11 month old with diarrhea

[laraeo]

DS has been battling some sort of virus since Monday. He's been eating well but the bowel movements have been horrendous. He's also got a rash on his arms & legs that the GP said is related to the gastro virus. Any ideas on how long the rash will stick around? And the diarrhea? On the GP's advice, he didn't have any food other than bf's from yesterday afternoon until about 11:30 today when he got some toast. For tea tonight he had toast, banana and a couple pieces of plain penne. If we try to do the BART diet, when should we start to see a difference in his stool? The GP also suggested dioralyte (sp?) but DS won't drink it.

First of all - I am no medical expert
However, have 2 young children and they have had their fair share of tummy bugs. IMEI have found the rash part to last anywhere from a day or two to lingering for a week - almost dies away but then "returns"/is visible still when they are hot, like out of the bath or at night in bed. One thing I do know is that it varies from virus to virus and child to child. My DD2 is a lot more "rashy" than DD1 ever was - lasts longer and viruses are more likely to produce a rash response in her than her sister.
As for the diarrhea - again, just varies from child to child. Hopefully will only be a couple of days to settle back into a routine. However, sometimes their little systems can be upset for a lot longer.
Just keep doing what you are doing, keep him hydrated with plenty of fluids that he will drink and stick to the plain carb heavy food. Hopefully he will start to pick up in 24-48 hours. But, do not panic if it is a little longer.