Sudden onset of allergic reaction for a 7 yr old with viral infection

[mumof2kiddos]

My 7 yr old had been poorly for the last few days....cough and on-off fever...but nothing major. suddenly for the last 2 days just after having his breakfast ( which was only a big glass of milk as his appetite is very much reduced now) he has developed this huge patches of swollen/raised bumps all over his limbs and face...the patches are flesh coloured only.
The rashes dont itch tbh, but looks really horrid. They are going down by themselves after couple of hours. Just to test, I gave him a 2nd glass of milk and within 20 minutes he again developed the rash.
GP has advised us too wait and watch for 2 weeks if this reaction stops. Also speculated that it may be linked with his viral infection. Meanwhile I need to give him cetrizine and look out for other alarming symptoms.

My question is have any of you ever noticed such a link between viral infection and allergic reactions? I shall be gutted if his allergy stays on...he loves his morning glass of milk and sometimes bedtime milk too...and he is so fond of the plain greek youghurts....all have to go then!!!

[SnookieSnooks]

Yes! If I get a bad cold, I often have a head to toe blotchy itchy rash. One doctor told me it is an allergic reaction to the virus. Apparently, it is uncommon in adults but quite common in children.

[mistlethrush]

Yes, I managed to develop a violent allergy post virus which has put me in A&E twice before it was confirmed.

[poodlefromcatan]

Yes my Dd has exactly the same symptoms as your DS atm although her face and ears have swollen too.

[Piffpaffpoff]

I presume it's got something to do with the body's immune system being lowered by the virus and therefore being more susceptible to things it can normally bat off with no effort (I'm not a doctor though, just speculating).

DS has an allergy and eczema and at his annual (allergy)check up we are always told by the consultant to keep on top of any skin flare ups as he is more at risk for an allergic reaction if he is having an outbreak of eczema than when his skin is normal..

[srslylikeomg]

Yes my DD had a severe allergic reaction after scarlet fever. Sudden itchy hives swollen face and trouble breathing. It was very dramatic! The doc advised trying to find the trigger but the only explanation was that it was a post illness reaction. I know that scarlet fever is a strep infection but I think it sounds like a similar response to your DS. If his face starts to swell call for medical help :)

[mumof2kiddos]

Thanks so much all.... relieved to know that his symptoms are not uncommon and looks more shocking than it actually is. However I am reluctant to give him milk for some more days, although today morning he again had the rashes coming up and he didnt have any milk product before that (just egg and banana). I gave him cetrizine and he has been ok since then.
Fingers xed he starts getting better slowly, his coughing has reduced a bit too. A bit stressful time when you are alone with a poorly kid (husband away for work)

[sadie9]

I started getting these. Big raised 'hives' on my face and random parts of the body. Couldn't figure it out for ages. Then lo and behold noticed when I was taking a generic brand of paracetamol tablets (a cheaper one). Lumps stayed half an hour then disappeared. A pharmacist told me that yes, the other elements used to make up tablets can be different, it is just the main ingredient has to be the same.
Have you been giving him paracetamol and is it a different brand to the one you might normally use?