the frst blistered spots appear. Keep your affected kids home and away from other kids during this time.

Molluscum contagiosum

Although this skin rash is common in kids aged one to ten, many parents have never heard of it. Triggered by a viral infection, it causes pink, white or fesh-coloured bumps. As the name suggests, molluscum contagiosum is contagious, mainly through skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects, such as clothing or toys. Good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items, including clothing, towels and hairbrushes, are the best ways to avoid this skin infection, which typically clears up without treatment in six to 12 months.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

This is an eye infection, also known as pink-eye, which causes eyes to become red and sticky. The infection is present in the conjunctiva – the thin lining covering the white part of the eyeball – and the inside of the eyelids. It can easily spread from one eye to another and causes irritation, discharge and red eyes. It is much more common in kids than in adults, and can also be caused by allergies. Teach kids not to share tissues, towels, washcloths, eye make-up (if they’ve reached that age or enjoy playing dress-up with it) or eye drops with other people. If your child has allergies, then dust and vacuum often to reduce allergens in your home and close your windows when the pollen count is high.

Strep throat

This bacterial infection of the throat is most common in kids aged fve to 15 and can sometimes have serious complications, including rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves. Caused by group A streptococcal bacteria, strep throat strikes in crowded environments such as schools. Although it can occur any time, late autumn and early spring are the peak seasons. Good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing food, beverages, eating utensils or toothbrushes are the best ways to avoid strep throat. If your child catches it, sanitise his or her eating utensils in very hot soapy water or the dishwasher. Get your child a new toothbrush once he or she is no longer contagious. Otherwise, the bacteria can survive in the toothbrush and cause re-infection.

Head lice

Head lice are small brown or grey insects that live in the hair and suck blood from the scalp. Head lice cannot jump, fy or swim, but are transferred by head-to-head contact as they climb from the hair of an infected person to the hair of someone else. They are most common in children aged four to 11 years old.

To avoid catching it, discourage kids from sharing hairbrushes, combs, hair ornaments, scarves, ribbons, hats and other headwear. Avoiding head-to-head contact during play can also curb the spread of lice. Turn to page 90 to learn more about head lice and how to treat it.

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