Is this rubella?

[CoteDAzur]

DS (5 months) had a mild fever two days ago. Then a red rash behind the ears. He woke up this morning with red patches on his forehead with ample scratch marks (itchy, obviously), which turned into a full blown rash over his entire body by early afternoon.

As of this evening, his body looks better but his forehead is still quite red.

All these rashes, even at its worst, were not raised and looked like red spots joined together to form patches.

Is this rubella?

[JanJanJanJan]

Not wishing to alarm you at all but for precautions I would have this checked out asap. My grandaughter had meningitis. The healh visitor initially suspected it being a heat rash, then A&E doctor said it looked like chicken pox. My daughter asked for a second opinion as she knew it wasnt chicken pox.

[CoteDAzur]

We did briefly see the pediatrician. Between two appointments, she looked at him for a minute and said "Viral infection".

What does meningitis look like?

[JanJanJanJan]

I think the rash can vary dependant on the type. Take a look at

www.meningitisuk.org/about-meningitis/meningitis-symptoms.htm

[gorionine]

How is her tongue?

DCs where covered in a red rash and had a bright red tongue when they had scarlatina.

In any case I would get her properly checked as like other poster said it could be meningitis as well.

[littleducks]

I think it sounds like a viral infection but if you doubt that then do not hesitate to get her checked, medics would far rather see a hundred children with a viral/heat rash than have to treat one with meningitis that had been iniatally ignored

[gorionine]

cote, It might be Rubella from what you say.

""Rubella is a virus similar to measles but is less dangerous and less contagious.

It starts like a cold (runny nose, sore throat temperature to 38 degrees C) About two days after thehe rash starts, patched more spread than in the case of Measles, flat and of paler colour start appearing from behind the ears and on the forehead before spreading to the rest of the body. the rash lasts for about 2 days. The glands at the back of the throat will swell and can stay swollen even after the rash has gone.

Call the doctor to make sure. It is important to know as pregnant women should not be in contact with your child if rubella is confirmed. Rubella is so benign that it does not require any treatment.""

Hope translation is OK as my book is in french and is 25 years old so guidlines for treatment of it mught have changed.

[CoteDAzur]

It does sound like rubella. He had a slight fever on Tuesday and he was a bit grumpy. I gave him some Doliprane (paracetamol) and he was fine. Then I did see the red patches behind the ears but didn't think much of it, as he does have a habit of pulling his ears. Yesterday's rash was all over his body and in patches, although not raised. Today it's very faint and doesn't seem to be itchy.

The only thing is, there doesn't seem to any swelling in glands on the neck.

Now waiting for DD (4) to catch it, as she hasn't had MMR.

[mumtoem]

The other possiblty is Roseola. My DD had this recently. She seemed to have a cold for a few days and was generally not herself. Then she got a temperature and a rash appeared all over her front, back and face. The rash was not itchy and lasted for about 24 hours.