variety of bacteria and viruses leading to a broad variety of infections like common cold, laryngitis, otitis, skin disorders etc.
Here are some common skin diseases in children that spread through daycare:
It is a contagious viral infection which is common among children and can occur at any time. This condition is characterized by small sores inside the mouth, fever, and blisters on arms, feet, palms, soles etc. The infection spreads through oral secretions which can happen at daycare when children share water bottles, mugs etc. This condition can be easily managed by keeping the child hydrated and providing a soft diet. Your doctor may also prescribe some medications to alleviate the condition.
Chickenpox is another highly contagious viral infection that causes itchiness and blisters on the skin. The symptoms are not very clear in the initial stages, and hence there is a high risk of spreading through droplets, skin-to-skin contact, saliva, or touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs etc., all of which are quite common at daycares. Chickenpox is especially contagious to those who have never had it. The condition can be easily prevented through vaccination.
Viral fever accompanied by rashes on the body is also very common in children. It is also highly contagious and at places like daycare, there is a very high risk of spreading from one child to another. Fifth disease and sixth disease (roseola) are common examples of viral fevers accompanied by rashes. Most of these conditions do not require any treatment, but in some cases, pain-relieving medications may be given.
It is another common bacterial infection in children which is more common during summer months. The infection may start as a red rash on the baby’s face and then spread to other parts of the body. The condition is usually easily treatable by antibiotics and other oral medications.
Scabies, also known as sarcoptic mange, is an intensely itchy skin condition. It is caused by a tiny burrowing mite and is also quite contagious. It spreads very quickly through close physical contact, which is quite common among children in daycare. It can be treated by applying external medication or through oral medication.
As the name suggests, molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that is very contagious. It spreads quickly through direct and indirect contact (touching objects, sharing items etc.). This condition causes round bumps on the skin that are completely painless. In most cases, these bumps disappear on their own and rarely require any treatment.
Head lice infestation is very common among all age groups. It is a condition in which tiny insects infest the scalp causing itchiness. The insects are also quite visible to the naked eye upon close observation. This condition is very common among children who are in direct contact with one another. Even sharing objects and items with each other like caps, comb etc. can cause pediculosis. The condition is treatable by using medicated shampoos or by manually combing and removing the lice.
At Cloudnine Hospitals, we combine medical expertise with state-of-the-art facilities to provide you and your child with the best possible treatment and care. Our diverse team of qualified doctors includes dietitians, paediatricians, counsellors, neonatologists, and many other specialists who are adept at handling various health issues in kids.
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