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Fever With A Rash In A Child: Types And When To See A Doctor
Numerous conditions can cause fever and a rash in children. They include:
Fifth diseaseA virus called parvovirus B19 causes a common childhood infection called fifth disease. Doctors may also call it "slapped cheek" disease because the rash often causes a red or darker patch on the cheek. The medical term is erythema infectiosum.
The infection typically begins about 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include:
Usually, the rash comes after the fever resolves, not at the same time.
Fifth disease often clears on its own. It can sometimes cause complications, such as anemia, but these are rare. The condition is contagious for as long as the child has a fever. Once the rash begins, they are no longer contagious.
RoseolaA type of virus in the herpesvirus family causes roseola infantum, producing a rash that presents as small flat spots or tiny bumps. A halo of slightly lighter or paler skin may surround some of the bumps.
The rash often starts on the trunk and may spread to the face or extremities. Other symptoms may include:
The fever and rash rarely occur at the same time. Instead, the roseola rash typically appears soon after the fever disappears.
Roseola typically goes away on its own within a few days, and there is no specific treatment.
ChickenpoxA virus called varicella-zoster causes chickenpox. Most children now get the chickenpox vaccine, which is very effective, but some will still get the virus. Children who get chickenpox after having had the vaccine tend to experience a more mild form of the illness.
Chickenpox may begin with a fever. The rash tends to appear within a day or two, presenting as many tiny, fluid filled blisters all over the body. The blisters itch and may crack open and bleed. Other symptoms can include:
Most people get better in about a week, and can relieve symptoms with home remedies. However, children with serious medical conditions or a weakened immune system may get very sick.
Scarlet feverScarlet fever occurs due to a group A Streptococcus infection, such as strep throat. Strep is a bacterial infection, and people usually get sick within a few days of infection.
A scarlet fever rash may start at the chest, neck, or groin. It may spread to other body parts, or may cover the whole body.
If a child has a sore throat and a rash, or they get a rash after a sore throat goes away, they may have scarlet fever. Most kids also get a fever and may have flushed-looking cheeks.
Antibiotics can treat scarlet fever. However, in some children, the infection becomes very severe. For this reason, if the child is not better in a few days, it is important to speak to a doctor.
Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can occur at any age, but commonly affects babies and children under 5 years old.
Children usually get a fever and flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains. Within a few days, they develop sores around their mouth and on their hands or feet.
The virus that causes HFMD is highly contagious and may spread to parents or caregivers. In most children, symptoms are mild and go away within 7–10 days.
MeningococcemiaMeningococcemia is a rare but dangerous blood infection. Bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, cause the infection.
Meningococcal disease is most common in children under the age of 1 year. Early symptoms include:
Occasionally, tiny red, purple, or brown dots called petechiae can appear on the skin at the same time. More often, at a later stage, a dark rash will appear.
Meningococcemia is dangerous and can cause severe complications, such as septic shock. Immediate medical treatment with antibiotics is essential.
Anyone who suspects that they or a child has a meningococcal infection should seek medical attention right away.
CellulitisCellulitis is a serious bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It usually appears following an injury to the skin, such as a sting, bite, or wound. However, some people get cellulitis even when they do not have a visible skin injury.
Cellulitis causes very tender skin around the area of the injury. The skin is usually red or discolored and swollen. There may be streaks coming out of the rash, indicating that the infection is spreading.
Some people with cellulitis develop a fever. A fever with cellulitis may signal a severe infection, which warrants immediate medical care.
Antibiotics are almost always necessary to treat cellulitis.
Drug reactionSometimes, a rash warns of a drug reaction. If fever occurs alongside a drug rash, it often has a separate cause — for example, an underlying infection.
In rare cases, a child might develop a rash a few days after a fever, in reaction to a medication. A severe skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome can damage the skin and organs, and most children who get it must stay in the hospital.
When a rash and fever appear only after taking medication, this may be an emergency, so it is important to call a doctor.
Below are some common questions about a rash and fever in children.
What does an RSV rash look like?A rash is not a typical symptom of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and a fever, are more likely.
A person should contact a doctor if an infant has RSV symptoms and develops a rash or fever, as this could indicate another problem.
What childhood illness causes a fever then a rash?Conditions that may cause a fever then a rash in children include fifth disease and roseola. Other conditions, such as chickenpox, can cause cause a fever before a rash.
What does a meningitis rash look like on a child?A meningitis rash may appear as small, red pinpricks that do not fade if a person pushes against the skin. With time, they may turn into purple or red blotches.
This rash may be harder to see on darker skin tones. People may find it easier to see the rash on areas such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or inside the eyelids.
Is a fever with a rash an emergency?A fever and a rash in children is not always an emergency and may resolve with time. However, people should seek emergency care if the child has symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, or streaks coming out of a rash.
Itchy Rash After Stomach Virus: Is It Norovirus?
Norovirus doesn't usually cause a rash, though some people develop hives. A rash that accompanies stomach symptoms may suggest a different stomach virus or inflammatory bowel disease.
