What can I do about a student who gets rashes constantly at school?

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I'm at a loss as to what to do about this...

A student gets semi-regular rashes at school. She is incredibly uncomfortable and no matter what I try (including prescription lotions, OTC anti-histamines, MD recommended soaps, etc.), she gets no relief at school. The MD has verified that they are not contagious, so I don't need to send her home. But, she's so uncomfortable and can't stop itching that she usually does end up going home.

Mom's good about taking her to the MD, but they're not getting any answers. I've been encouraging them to see an allergist, but they're reluctant.

I guess, basically, there's nothing else that I can do, right? Try the remedies that I have, and send her home if she's so uncomfortable she can't focus? I just don't like not being able to fix things!

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Anyone diffusing or wearing Essential Oils, possibly even without your knowledge?

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Cattz said:
Anyone diffusing or wearing Essential Oils, possibly even without your knowledge?

Wouldn't that cure her rash though?!?!?!? :yes:

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Welllll duhhhh...that EXACTLY what I was getting at. :sarcastic:

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Seriously, folks...

How about anxiety?

Why are they reluctant to go to an allergist?

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Specializes in School.

I thought about the anxiety aspect, especially if it is only occurring at school. But not sure what would help your little darling. I, too, hate if when I can't fix it.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

The strangest things can set off those darn rashes. I used to work with a couple of RNs who could not work in our Level II NICU (which was separate from our Level III unit) because they'd break out in hives when they entered the area! But they were fine in Level III. So strange. Never did figure out what caused it.

Have they seen a dermatologist? I have very sensitive skin and had a pesky rash that wouldn't respond to what my CNP prescribed so I saw a dermatology PA who prescribed something completely different and it cleared it right up.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

A friend's daughter developed global itching, drove her nuts. Finally diagnosed with Cushing's. I am amazed at how prevalent autoimmune issues are.

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We've talked about anxiety, too. I'm not sure what we can do about that. And the student insists that she is not "anxious."

They react to the allergist and dermatologist the same way. Well, it's not a serious health problem (aka she's not going to die, ignoring that she's missing school for it), so we don't need to see specialists. Their PCP did a basic allergy test (so they say) that didn't show anything, but obviously that's not a specialist, nor did they get any answers.

I'm beginning to think they just like to complain without actually fixing anything.

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DEgalRN said:
I'm beginning to think they just like to complain without actually fixing anything.

Nail on the head.

My first thought was that she should see a dermatologist. Good luck, sounds like a tough situation.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Hypothyroidism? Food allergy (eats regularly but has never reacted before)? Liver?

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

So frustrating when parents are reluctant to follow up and want us to fix things. We don't diagnose, we can't treat beyond our protocols, when we run out of options, your kid is suffering.

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