17 month DD has had a cold/cough and now has rash on thighs and face - Huh?!?!?

[cardamomginger]

That's it really. 17 month old DD caught a cold - started off as snotty nose, then developed cough, which has been bad enough at night to make her throw up. No temperature. Seems to be on the mend today - better mood, less tired, more interested in food and drink, much less coughing, no throwing up. But... she has developed this rash on her cheeks and thighs. It kind of resembles hives (but she hasn't had any allergen) and in places looks a bit like an insect bite. But don't think it is - it's spreading and there's no insect in sight. I'm assuming she's had a virus and that the rash is just part of it??? And because she is improved I'm assuming there's nothing to worry about??? Be grateful for any thoughts!

Oh - it blanches...

As you say it is most likely due to a viral illness. Provided she is improving and it blanches I would not worry.

Thanks! Not itchy or bothering her either, so probably is fine. Still getting to grips with how differently illness manifests itself in a baby compared to an adult . Trying not to be PFB - but it's a learning process....

Hit the nail on the head there. Adults still have plently of viral illness but rarely get rashes, but kids do all the time. I suppose we have tougher immune systems and dont react the same way. Rashes are very alarming in kids to start with!

She hasn't really 'done' illness, except for a couple of things that have meant referrals to Great Ormond Street. So I'm still trying to get my head round 'normal' illness that doesn't really mean anything IYSWIM.

Sounds like a viral rash they tend to come at the tail end of a virus

Does it look anything like a measles rash?

Nope - thank God! have been through the 'dangerous rashes complete with pictures' websites and it's not.

Well that's good anyway! Hopefully just post viral and she's on her way to recovery. :)