Hmm - weird rash all over my DS

[spicemonster]

He seems generally fine (although has only slept for 40 mins which is very unusual) but has a series of smaller spots, what look like they might be mozzie bites (but not itchy) and raised weals all over the place.

The pharmacist has given him some piriton liquid but although it's a bit better, he's still spotty. He said that he couldn't rule out chicken pox.

Any ideas what it might be? He had some strawberries yesterday (which he's eaten loads of times before) but has only had milk and shreddies today.

Are they little blisters? What colour are they? I'm assuming they are raised. Has he had a temp/illness? Where abouts are they? Has he been near anyone with a rash?

No blisters, they're red and raised (like mozzie bites) but with quite ill-defined edges, more splodges than spots iyswim. No temp and seems quite perky (except for the weird lack of sleep). They're all over but not on his face. He met a little boy with chicken pox last saturday but they didn't touch or even get particularly close.

www.umm.edu/imagepages/1558.htm like this?

No, they're not as dark as that. I've just called NHS Direct as he can't use his left leg since he woke up

I'd bypass NHS Direct and take him straight to A&E. He should see a paediatrician. The chances are they will tell yo to take him there anyway.

I hope all is OK.

They've said to give him calpol and that he probably got his leg stuck between the bars in the cot. But have realised that is very unlikely as he has a cot bumper all the way round and he can't put any weight on his left knee so I'm going to take him in.

Thanks for your help. I'll report back later

I wish they wouldn't do things like this. They are not with your child so shouldn't be guessing at what they think is wrong.

A&E's a very good idea. I really hope he's OK.

Well, we are finally back from A&E and after xrays and examinations, it turns out he has ... bursitis!

Poor thing - he's obviously been in some pain and discomfort though and it's sad because he can't get around but hopefully it will improve as he keeps his weight off it. Very glad indeed I took him in though - they said that it could have been septic arthritis which can affect young children. That NHS Direct woman didn't know what she was talking about

Ohh, poor thing . I'm so pleased you know what it is. It sounds so painful. Did they tell you what the rash was? Septic arthritis can be nasty for children and they have to spend along time in hospital.

AT THE NURSE AT NHS DIRECT!!!!! I remember a thread a few months ago, a mn thought her child had had a fit the night before, NHS Direct told her it was probably a nightmare and not to worry! I told her to see her GP and to phone an ambulance if it happened again. They are not very good at giving advice and shouldn't be making assumptions. That's terrible!

I'm really pleased he's OK.

I know - imagine being so little and having housemaid's knee already! His career as a sportsman is over before it's even begun.

The rash had pretty much faded by the time anyone took a look at him so they didn't say much about it. I guess it must have been an allergic reaction to something. Very odd.

A fit was a nightmare?! That's dreadful. I had thought that it was NHS Direct who had told me to call an ambulance when my DS had bronchiolitis but actually it was my GP's out of hours service. That is the last time I ring NHS Direct, useless I can cope with but what they said to that other MNer is downright dangerous.

Sorry I should have said this earlier but thank you so much for your replies avenanap. You have made me feel like I wasn't being a big fat PFB mother for going with my instincts and taking him to A&E.

Cheers

You're welcome. He'll be on the mend soon.