I think 18mo DS might have scarlet fever, not sure what to do.

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

18mo DS has been ill for a couple of weeks, it started with a viral infection then an ear infection and perforated ear drum. He got better, was fine for a couple of days and then started throwing up on Friday (or Saturday) night, we rode it out as we thought it was just another bug then on Sunday night he was really quite ill.

We took him to the childrens hospital and his temp was 40.3 and heartrate was at 210, they got his temperature under control and let us go home and give regular calpol and nurofen and dioralyte. They said it was a viral infection and throat infection and possible gastroenteritis.

He's been ill since then and very sleepy and clingy and has only really had wet nappies and ate a bit again today.

Tonight we have noticed a massive rash that is now covering his entire body, it looks like this picture

I'm not sure, what to do or if this is what it is?

[pianomama]

Please note , I am NOT a doctor so you need to see a GP. But I had scarlet fever as a child and 2 of my DC had it. Usually you would expect extremely sore throat as well and after few days a very unmistakable skin peeling - starts between fingers and behind ears. It does look like a virus rash but which one is hard to know. My DD had scarlet fever when she was 10 - huge temperature and every other symptom on NHS Direct. However a young GP refused to believe it was a scarlet fever and therefore antibiotics (they usually taken as prevention of potential side-effects on heart and other secondary infections ). His verdict was "a virus". I doubt he has ever seen a scarlet fever. Well DD survived without complications but was very ill for at least 2 weeks. Don't know if this is helping you but watch the temperature, check on him at night, don't let him over heat.Lots of drinks. Any worries - call after hours GP. Scarlet fever rash often worse on the inside of the thighs. I hope you did the glass pressing check on it - do the pimples go pale if you press the glass against them? If not - go to A&E. If you are worried - please call NHS Direct.

[QuintEggSensuality]

One of the tell tale signs of scarlet fever (or is it scarletina?) is a strawberry tongue.

[Valpollicella]

Sorry to hear your DS is so poorly - are you able to get to an OOH centre? Is the rash disappearing under a glass?



Scarlet fever is a notifyable disease to the doctors will need to officially inform the relevant bodies if that is the case -if you mention that you believe it could be I'm sure they will tkae you seriously as they wouldn't want it known they hadn't taken it seriously iyswim if it does turn out to be it

[pianomama]

Looking at the picture again the rash doesn't quite look like scarlet fever - scarlet fever if very fine. I think the most important thing is a glass test. Everything else can wait till tomorrow morning.

[BeaWheesht]

Do you mean he hasn't had wet nappies between Sunday and today? Surely I have misread?

How's his tongue?

Would you say he is on mend?

[ubik]

Phone NHS24/Direct.

[ubik]

really, get some proper advice.

[FairyJen]

My dd had scarlet fever, the rash feels like sand paper to touch. Don't wait if your worried

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Piano That isn't a picture of DS, it's the Wiki scarlet fever page, DS's looks the same but a bit darker.

Bea He hadn't really been having many wet nappies, no. And the ones that were were few and far between but he was getting dioralyte for it, he managed to completely soak a pull up today though thank god.

I can't tell his tongue as everytime I try to get him to open his mouth, he bites me. That's the only bit that is really frustrating me as I know that is a main symptom but I have tried umpteen times to look.

I would say he is on the mend compared to the weekend, his temperature is no where near as bad and he has perked up a bit.

He's awake again so I will try phoning OOH, I just wasn't sure whether to take him to OOH or back to Yorkhill.

[pianomama]

That will teach me not to diagnose :) . In any case if he seems a bit better after rash appeared that is consistent with scarlet fever. Whatever it is hope he is on the mend and over he worst.

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Do you know if I would still need to get him seen even though he's a fair bit better but the rash has appeared?

Thanks everyone btw, I'm not used to this. DS is normally so well. :(

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Oh and I'm 23 weeks pregnant... Do I need to do anything?

[pianomama]

Please see an OOH tomorrow if you are happy with things for now. It he has scarlet fever he will be infectious for a couple of weeks so another thing to check with GP.All the best and let us know what they say .

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Thanks, I will go up to OOH in the morning. I will come back and update.

[Valpollicella]

Schro, how did you get on? Hope both DS and you are ok

[SchroSawMargeryDaw]

Hi, they said it looks like measles but they think he would still be more unwell if he was so they are saying it must be viral. I'm not entirely convinced tbh but I will keep an eye on him and have made him a GP appointment on Wed.

Thank you for all the help, I'm currently laid up in bed as I feel awful. :(