DS (5) has non-blanching rash around eyes, been sick but otherwise fine, WWYD?

[wanttomakeadifference]

DS (5), has been fine today until a couple of hours ago when he felt sick. He was sick and then felt better.

He then said he was really hungry so I gave him some bread. He was sick again shortly afterwards. And again after I allowed him some water.

He now has a red pinprick rash below his eyes and below his eyebrows, it is non blanching do the type we are told to worry about.

His temperature is normal, no problems with light, no aches and pains. He seems fine in himself, just a bit shaken up by being sick (he very very rarely throws up).

I've called NHS direct as a precaution, they will call back within four hours.

He had a similar rash at 6 months old. Rushed to hospital, stayed overnight and was then discharged by doctor who said it was just his way of reacting to a virus.
I know this type of rash can be serious but he seems ok- wWYD?

I'm not saying it is the same thing, but if I am violently sick then I get small blood coloured spots around my eyes, where blood vessels have broken. It may just be that. Keep an eye on him + temp, if it starts to rise then consider taking more action before NHS direct get back to you.

Well it is very likely that he has caused the rash by vomiting, especially if he was straining as he was sick.

I would keep an eye on him though and if you think he is developing a temperature or he says he feels unwell then I would get him seen.

My DS also gets this if he throws up. Or screams very loudly, as we discovered when he was in hospital for something else as a baby and had to have a blood test - I panicked but the doctor said it was nothing to worry about.

Obviously that's no guarantee that's it's nothing for your DS to worry about, it's far better to get something like that checked out and be on the safe side.

You will never regret getting him checked out but could regret not doing so. I would want him looked at by a doctor. Hope he is Ok ;which I am sure he will be )

Agree I would get it checked but its probably burst blood vessels from straining while vomiting - i've had it when very hungover

Thanks everyone. I am quite a panicker usually when it comes to health problems, but I don't want to overreact......

He is tucked up with me on the sofa I've a feeling NHS direct will say he must go to A&E because he ticks the non-blanching rash box. Dragging him to wait hours and hours in A&E will be a nightmare!! Although, of course it's best to be safe- I just wish doctors still did house visits!

DD gets exactly the same thing- pinprick rash under her eyes and under her eyebrows. It's caused by the strain of vomiting. She has had the same thing when she was v v upset by something and cried hard. My brother gets the same thing when sick with a hangover.

I'm sure it's this but I'd suggest trusting your instincts and if in doubt seek medical help.

I doubt very much NS Direct will be able to help you, as a rash needs to be seen to be assessed.

Ds gets a viral rash like that quite a bit. One of the fist things they ask when he comes out with it is has be been sick or coughed a lot. So I assume both of those can cause it. Having said that I would get it checked. We've spent quite a lot of time in A&E having blood tests (ordered by a doctor) with ds.

It is typical of a rash caused by the force and straining from vomiting. If he is well otherwise it is not meningitis. The non blanching rash occurs at the end of the other symptoms, and by then the child is at deaths door. If you are concerned call your out of hours gp, they can do a phone consultation, or see him. I would not personally recommend A&E on a saturday night except in dire emergencies!

Does your local hospital not do an out of hours GP surgery? If I ring our GP number it directs me to an out of hours number where I can make an appointment for the out of hours surgery. A far better option than waiting for hours in A & E. Unfortunately I have had to use it several times.

I get that if I'm sick - it's tiny burst blood vessels, not a rash (in my case.) It can look as though I've been beaten up if I've been sick a few times.

My skin's very fair and my doctor said he tends to see it in people with fair complexions. How about your son?

Hope he's well, by the way.

Thought I would update. DS was sick a few more times but fully recovered by Sunday morning.

Other than the vomiting he was well so I really didn't want to drag him to A&E on a saturday night. I slept in his room so I could keep a close eye on him, and checked him regularly through the night.

NHS direct finally called me back at 3.10am (9 hours after my original call)- they had said they would call back within four hours. Nurse said it was most likely caused by the vomiting but to see GP on mon if he was not better.

Thank you to everyone who posted with advice.

Imperial he has olive skin, so not very pale.