Norovirus is a common virus that usually affects your gastrointestinal (GI) system, causing vomiting and diarrhea. It passes quickly through your system in hours or days and doesn't usually cause a rash.
A few studies indicate norovirus can cause hives, but this is a rare symptom. But other digestive illnesses may cause a rash. Keep reading to learn more.
Rash is not a typical symptom of norovirus.
A few studies have linked hives with norovirus, but they note the condition is uncommon and that more research is needed.
A study from 2008 featured two cases of hives associated with norovirus in adults.
A more recent study shared a case study of a 2-year-old child who developed hives while having a norovirus. The hives were all over the child's body and were red and itchy. Along with hives, the child also had diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment with antihistamines caused the hives to disappear after a few hours.
Hives generally go away on their own or after taking an antihistamine. They often last for only a few hours. Hives that linger longer than a day may be due to a virus. Contact a doctor if your hives don't recede on their own.
Diarrhea and rashYou may experience a rash from diarrhea, a common norovirus symptom. You can soothe symptoms by keeping the area clean, applying a barrier cream like petroleum jelly or hydrocortisone cream on the rash, and avoiding sitting too long.
Rash from diarrhea may be more common in children who wear diapers. You may notice inflamed and tender skin in the diaper area if your child has diarrhea from norovirus.
To treat diaper rash:
Contact a doctor if your child has prolonged or excessive diarrhea, a fever, blood in their stool, or sores in the diaper area.
You can treat hives from norovirus by taking an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, which will relieve symptoms caused by an overactive immune system. Hives should go away after a few hours or days.
If you have hives, try not to scratch the affected skin. Take cool and lukewarm (not hot) baths and showers while you experience hives.
Contact a doctor if you have a prolonged rash or hives.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions related to norovirus.
What is the incubation period for norovirus?Symptoms from norovirus can start within 12–48 hours of exposure. You may experience symptoms for 1–3 days.
Even if you don't have symptoms from norovirus exposure, you may still be able to pass it on to others.
Can a stomach virus cause a rash on my face?A rash on the face with a stomach virus may be fifth disease. This occurs commonly in children who are school-aged but can affect anyone. It most often occurs from late winter to early summer.
Symptoms of fifth disease include:
Symptoms in children and adults are generally mild. You should recover in a week or two. But if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system, it's important to contact a doctor right away.
Can gastroenteritis cause a rash?Norovirus is one cause of gastroenteritis, but there are others. Most do not cause a rash.
Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, and a mild fever. You may also have body aches and headaches. Dehydration can also occur if you cannot retain fluids for an extended period.
It's uncommon for norovirus to cause a rash. In rare cases, people may develop hives related to norovirus. This symptom should go away over time or with antihistamines.
You may also experience a rash from diarrhea, a common symptom of norovirus.
A rash along with GI symptoms may indicate you have a condition other than norovirus. Contact a doctor if you are concerned about a skin rash accompanied by norovirus symptoms.
Toddler With Rare Disease Died After Being Sent Home From Hospital With 'viral Infection'
In September 2017, Jaime Donnelly tragically died from a rare condition called Kawasaki Disease, which is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in under-fives
While Jaime seemed to "perk up," he died days later after an aneurysm burst in his heart. (Image: uu)
A little toddler who was rushed to hospital after a temperature, red eyes and a rash died just a week after doctors allegedly sent him home with the diagnosis of a "viral infection".
In September 2017, Jaime Donnelly tragically died from a condition called Kawasaki Disease, which is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in under-fives. Mum Heather Hinshelwood took the six-month-old child to see medics before the pair were sent home with a viral infection diagnosis. While Jaime seemed to "perk up", he died days later after an aneurysm burst in his heart.
She said: "You just think it's a virus and he will get better. When he came home from hospital, he was quite tired but seemed to perk up a wee bit but the damage was already done to his heart.
"Nothing can compare to losing a child, it was the worst time. You never get over the pain of losing a child. It was a horrendous time and so unexpected. Jaime was a great baby and his big brothers loved him. He was really happy and there were never any issues. He was lovely and beautiful, he was perfect."
Symptoms of the condition include red bloodshot eyes, red cracked lips and tongue, red swollen hands and feet, high fever and a rash involving much of the body. It can also cause blood vessels to become inflamed, with around one in four children affected developing heart complications.
Heather added: "It was nice having my three boys before my world was turned upside down. It's been hard for Jack and Josh as well, it's a big thing to happen at their age.
Symptoms of the condition include red bloodshot eyes, red cracked lips and tongue, red swollen hands and feet, high fever and a rash involving much of the body (Image:
Daily Record WS)She told GlasgowLive: "I was grieving but also worried for them. I've been denied the chance of seeing him grow up into a lovely boy and man like my other boys have grown into, I just feel cheated."
Friday January 26 marked International Kawasaki Awareness Day and Heather organised for Hamilton Town House to be lit up in red - the colour of support charity Societi - in memory of her baby boy.
"It's quite rare but it still exists and it needs more awareness. Children can have heart problems for the rest of their life", the mum added.
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