Rash or pox??????

[squirrelfairy]

HI everyone!
I have 4 babies in rehab ranging ages from 3 to 5+ weeks...this is my oldest boy, Max, he started getting what I thought was a rash on his belly and near his genitals, does not seem itchy, but reddish, moist and tiny bumps. I thought it was started by one of the others sucking on him, but now I see tiny little bumps in the same area on a couple of the others. Skin does not seem mangy, but I am petrified of pox! This is a picture, sorry I will try to get a better shot....
I have had him since he was a pinky, and the other squirrels never had anything at all, can pox just show up like this? Do they get rashes that spread to others?
Please help! Thnx............Carrie

[island rehabber]

That sounds like pyoderma, a staph infection of the skin that often affects babies with undeveloped immune systems. Use an anti-bacterial soap or scrub and gently wash all the areas where you see bumps or rough skin...usually this will clear up the pyoderma. If not, in extreme cases you may need a dose of antibiotics.

Pox starts with warty-looking bumps, usually on the extremities (feet & ears, under tail) .

[Jackie in Tampa]

in a hurry..on my way out..
but didn't want you to worry...it is NOT pox..
someone will be here to help you soon...
1 drop oral pediatric benedryl will sooth the itching if you feel it is needed.
give as much detail as you can so rehabbers can help you..:grouphug

did you change laundry soap?
unwashed fabric etc...??
:wave123
edit...IR got cha! I am slow typer

[squirrelfairy]

Whew! thanks! I thought it looked like staph, but I had a bad experience with pox last year and I have never seen it from the very beginning, so I wanted to make extra sure.
Not that I am happy they have staph, but at least I can take care of it with out worrying, thanks so much.
I will go and change all the bedding now and wash their tummies. I will keep you posted if anything else shows up.
many thanks!.....................................worrie d squirrel mom, Carrie