Infectious Diseases

Thrush
This is a common cause of an itchy, white vaginal discharge in women. It can be triggered by antibiotics, the pill or pregnancy. Treat with Canesten cream or pessaries, available from the chemist without prescription. Avoid nylon underwear. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Chickenpox
On the first day a rash appears as small red patches approximately 3-4mm across. Within a few hours of developing, small blisters appear in the centre of these patches. During the next three to four days, further patches appear and the earliest ones crust. Cool baths and calamine lotion may be soothing. Children are most infectious from three days before the rash appears until five days after its onset and can return to school as soon as the last crusts have dropped off. Adults or children with severe chickenpox should consult their doctor.

Measles
The rash is blotchy and red and appears on the face and body around the fourth day. It is most infectious from two or three days before the rash appears until eight to ten days after the onset of the rash. Immunisation can prevent this potentially serious disease.

Meningitis
This presents with fever, headaches, irritability, sensitivity to light, stiffness of the neck, vomiting, red or purple skin rash (with some bacterial strains), confusion, lethargy or unconsciousness. Fits can occur. If worried, please contact your doctor.

Mumps
Symptoms include swelling of one of the glands in front of the ear, followed two or three days later by swelling of the other gland. It is infectious from two or three days before the swelling appears until eight or ten days after the swelling has appeared. Immunisation can prevent this disease.

Rubella (German Measles)
The rash appears during the first day and usually covers the body, arms and legs in small pink patches about 2-4mm across. It does not itch. No other symptoms are present except occasional aching joints. It is infectious from two days before the rash appears until the rash disappears. The main danger is to unborn babies and therefore it is important that anyone who is pregnant contacts their doctor. Immunisation can prevent this disease.