Strep rash? Something else?

[MeOnSea]

I’ve been ill for a few weeks now with something viral, but last Wed developed an incredibly sore throat, felt like tonsillitis. On Thurs I came out in a rash. Managed to get a telephone consultation with a GP who thought it was viral but prescribed antibiotics in case it got worse.

I’d rather not take antibiotics if I don’t need them, I’m not feeling any worse but I’m definitely not feeling better. Throat is still agony (no obvious white spots, but tonsils are incredibly swollen and red) and this rash isn’t going away. Does anyone with any previous experience recognise the rash/been through anything similar before? Should I just take the antibiotics anyway?

Why did you phone the GP?

Ah, forgot to add an image, this is armpit/upper inside of arm

Because I was feeling so ill, and wanted their advice about whether I should be taking something. I also live with someone who is on immune suppressing medication so want to be careful

Because I was feeling so ill, and wanted their advice about whether I should be taking something.

Then take the something they gave you?

I don't think you should pop ABs like smarties, but I'd you've been ill for 2 weeks and the GP has suggested them then take them. If they don't work and you're still ill then you can rule out a bacterial infection and try something else.

Thanks both, you’re probably right. I’m wavering because I’m not ‘worse’. But I’m feeling far from well. Don’t feel I have the reserves to deal with any antibiotic side effects, but probably worth biting the bullet.

I'm still interested to hear if anyone has had a similar rash though, and whether it was viral/something else…

The bacteria that causes a strep throat is also linked to Scarlet fever.

My aunt had a bad strep throat some years back and developed a post viral arthritis according to her GP, which affected her knees and inhibited her walking for a couple of weeks. She did recover.
Take the antibiotics @MeOnSea