Weird rash on dd2's legs

[randommoment]

DD2 aged 13 has a rash of tiny red spots on both legs, below knees and above ankles. We have not bought new clothes recently or changed washing powders. The skin is a bit dry and rough, but not swollen and they're not itchy. Not flea bites, so the cat's not guilty this time. Any thoughts?

Could be hand, foot and mouth: check her hands for similar, and has she any mouth ulcers?
Alternatively they could be a viral rash.

Has she been playing outside? Could it be from some kind of plant or midge? Loads of midgey things in our garden yesterday and ds2 had a couple of itchy bites.

Hi randommoment,

my son developed a similar red rash when he was about 6. It never reached as far as his ankles and spread up towards his chest quite quickly. He wasn't ill with it but as it didn't resemble anything I had seen before and like you I had dismissed new clothes, washing powder as the source of the irritant. I took him to the GP.

She sent him immediately to our local children's hopsital with suspected HSP, Henloch Schonlein Purpura where he was idagnosed and treated. He still has flare ups now.

My suggestion would be to take your daughter to the GP even if she appears well and or use the internet to see if the rash looks similar. My son deteroriated very quickly but fortuately had a GP and Consultant who recognised the condition and fingers crossed no long lasting ill effects.

Eek fingers! Will look and hope it isn't that! Your poor DS.

Could be something from playing outside, they often spend ages mucking about on the way home from school.

Thanks all.

Are they tiny red pinprick spots.

My son also had HSP (like fingers). I went straight to the walk in, was diagnosed as ITP, HSP is a varient diagnosis, needed blood tests. Also came with arthritis in the ankles and knees, also very tired/pale.

Has your DC had a vaccine lately, ITP and HSP are possible reactions.

No recent vaccinations, and rash seems to have gone again. Will keep inspecting her though.

Thanks for all the replies.