Are your child’s spots just itchy and sore or a symptom of something more sinister?

Here, midwife and nurse, Jackie Hall, offers some help with one particular condition.

She said: "Any new parent will tell you that spots can make them anxious - and even the more experienced ones can still have sleepless nights over unusual rashes.

"It’s not easy for parents to know whether a rash or skin changes indicate a serious medical problem and whether further medical assessment is needed."

Jackie, who works at AXA PPP healthcare, added: "A rash can give a clue to the type of illness but other signs or symptoms are just as important in determining how serious an illness may be."

Slapped cheek syndrome - What to look for:

This is caused by parvovirus and causes a bright red rash on the cheeks.

It is accompanied by slight fever and the child will feel mild or moderately unwell but get better after a few days.

How to treat it:

Slapped cheek syndrome is usually mild and should clear up without specific treatment.

If you or your child is feeling unwell, you can try the following to ease the symptoms:

  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids - babies should continue their normal feeds. Dehydration poses the greater risk, particularly in the young.
  • For a fever, headaches or joint pain you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16.
  • To reduce itchiness, oral antihistamines can be taken and/or emollients used – some antihistamines are not suitable for young children, so check with your pharmacist first.
  • Those who should contact a GP include: pregnant women exposed to anyone with slapped cheek syndrome or who have symptoms of the infection; those who have a blood disorder, a weakened immune system or those with symptoms of severe anaemia, such as very pale skin, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness or fainting.

Is it contagious?

The virus is spread by inhaling droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by someone infected - or by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth or nose.

It’s very difficult to prevent slapped cheek syndrome because people who have the infection are most contagious before they develop any obvious symptoms.

However, making sure that everyone in the household washes their hands frequently may help stop the infection from spreading.

Someone with slap cheek syndrome is infectious during the period before the rash develops.

Once the rash appears, the condition can no longer be passed on.

Unless you or your child is feeling unwell, there’s no need to stay away from school or work once the rash has developed.

It is, however, a good idea to notify your child’s school about the infection, so children who develop early symptoms can be spotted quickly and vulnerable people can be made aware that they may need to get medical advice.