With skin rash listed as one of the symptoms of Covid-19, how does one distinguish between minor and infectious rashes? — Rajini Shri, Chennai Rashes are very common in children. They can be caused by numerous non-infectious conditions as well as viral and bacterial infections. Infective rashes are usually accompanied by fever. Viral infections such as measles, German measles, chickenpox, hand foot and mouth disease and Covid-19 cause skin rashes which usually surface on the palms and soles in addition to face and other parts of the body. These rashes don’t usually itch although eyes may redden. Some bacterial infections such as typhoid, streptococcus and meningitis also cause rashes. Many rashes triggered by infectious diseases such as measles, German measles, chickenpox and typhoid can be prevented with timely immunisation of children. Rashes caused by allergies tend to manifest suddenly and all over the body. They cause intense itching and are triggered by consumption of particular foods or contact with plants. Similarly, itchy rashes can occur with worm infestation. Children, especially school-going children, are prone to developing a parasitic skin infestation known as scabies which is highly contagious. Other innocuous but long-lasting rashes may be caused by warts (molluscum contagiosum) or pityriasis rosea. My advice is that you consult a physician/pediatrician if your child has a rash, especially if it is accompanied by fever. As a temporary relief measure, levocetrizine can be administered, in dosage of 1.25 mg in children aged up to two years, 2.5 mg for years 6-11 and 5 mg thereafter. The dosage is once per day. Calamine lotion and liquid paraffin applied externally can be antidotes. There are many types of masks available in the market — cloth, N95, disposable, herbal, etc. What do you recommend for a family with young children? — R. Kamatchi, Coimbatore The coronavirus is transmitted through droplets when an infected person laughs, talks, coughs or sneezes. Depending on the force of expulsion, the droplets can travel a distance of 1-3 meters and infect others through the mouth and nose. A face shield can prevent deposition and ingestion of these droplets. N95 masks offer the highest level of protection against Covid-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks. Ideally masks should be changed daily. They are expensive, often have layers of plastic, are not biodegradable, in limited supply, and uncomfortable to wear. However any face covering, even a scarf, offers some degree of protection. Cloth masks should ideally consist of two rectangles of tightly woven cloth 25×15 cms in size and T-shirt masks should also have two layers. Masks should be tight-fitting and worn over the nose and mouth (not on the forehead or under the chin). Double layers help to remove particles of 0.3-1.0 microns in diameter, the typical size of viruses. Handkerchiefs and bandanas are not tight-fitting enough. Hold the mask by its two ends while putting it on or taking it off. Cloth masks should be washed regularly. Masks are not advisable for children under the age of two. While exercising,…
