Information for parents and carers
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Care of a Child with a Petechial Rash – PIAG 79 (241kB)
Introduction
Your child has been diagnosed as having a Petechial Rash and you will already have received information about the condition and how it is treated. The aim of this fact sheet is to provide you with information on how you can be involved in the care of your child and on medication to be given. This leaflet should be read in conjunction with the leaflets on the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team, High Temperature and Home Peripheral Intravenous Therapy.
Your child will require a course of IV antibiotics via an intravenous cannula.
This may be followed by a further course to be taken orally (by mouth).
Whilst your child is under the care of the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team it is important to:
- Keep a regular check on his / her temperature with your own thermometer.
- If your child’s temperature is 38oC or above, remove their excess clothing.
- Ensure your child does not play with their IV cannula and keep it well covered.
- Offer your child plenty of fluids. Your child may be reluctant to eat, but it is important to make sure they get plenty to drink to prevent them from becoming dehydrated. If your child is reluctant to drink offer small amounts of fluid more often.
Symptoms to look out for:
If your child has any of the symptoms listed below contact the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team immediately:
• your child’s temperature is above 38oC and does not come down 30-45 minutes after Paracetamol / Ibuprofen has been given
• the appearance of any new spots
• your child starts to vomit
• your child complains of a stiff neck
• your child complains of joint pain
• your child complains of pain when looking at bright lights
• your child is refusing feed.
• your child develops a high pitched cry
• your child becomes unsettled, agitated or irritable
• your child is refusing all fluids for 4 hours or more and / or has not passed urine for 4 hours or more
Dial 999
You must dial 999 for an ambulance if your child
• is having severe breathing difficulties
• becomes blue/grey around the lips
• becomes very drowsy or difficult to wake up
• has a convulsion/fit
Medication
There are many different effective and safe drug treatments available for the treatment of this condition. Information about dosages of the medication prescribed, and risks and side effects will be in the patient information leaflet that accompanies the medication.
It is important to finish the course of antibiotics.
It would help us if you write down the following information on the chart provided:
- the temperature of your child, and the time it was taken
- the time and medication given, and how much
- the amount of fluids taken, plus the time given
- if your child has vomited and the amount
- any changes you note in your child’s condition
For further information
If you need to speak to the Community Nurse about any concerns relating to your child’s condition please refer to the Integrated Children’s Community Nursing Team information leaflet which contains the contact numbers for the team.
This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
PIAG: 79