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Please can someone advise re: rash and fever?

11 replies

snickersnack · 16/05/2009 13:37

ds (nearly 2) has had a high temp for about 2 days. It comes down with Calpol, and he's had fairly runny frequent nappies. He's been clingy and sleeping really badly.

Yesterday I noticed a strange rash in the folds of his elbows, and today he has a rash all over his torso, which is spreading down his backside. It's separate red spots - not particularly vivid, look like they are under the skin rather than on top, and it doesn't seem to be bothering him. It's not measles (he's already had it) and doesn't look like chicken pox.

He was sick this morning but hasn't been since. I'm wondering about scarlet fever because my "what is wrong with your child?" type book suggests these might be the symptoms (he's currently having a nap, so I haven't looked in his mouth yet).

Not sure what to do. NHS Direct have a recorded message saying "ring back unless it's very urgent". My medical insurance GP careline said "we can't speak to you until 6pm".

I should stress I'm not panicking - I've checked the rash and it does fade, he's not bothered by light, and he doesn't seem at death's door. But I am wondering if I can take him out - dh is away and there's no food in the house. And whether he needs to be seen by the doctor. Does this count as urgent, do you think?

OP posts:
smallorange · 16/05/2009 13:47

Yes. Get on the phone to NHS Direct and describe his symptoms. You need a proper medical opinion.

It's probably fine but I don't think anyone would blame you for phoning when you have a young, sick child. Just do it.

snickersnack · 16/05/2009 13:54

Thanks. I think you're right. I always feel ridiculous when they say "it's just a virus", which I know it is. Mind you, that's what they said when he had measles and he ended up in hospital 12 hours later.

OP posts:
AtheneNoctua · 16/05/2009 16:07

ANy luck? My almost 4 yearl has something similar. He also has a white tongue and DH came to the same conclusion as your book: Scarlett fever. Have also wondered if it might be rubella or measels. He has had a measels jab but not a rubella jab.

InternationalFlight · 16/05/2009 16:12

I'm not sure it sounds like scarlet fever tbh...mine is also 23 months and has by the sound of it, the same thing!
High temp for a couple of days and now a spotty rash all over.

I have a thread somewhere on it from yesterday!

A few people said it might be slapped cheek, but I'm not sure...seems like a normal viral rash to me, just the virus working its way out of his system.

Ds1 (5) also had a similar fevery thing a few days before but the rash was very brief with him.

I've not bothered with seeing the GP.

HTH x

InternationalFlight · 16/05/2009 16:14

I should say, ds2 has also had measles (we're living parallel lives!!) but not his MMR, while ds1 (who also had this thing) has had his MMR and booster.

AtheneNoctua · 16/05/2009 16:17

U just looked at your pics and I don't think its the same actually. My DS has little res dots/bumps all ver from the neck down. There were loads on his bum yesterday. But, he has a very distinctly whote tonge with red spots toward the tip of the tongue. Probably a mild case, if he has it at all.

Poor guy, his birthday party was supposed to be today, and we had to cancel it yesterday. He doesn't want anything today. No pizza. No birthday cake. Just wants to watch telly.

InternationalFlight · 16/05/2009 16:24

Poor little mite.

Mine has a rash all over as well, just it is redder on his cheeks iyswim.

It's been 4/5 days now, we've had a few odd looks so are avoiding shops.

He's not feeling too poorly now though, thankfully.

Hope yours is better soon.

snickersnack · 16/05/2009 18:19

Ok, rang NHS Direct, they said go to GP and that there was Scarlet Fever around. But GP didn't think it was - but did suggest chest infection + virus + D&V bug . Anyhow, Calpol, liquids, etc and antibiotics once his tummy gets better. Any tips on getting him to drink Diarolyte?
Hope all other sick children feel better soon.

OP posts:
DoNotAnnoy · 16/05/2009 18:25

Well I was going to say that scarlet fever is a possiblity from your OP. That tends to be worse in teh folds of hte elbow and on teh torso. Looks like sunburn visually - texturally it looks a bit like goose-bumps.

My DD definatley had it. GP said no - so she had no treatment and is fine. They way i finally knew was the peeling of the skin afterwards.

AtheneNoctua · 17/05/2009 17:07

Thought I'd report back. Took DS to a walk in centre today, where they confirmed diagnosis of scarlet fever. It's mild,so we got a penicillan prescriptian and were sent home. Our nanny went with us as she woke up with strep throat -- not unrelated as the same virus that causes strep throat also causes scarlet fever. And now I have a small fever a slight sore throat and am just begining to feel unwell. CRAP! I have to go to work tomorrow and I have to be in Aberdeen Tues-Fri. I suspect it isn't going to happen.

Fun fun fun. I'm considering pinching some of nanny's penicillan and then going to get my own in the morning.

InternationalFlight · 17/05/2009 20:46

Oh dear

I hope you manage to stave it off. Sounds miserable for all of you.

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