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Impetigo or Eczema herpeticum? So worried about 21 month old DH (pic included)

5 replies

Maizques · 17/10/2024 06:16

Hi, my DH is 21 months and has been down with fever and sore throat for the past 3 days. We had to go the emergency pediatrics as she wasn't eating or drinking enough and the GP was concerned. After a long observation period, we were sent home saying it looks viral. By this time, she had rashes around her mouth which we thought were saliva rashes cos of her dummy and drooling.

Yesterday her eczema rash on her inner thigh looked crusty and terrifying. She also had dry blistery rash around her mouth. And few blistery spots in other parts of her body. Private GP on video said looks like eczema herpeticum and to go back to emergency. (Another GP friend seconded it, again on video).

Went back to emergency yday. They said it doesn't look like herpeticum and looks more like impetigo and have given antibiotics. I understand eczema herpeticum comes with fever and sore throat which she already has. But the doctor said the nasal swab tests had revealed she's having the common cold virus that the entire country is having.

She started her antibiotics but I'm so worried at the back of my mind because I read that both these can be so similar. Is there any chance it could be eczema herpeticum and I should have pushed harder for more tests? The doctor said no swab test necessary for impetigo as they're fairly confident. I'm attaching the picture of my poor DH upper thigh if anyone could advise me.

Impetigo or Eczema herpeticum? So worried about 21 month old DH (pic included)
OP posts:
Crazyeight · 17/10/2024 06:20

IME impetigo is more rounded, like coin shaped circular red patches when it's not on the face.

Is the treatment different for the two?

CabbagesAndCeilingWax · 17/10/2024 06:25

If it is impetigo, the antibiotics will make a noticeable difference within 48 hours. If she's no better, or if she's worse, then take her back.

FlyMeToPluto · 18/10/2024 07:10

Did they swab the rash as I think that would show signs of herpes?

(I had it once and they could tell from the swab)

Maizques · 18/10/2024 12:03

Sorry, I meant DD, not DH. I guess I was so out of focus at the time I was typing this.

They didn't do the swab test for impetigo, just said they're fairly certain of it and don't need the swab test (the nasal swab test done for her fever and sore throat revealed common cold virus). I was kicking myself for not pushing it.

I'm slightly relieved as she seems to be responding to the antibiotics now it's been over 24 hours. Will keep a close eye on her.

OP posts:
FlyMeToPluto · 18/10/2024 13:33

that's excellent news - hopefully the antibiotics are working because it is the impetigo and she'll be back to normal soon

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