coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

DS has coxsackie. Rash appeared Thursday night. Kept him home from school Friday and took to ped. Said it was coxsackie and that he could go back probably on Monday when the rash clears. But it is getting worse. On Thursday, bumps were on arms and hands. Now they are on torso, groin area and feet. He has not had a fever at all and is acting like his usual self. Not sure when I should send him back to school. He is 3 and I am a SAHM, so its not a big deal for him to stay home; I just want him to miss too much of his services (it's a special ed. Preschool). I've read that it can take weeks to clear up. Anyone have any experience?

Message edited 10/25/2014 10:27:05 PM.

coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

Sores cannot be open. If they are open they are contagious. If then sores are continuing to appear I would keep him home a little longer.

Hope he feels better. That illness was one of the worst for us.

Message edited 10/26/2014 3:33:15 AM.

Re: coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

I don't know when they're officially considered to no longer be contagious. My kids had coxsackie, but the rash was only on their feet and for DS in his mouth also. The foot rash was bad at first then went away almost completely but I would continue to find a few new little blisters for 3 weeks! My ped thought it was back to back cases of coxsackie but I don't know if I buy that. I think it was the same virus just taking FOREVER to go away, especially since I read it can be contagious for "weeks" in stool. Also, they never had the fever again, so this made me doubt a second case of it. Who knows. I'd ask your ped about the rash and when he can return to school.

Such an annoying illness! Good luck!

coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

My daughter had a fever on a Sunday and by Monday afternoon spots came out. By Tuesday night fever was gone but I kept her home that whole week from school. Her spots definitely got worse before they got better and her feet were peeling for over a month!

However just when the spots looked horrible (like cigarette burns) the following day they were like 100x better.

Once the spots are healed over and not blistered or bubbled anymore I think he's safe. However it can linger in poop for 7 weeks. Besides water a sandbox is another carrier for coxsackie bc kids in diapers sit there and transfer the virus over.

Re: coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

Thanks all. I am going to call the nurse in the morning and go from there to see what she says. I am thinking he is ok. He never ran a fever throughout this whole thing and the blisters/rash were never oozing. The rash is definitely still there but doesn't look as bad.

coxsackie rash... when can they go back to school?

Our ped gave DD the okay once her fever was gone. She only had a fever for one day and the rash was very mild and only on her legs. She never had open sores or blisters. We were with other kids when the rash was fading but still there and no one caught it.