DD has a rash. Can anyone help me?

[Newbarnsleygirl]

DD was given penicillin on Tuesday as she has Tonsilitis. She hasn't been having the full dose as prescribed because I can't get the stuff down her.

Yesterday afternoon she developed a rash on her torso only which were little pink spots all over, this morning they have become more red.

I have called my GP's but it says they are closed so I don't wether thats just for Good Friday so I rang the NHS Direct and I've to wait 2 hrs for a call back.

Just wondered if anyone could shed any light as to what it could be?
Could it be a reaction to the penicillin even though she's not had very much and she has had it before or could it be something else?

[handlemecarefully]

It could be, or just a viral rash. Some babies and small children suffer from a rash when they are ill with a virus. My ds does.

I'm quite sure you know all about the glass test for meningitis (i.e. if it fades when you press the glass against it then it's not meningitis)

[Newbarnsleygirl]

I have done the glass test but all our glasses have little lines on them so I can't see properly but I have pressed them with my finger and I'm sure they fade.
Isn't the rash with meningitis purpley or a really angry red colour?

[nutcracker]

This happend to my Dd1 when she had tonsilitus. The g.p said it may have been a viral rash but as it was the first time she had had amoxycillian he had to asume that it was that and she is now marked down as being allergic to penicciln.

[handlemecarefully]

I think so. I'm sure its not that. Here are the signs in a small child:

Abnormal drowsiness
Fever
Vomiting
Reluctance to eat
Increased crying

In older children:

Severe headache
Dislike of bright light and loud noise
Rigidity of muscles esp. those in neck

Plus the rash of course

You have to look for two of the symptoms above..

I suspect it is a viral rash. But use your maternal instincts - if you are worried at any stage go to A&E

[zippy539]

I'm super cautious so I'd probably get her checked out - if only so you can give her the penicillin with confidence. Don't down play anything when NHS Direct phone back - they should be able to get you an appointment somewhere. How is she otherwise?

[Newbarnsleygirl]

She's really mardy, the slightest thing is upsetting her.

The only reason I found out she had Tonsilitis was because she had a temperature I couldn't get down. She hasn't had a high temp since Wednesday.

I haven't been able to get her to have her medicine this morning, so I'm going to have to get something else for the Tonslitis.

[Surfermum]

Hi NBG - is there an out of hours number for you to ring on your GP's ansaphone? I use that instead of NHS direct. When dd was ill a few weeks ago I phoned the out of hours number and within 20 mins a doctor had called me back and then asked me to take dd to the out of hours clinic to be checked over.

This does sound like the viral rash that dd had a while back, but I would be inclined to get it checked out as it could be a reaction to penicillin.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

There is an out of hours number but it will be the same problem as a weekend in that there is only one Dr's surgery open and it's at the other side of Barnsley and I can't drive and once again DH is at work!

[Surfermum]

Oh I see. You won't necessarily have to take her to be seen though, round here they'll happily give you advice on the phone. I always ring them as I know I'm going to get to speak to a doctor, rather than have to wait for NHS direct and then go through their triage thing, then be told they need to get a doctor to see her.

Poor you, dh's are never around when you need them are they? Hope she's better soon.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

He was away on Monday when she was bad as well.
It's everytime she's poorly!

Still waiting for them to call back.

[jampots]

is the rash raised or flat? If flat does it itch or irritate in any way? Maybe check her pulse before and after giving penicillan?

I developed a rash after taking amoxycillan on my fingers but it wasnt itchy like say chickenpox but more "under the skin" itchy IYKWIM

I personally would take her to out of hours doc or even pharmacy before the next dose

[Surfermum]

NBG - I'm off now, but hope she's OK and you don't wait too long to speak to someone.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

Thanks SM

[Gem1355]

Hi NBG

I agree with everyone else get her checked out just incase, but i'm allergic to penicillin the rash your DD has is like what i had. But it's best to get her checked out.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

Just spoke to NHS and they said it sounds like the penicillin

I've to go to the GP's at the other side of Barnsley but I can't get appointment before 5:30pm tonight.
It seems backwards all this.

[Newbarnsleygirl]

Just got back from the Dr's and found out DD is allergic to penicillin!!!
So it's good job I didn't give her anymore of the stuff.

Thanks everyone for your advice. X

[jampots]

oh good - glad its nothing more IYKWIM. Im allergic to penicillan and have to take erythromycin if ever I need a/b treatment. Is she also allergic to cephalosporins too as they belong to the same drug ring

[Newbarnsleygirl]

I don't know about that. I shall have to ask. Thanks for that bit of info.

I had to make the Dr say that she was though. He wouldn't say either way at first so I just said if she were poorly again and she was prescribed Penicillin am I to say that she is allergic to which he replied of course. Why he didn't say that at first I don't know but when I looked on the letter he's given me for our GP it say's

(? PENICILLIN ALLERGY)

So he still didn't say it was definate.