slapped cheek?

[MarmadukeScarlet]

I think my DS may have slap(ped?) cheek, but now he has a sandpapery rash all over his trunk.

He had been 'not himself' ith a low grade fever (up to 38.5 ish) for a week when the red cheek started, first one 10p sized bit and by next day whole of left cheek and a little blob on right and some on bridge of nose.

Then I noticed the rash, to accompnay this he has a hacking cough (although DD has recently had a horrid cough so could be unrelated) and a runny nose. He is really quite grumpy (how I knew he was coming down with something as usually happy all the time) and not eating much.

Called GPs yesterday and left a message for my GP saying what I thought it was and did I need to come in (DS has a genetic condition with heart valve and metabolic problems) but she didn't call back - presumable because she accepts my DX and is not concerned.

Can Slap cheek be confused with anything else, eg scarlet fever?

TIA

I think it sometimes can be confused with scarlet fever - signs that it's scarlet fever not slapped cheek would be sore/red throat and 'strawberry' tongue. Can't hurt to get it checked out.

My DDs have slapped cheek at the moment. I took DD1 to the Gp as she had it first and i did not know what to do about it. It is viral and there is no treatment, give plenty of fluids and calpol if neccessary. My DD1 had a headache and sore throat, slight fever and had 2 days away from school because she felt unwell.The rash is still there but quite faint now. DD2 came out with it at school yesterday, covered in the rash but as right as rain otherwise. Gp said it is fine to send them to school as long as they feel well as it is no longer contaigious once the rash is visible. The school have seen at least a dozen cases of it this week probably because until the rash comes out you have no idea they have it and by that time they will have already passed it on. I would tell you not to worry and just follow plenty of fluid and calpol advice, however if your DS has other health problems I would make a visit to the Gp to check it out.

Hope he feels better soon. (slap cheek itself is not too serious)

Thank you both, have been trying to get him to drink and giving paracetamol. I do think he has a sore throat as he is coughing a lot, but as his expressive language is delayed it is hard to tell. He doesn't have a red tongue, I made him stick it out this am - it made him gag strangely. Because I was worried about scarlet fever.

Yes, I would have thought with DS complications - immunodeficiency and if he doesn't eat for a few hours he goes into keytosis, which often can only be resolved with a glucose drip - the GP would have called back.

He is fine really, playing outside now with his assistant/my ex mother's help (from nursery)but he is just a grumpier, more tired version of himself.

Thank you both again.

In her defense, just checked messages and GP called at 6.35 last night - when we were putting chickens to bed.

He seems to have rallied, he is out in the paddock with a small wheelbarrow and spade, he is 'helping' the fencers put up a new fence!