Many things can cause a rash, and it doesn’t have to be anything serious, but there’s a simple pen-trick which could help you determine whether you should be seeking advice
Everyone should should know this super easy pen trick, especially parents, as it could be life-saving.
If you spot a rash or red mark on yourself or your child, you might think nothing of it. They can be caused by a number of different things, including stress, fatigue, allergies or medication. But they can also be an indicator of something more serious – such as scarlet fever or measles.
Paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead, creator of child and first aid education group CPR Kids, has reminded people of the importance of taking note of suspicious marks, because if it changes you need to get it checked by a GP. According to Ms Hunstead, there’s a very simple pen trick you can use to do this, and it only takes a couple of seconds.
All you need to do is draw a border around the suspected rash, mark or spot using a skin-safe pen. That way, you can easily notice if the mark is changing in any way, such as getting bigger. Ms Hunstead shared an easy way to remember it: “Remember: Outline with pen, then check it again!”
In a recent Instagram post, the woman added: “Grab a pen, circle around the outside, and check it again later. This is an easy way of being able to tell whether something is spreading or not.”
A rash or bite isn’t always dangerous, but it can be a telltale sign your tot might need some form of treatment. The NHS recommends trusting your own judgement when it comes to knowing whether your baby or child is unwell.
However, if your child has a rash, as well as any of the below symptoms, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately:
- a stiff neck
- bothered by light
- seems confused
- a high temperature
- difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs), breathlessness, or they’re breathing very fast
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it
- their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
The NHS adds: “On brown and black skin, it may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.”
If you’re worried about your child’s rash and you’re not sure what to do, you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111.
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