• >> Your local pharmacist can help advise you on steps to take and medicines to help ease an upset stomach
• >> Antibiotics will not treat cold or flu symptoms, as these illnesses are caused by a viral infection not bacterial
• >> In most cases, fever is due to a common and harmless illness and will get better by itself within around 5 days
• >> A plaster is just for protection, it won't help the cut heal so only leave it on for between 24 and 48 hours
• >> A cough can last for up to 3 weeks and there is usually no need to see a doctor
• >> Feeling unwell but not sure what to do? Call NHS 111 – it's free and open 24 hours a day, every day
• >> Most people will be as good as new within 6-8 weeks of a sprain or strain

• Recovery

  Most rashes are harmless and disappear on their own within a few days depending on the cause.
  
  Creams can help reduce itching and redness and aid recovery - a pharmacist can recommend particular treatments for different types of rashes.

• Common types of rash and symptoms

  Did you know?

  Babies can’t regulate their body temperature like adults can, so they may develop ‘a sweat rash’ indicating that they are too hot.

  
  
  The most common types of rash are heat rashes, chicken pox, eczema, hives, slapped cheek or hand, foot and mouth.
  
  These rashes usually clear up on their own or with the help of creams in a few days, although it can sometimes take up to 10 days for a rash to disappear. Your pharmacist can advise you on which treatment is best.
  
  

  Did you know?

  Hand, foot and mouth disease sounds worse than it is - it’s actually a mild infection which will usually clear up on its own after 7-10 days.

  
  
  The following rashes are less common but if you think you or your child has one of these illnesses then call 111 immediately:
  
  Measles

  • a highly infectious virus which is most common in children aged between the age of 1-4 if they haven’t been vaccinated
  • causes a red-brown spotty rash often starting behind the ears and spreading to the head, neck, legs and rest of the body
  • can also cause cold-like symptoms and a high temperature (fever).

  Meningitis

  • babies and children under five years are most at risk of meningitis, but older children, teenagers and adults can get it too
  • causes pale, blotchy skin and a rash of purple or red spots that doesn’t fade under pressure (e.g. when a glass is rolled over it)
  • causes a high fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness and unresponsiveness, vomiting, loss of appetite, a stiff neck
  • in older children, teenagers and adults look out for severe muscle pain, severe headaches and sensitivity to light

  Don’t wait for suspected meningitis to develop. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate advice by calling 111.

  Did you know?

  The glass test can help put your mind at ease if you’re worried about a rash being a sign of meningitis. If the rash fades when a glass is rolled firmly over it, then it is unlikely to be serious. If the rash doesn’t fade under pressure, you should seek immediate medical attention.

  
  
  

  Did you know?

  All children are routinely offered a vaccination against measles and meningitis, if your child hasn’t had their vaccination then contact your GP who will be able to arrange it for you.

  
  
  Scarlet fever
  
  Scarlet fever starts with a sore throat, headache and a high temperature (fever), with a rash developing 12 to 48 hours later. Symptoms can include:

  • red blotches which turn into a fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch and looks like sunburn. It commonly affects the ears, neck, chest, elbows, inner thighs and groin, and may be itchy
  • swollen neck glands
  • loss of appetite
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • red lines in the folds of the body, such as the armpit, which may last a couple of days after the rash has gone
  • a white coating on the tongue, which peels a few days later leaving the tongue red and swollen (this is known as strawberry tongue).

• Treating common rashes

  Over the counter creams and ointments are available to treat most rashes and skin conditions. Your pharmacist can advise you on the best things to use based on the type of rash and the age of your child.
  
  If you suspect you, a relative or friend has meningitis, measles or scarlet fever, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

• When to seek medical advice

  If your baby or child is experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside a rash, call NHS 111 and a trained medical advisor can assess the symptoms over the phone and advise you on the next steps to take:

  • becoming floppy, unresponsive or stiff with jerky movements
  • becoming irritable and not wanting to be held
  • unusual crying
  • vomiting and refusing feeds
  • pale and blotchy skin
  • loss of appetite
  • staring expression
  • very sleepy or drowsy and not wanting to wake up
  • fever (high temperature)
  • swelling in a baby’s soft spot of their head
  • chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • signs of dehydration - e.g. inability to urinate (or fewer wet nappies), drowsiness and cold hands and feet
  • sensitivity to light
  • severe headache
  • severe muscle pain
  • convulsion or seizures.

If you're concerned about yourself, a relative or friend, call NHS 111 for medical advice, this free service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The advisors taking 111 calls are in the same room as those answering 999 calls, so if urgent attention is needed, they can arrange it immediately for you.