Rash - could it be the sun or something else???

[fifilala]

My ds was out in the sun this weekend and got quite pink cheeks - over the last couple of days he has a rash on his cheeks, adn around exposed area's of his tee shirt -eg top of arms and neck - is it the sun/pollen??? The rash is quite red but with raised "bumps" under the skin, not itchy or bothersome - just put sudocream on it last night and was less red this morning - Any idea's????????????????????????????? His nursery want him to go to the docs

[Fimbo]

Could be prickly heat? My ds has developed this over the last couple of days. It may be wise to take him to the Docs in case its Chickenpox.

[Shazzler]

Just back from Italy and my son got this when we were there. I definately think it was because of the sun.

It sounds like that but it would do no harm to get it checked out.

[fifilala]

thanks - had chicken pox age 2, so rules that out, will see how it is tomorrow after sending him to bed smothered with cream!

[bundle]

NHS Direct Online Health Encyclopaedia
Prickly heat

Symptoms

The condition features many small red bumps and a constant prickling or itching sensation. In the most severe forms, salt crystals may form in the sweat-gland ducts, producing small blisters. Itching may encourage scratching, which may lead to skin infection.

Treatment

The following will treat the symptoms of prickly heat. They all available from most pharmacists.

Calamine lotion BP and natural oatmeal based creams can be soothing.

Anti-histamine creams or medications will relieve the itch.

If the rash persists, a mild steroid cream may soothe the irritation. Always follow the instructions

[knowitall]

i had this a couple of years ago but it looked like my face was scorched. The doctor said she sees a lot of people at that time of the year when the sun starts to make an appearance (albeit a rather weak one) and everyone's skin isnt prepared for it. Would be inclined to use a gentle aftersun on it and pat his skin not rub him when drying it. It was worse on me because my makeup sat on top of it but I guess your ds doesnt wear make up?

[Potty1]

I have something called polymorphic light eruption - sounds like the same thing as you knowitall. It comes out in the spring when you get your first exposure to the sun, is usually on the upper arms and chest, and can itch or feel burnt even though you know you haven't had enough sun to burn. I usually put Aloe Vera gel on mine and you need to use a good UVA/UVB sunscreen.

HTH fifilala.

[fifilala]

Tku for all the info - will have to see what tomorrow brings!!

[Bonkerz]

just to add that there is scaletina going round in my area. The only difference between this and measles is spots in the mouth. In my sons school there has been 30 children with it in the last month! Definately worth checking with the doctor.

[fifilala]

Has virtually disappeared - just a bit of dry skin - must be the sun (as that seems to have disappeared as well!!!!!!!!!!)