contagious skin condition with toddler boys?

[MOMMY1]

I was going to put this request in health but b/c it relates to children, I did not. My sister in laws two boys are 3 & 5 or 6 and do not live in that great of conditions. They have contracted a contagious condition that (from what I am told) covers the two boys in red bumps that looks like measle bumps. It is not either measles or chicken pox and there is not a vaccination for this. They run a low grade fever with this condition. Adults can also catch it-they gave it to their baby sitter who is a grown woman. In adults they itch with the spots but supposedly children don't. The entire thing lasts 3-4 weeks. I am wondering if anyone has any clue as to what this is. I have done some research and was considering Fifth disease per what it sounded like (and I believe it starts with an "f") but Fifth disease does not stay contagious the whole time and supposedly these kids are for the whole several weeks. Any help or links as to possible answers, I would be grateful! Thanks!
One other thing-if you think I still should put this under health please politely tell me. Also, what would be a polite way to tell the sister in law that she and her children are not welcome to my sons first birthday if the children are still sick-she has no discretion and brings her children everywhere no matter if they are sick are not-she even sent her children to schoo with these bumps. I am worried for my son but also for the others coming to the party...but along with that she is family and you don't want to be too rude...any helpful (polite) answers would be appreciated! Thanks!

[Kasi]

I would post it in both places

You can let her know that they are welcome to come as long as they're not sick as a consideration to you and other parents.

I agree with you on the fifth disease. That is what it sounds like but it could also be body lice. With fifth disease you can't spread it once you hve the rash.

[meandfee]

hand,foot,mouth diesease o medical term cocsacky. im serious my boys got it a year ago and it was going all around school

[?Bee?]

Could it be shingles? Maybe say to the mother that you are not sure if the rash is contagious but would rather not take that risk as there are other children there and make up a party bag for the children.

[Yarro Pilz]

Fifth Disease doesn't look like measles bumps. And it's very rare for an adult to get 5th. Plus, once the rash develops, 5th is no longer contagious. (5th disease is also known as "slapcheek fever" and that's what it starts out looking like: slapped cheeks. It's lacy, and it's not uncomfortable although it looks awful.)

Could they have molluscum?

[Amy L]

Could it be a bad case of impetigo? As far as how to tell her not to bring her kids to your sons party..I would just politely tell her that since her kids haven't been feeling well maybe it would be better if they didn't come. May be when they got better you all could do something together. I know that's a bad situation to be in!

[Amy L]

Could it be a bad case of impetigo? As far as how to tell her not to bring her kids to your sons party..I would just politely tell her that since her kids haven't been feeling well maybe it would be better if they didn't come. May be when they got better you all could do something together. I know that's a bad situation to be in!