Kid's a a few Pa schools with mysterious rash

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

I heard about this on the news yesterday. The elementary school has been closed and several children have contracted this rash. Doctors are baffled. It must be contagious, b/c one child's little sib had the day care call the mom to tell her the little one had a rash, same as the brother. Now it was found in another school, not the daycare. One child was very sick as well, vommitting, weak, etc.

This is so scary. Is anyone out there thinking what I am thinking? Do you think this could be a terrorist action?? I can't help but be afraid it could be, or cutaneous anthrax?? I hate to even think it and I seriously hope I am wrong.

If anyone hears the latest about this, please post it! Thanks!

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Any toxin has been ruled out and it is most likely an irritant I personally think it is winter eczema and/or a pschcosomatic reaction.

They may know by today.

http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2002/02/06/local_news/SRASH06.htm

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

I'm glad to hear that! But I don't think it's winter excema in so many kids at once?? Then it was transferred to the brother on one child?? It seems contagious, though I will give you that the excema may be genetically passed on.

I'll be glad when it's accurately diagnosed.