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What is this rash please?

5 replies

Gt1986 · 27/07/2025 23:05

Hiya,

Aware we are not doctors but hoping some of you wise mums would have some knowledge that can help me!

Back story- 1 year old son at nursery since 7 months, has had every illness going- HFM, slapped cheek, pneumonia etc etc.

This week his baby room put out comms that 2 babies in his baby room have measles, and they have been there when he has been there. Apparently their go diagnosed chicken pox initially but then it was rediagnosed.

DS has had cold symptoms the last week ish. Friday he gets sent home from nursery with a temp of 38.5. temp has stayed down since, he's not himself though, quite clingy, unsettled, unsettled nights etc. yesterday he wakes and he has a rash. We notice it on hands and feet, also face on his cheeks and the temples downwards primarily but he's dressed when we are looking. Goes to bed after an unsettled day and has a rough night. This morning the rash is worse. We call 111 and go to OOH who advise they don't think measles but likely a virus- doesn't go into the possibility of which virus though. Just it will pass.

DS has a very up and down day, he's off his food and drink, mouth seems sore so he's moving his bottle around the mouth alot.

Bath time comes and the rash is more prominent, spread to his shoulders, bum, lower back and further up his arms and legs- also raised particularly on his hands, feet, arms and legs and feels a bit rough. I manage to get into his mouth and he has some red dots at the back of his mouth by his throat and in his upper cheeks.

He's a very tired boy also.

I called 111 back and OOH have said it could be scarlet fever so have prescribed antibiotics. I'm not sure what it is.

He's had his MMR vaccine 7 weeks ago so wouldn't be a side effect of the vaccine. He's also had 1 dose of chicken pox vaccine in April so again not a side effect of that vaccine.

Any pearls of wisdom appreciated!

Thank you.

What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
OP posts:
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Gt1986 · 27/07/2025 23:14

Just to add, images awaiting review.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Zapx · 28/07/2025 01:11

Well the “rough” description of the rash makes me think scarlet fever. Stuff in mouth too. And honestly if it is scarlet fever you want to get started on antibiotics right away.

Having said that, I’m not sure I’d be happy having it diagnosed as scarlet fever over the phone, as antibiotics can be brutal and if you can I’d get him in front of someone to be sure before you start down that path. I think scarlet fever is notifiable but not 100% sure… Were you able to send OOH images/video etc? I’d be happier (me) if that was the case. Otherwise I’d be either starting antibiotics or getting him in front of someone ASAP.

Gt1986 · 28/07/2025 07:05

Zapx · 28/07/2025 01:11

Well the “rough” description of the rash makes me think scarlet fever. Stuff in mouth too. And honestly if it is scarlet fever you want to get started on antibiotics right away.

Having said that, I’m not sure I’d be happy having it diagnosed as scarlet fever over the phone, as antibiotics can be brutal and if you can I’d get him in front of someone to be sure before you start down that path. I think scarlet fever is notifiable but not 100% sure… Were you able to send OOH images/video etc? I’d be happier (me) if that was the case. Otherwise I’d be either starting antibiotics or getting him in front of someone ASAP.

Hiya, yes OOH got sent about 25 photos over 2 occasions yesterday, one before the first consult and the second in the evening.

I am aware that antibiotics strip you out as he has been on them a couple of times for pneumonia and a skin infection but we do take a pro biotic daily to help with this.

The pics haven't been approved yet either, so maybe the view will be different once they're visible here.

Many thanks for your feedback!

OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 28/07/2025 07:18

I've added a couple of images from when my ds had scarlet fever. It was very rough/sandpapery and his tongue was also furry and then peeled to have noticeable red strawberry spots. He was feverish and exhausted with it and the rash was distinctive.

What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
Gt1986 · 28/07/2025 10:27

ShowOfHands · 28/07/2025 07:18

I've added a couple of images from when my ds had scarlet fever. It was very rough/sandpapery and his tongue was also furry and then peeled to have noticeable red strawberry spots. He was feverish and exhausted with it and the rash was distinctive.

Thank you! He's had a long sleep and he's very up and down still, the rash also looks alot redder but my camera can't pick up the redness weirdly!

Seems like it's a bit itchy for him also.

What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
What is this rash please?
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