Odd rash (picture) sore throat & feeling unwell

[MysteryRash]

I’ve had a really sore throat, swollen glands in my neck, headache etc since Sunday. Woke up this morning to a rash on my neck and chest. First thought was scarlet fever because it’s been doing the rounds at the school where I work and my sons nursery (he’s poorly too though no rash.)

Saw GP this morning but she doesn’t think it is scarlet fever and wasn’t sure what it was.. I’m now inclined to agree, the rash isn’t right. Not red enough, not particularly sandpapery and has little whitehead type blisters (not envy!) She prescribed antibiotics anyway (flucloxacillin) but said they’re not the type for scarlet fever and “might help the rash.”
Anyone with any wisdom? Bit reluctant to take the antibiotics without really knowing exactly what it is I’m taking them for and when GP was so vague about a diagnosis. Wondering if I should go back to the pharmacist and see if they can shed any light on the situation.

[SeaToSki]

Have you ever had chicken pox?

[redannie118]

It may be a viral rash. My son gets these every time he gets a sore throat. Nothing you can do other thantake an anti histamine and dab it with cold calamine lotion. Sounds miserable op hope youre better soon

[BluthsFrozenBananas]

It might be a post viral rash, I developed one a few years ago after the same sort of symptoms you describe. Mine looked like chicken pox without the actual blisters, it was slightly itchy but not unbearable and it cleared up on it’s own after a few weeks.

[Sadie82]

This seems to be going around our school. Doesnt seem to develop into Scarlet fever as it doesnt need antibiotics, but has all of the symptoms. Perhaps its a kind of strep throat?

[MysteryRash]

@SeaToSki Yes, had a good dose of chicken pox as a child.

So, if viral then the antibiotics are completely pointless. I’ve just taken first dose. Spent all afternoon deliberating over it. I hate taking antibiotics unnecessarily.

[SeaToSki]

Ok, so probably not chicken pox and it doesn't look like it's just on one side of you, so probably not shingles.

If you stick your tongue out are there little red bumps on it? Raised taste buds type thing, it's sometimes called strawberry tongue. Also do you have any stomach ache? Or ear aches?

[MysteryRash]

Definitely on both sides and I’ve seen what shingles looks like and it doesn’t look like that.

You know, the GP checked my tongue earlier and said it looked fine. Now you’ve mentioned it I can see little raised red dots in the middle towards the back! I can see why it’s called strawberry tongue now. Is that linked to anything else other than scarlet fever?!

No stomachache. Ears were hurting at the weekend, just put it down to swollen glands etc.

[bluebell1981]

No idea sorry, but really annoyed at GP prescribing antibiotics that mightn't be needed. Goes against all current advice!

Hope you're feeling better soon.

[JellySlice]

It looks and sounds like mild measles to me.

[ASDismynormality]

Did it start like a butterfly shaped rash on your face? I’m wondering if it’s measles.

[sproutsandparsnips]

It could be folliculitis (unrelated to sore throat I think) in which case flucloxacillin would be treatment of choice I would imagine. I believe the measles rash is flat not raised.

[gingergenius]

Looks like urticaria. Viral rash. But obvs asking internet randons is not safe so if you've done the glass test and you're not happy, see your gp.

[MysteryRash]

I’m a bit annoyed at the GP too @bluebell1981. But then, also not sure if I should just take them as she must have had a reason to think they were necessary!

Hmm @ASDismynormality and @JellySlice . I hope it’s not measles! (I had MMR vaccines as a child?!) Rash started on the back of my neck, has spread up to ears, tops of arms and down chest.

[MysteryRash]

Thanks Ginger. I will be back to GP tomorrow or Thursday if no better. It is passing the glass test.

@sproutsandparsnips Off to google folliculitis... interesting that the flucloxacillin maybe worthwhile after all.

[JellySlice]

It's many, many years since I saw a measles rash (in a family member - I'm not a doctor). But IIRC it starts like a grotty, but not terribly snotty cold before the rash appears. Although it's mostly a flattish rash, it is sometimes a bit pimply.

If it is measles the rash will continue spreading.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/symptoms/#the-measles-rash

[SeaToSki]

If you have strawberry tongue, rash and sore throat, it is very likely to be strep throat, which is bacterial and so your antibiotics would be a good call. Its also very easily spread, so keep your spit to yourself! And change your toothbrush in 2 days

[Whatishappenin]

I had Scarlet Fever a few months ago and your rash looks very similar to mine. I had a sore throat for a few days before the rash came out - I had white spots on my tonsils, but my throat wasn't as painful as tonsillitis. The rash started on my neck and chest and spread and spread! It was worst on my back, neck, chest and behind my ears. My glands were hugely swollen and my face was red. The rash felt very rough and sandpapery after a few days.

[JellySlice]

How are you today, @MysteryRash ?

[MysteryRash]

Thanks @JellySlice. Throat is improving and rash doesn’t seem to have spread much further but it’s really quite uncomfortable. I wish I knew for certain what it was. It’s actually almost like a huge acne breakout!

@Whatishappenin Did you take anything? How long for rash to disappear?

[BelleandBeast]

Have you been in the sun, looks like polymorphic light eruption (sun allergy) !

[MysteryRash]

I wish @BelleandBeast!

[BelleandBeast]

I don't mean hot sun, just any uncovered skin even for a short time in UV light. At this time of year weak spring sunshine is the trigger, even through a window.

The other symptoms might be coincidental.

I hope you get it sorted!

[MysteryRash]

I still think it’s unlikely, the few days before the rash appeared both me and my baby were unwell so we barely left the house and it has been grey and dull here until today!

I am starting to think it might be unrelated to the throat, fever etc though.

Actually wondering if it could be hormonal... recently stopped breastfeeding. Clutching at straws for an explanation over here!

[Whatishappenin]

I took Penicillin for 10 days. Scarlet Fever can cause problems later on - like damage to the heart - so it’s really important to take antibiotics.

[ofriesen]

@MysteryRash any update?? sounds similar to something I am experiencing and I am flummoxed