Fever/ Rash

Updated on January 14, 2008
M.L. asks from Tarpon Springs, FL
46 answers

Hi moms,
My 19 month daughter started with a fever of 101.5-102 on Saturday (her highest fever yet!) and I took her to the doctor because I thought it was from 2 bug bites she had that turned dark red. It was not because of that, and while I was there, the dr. checked her lungs, throat, ears, nose, etc. and all were clear. After Tylenol and lukewarm baths, her fever never really went away until it finally broke for good yesterday morning. Thought everything was over, until this morning when she woke up with a rash all over her chest and back. I hate to take her to the dr for nothing, anyone else's kids go through this? Any ideas what it might be?? She doesn't have any allergies that I know of, and I haven't changed detergents or anything, etc. Thanks for you help!

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So What Happened?

Thank you all so much for your advice! Turns out, my daughter had an appt to get her 2nd dose of the flu shot, so I took her in and told them, no flu shot, just check her out. Doctor says it's roseola, so you all were right! And, nothing they can do for it, so you all were right again! I am glad I took her in though, there is no price for peace of mind :) Dr. did say though, once they get the rash, they are no longer contagious, so that is good news. Thank you all SO much!!!!!

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T.V.

answers from Jacksonville on

My girlfriend's boys break out in a rash EVERYtime that they get a fever...its just the way their little bodies handle viruses. My son just gets fevers and nothing else.

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G.K.

answers from Fort Myers on

Sounds like Roseola - It starts with a fever and then a rash develops on the trunk. Call the doctor and let them know about it, but it will clear up on its own.

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R.H.

answers from Tampa on

Sounds like Roseola. It's usually associated with high fever and a rash. You can read about it online.

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J.W.

answers from Tallahassee on

M.,
Sounds like Roseola. My daughter got that when she was around two. Does the rash look like red dots? If so, then I'd say that what she has. You can google it to get more info. It'll go away on its own. If you're still concerned, call the doctor and explain the symptoms. They'll know from that what it is and can tell you what or if there's anything you can do.

J.

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R.J.

answers from Tampa on

I would either take her to the Doctor's or at least call them and talk to a nurse. Did she have any shots?? My daughter had that happens when she received her MMR shot fever then followed by a rash. I take my daughter to the Doctor's or call just for about anything it's always better to be safe.

Good luck and I hope your child feels better.

R. J.

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V.N.

answers from Tampa on

Hi M., my son once experienced something like that. They told me it was Roseola. It is very common in children. I remember he had fever for couple days and then a rash all over the body. After couple days the rash went away and he was fine again. You can read about Roseola and see if that might be it. If that is what it is, you just have to watch the fevers, but other than that she should be fine in couple days. Hope this information helps!

V.!

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B.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

You need to take her to the doctor, she is contagious. I think it is called roseola. My previous daycare had some children catch it. You first get a high fever then a rash. I am not sure if I have the name right but I remember the symptoms becuase I was keeping an eye on my daughter to make sure she didn't get it. Take her to the doctor again. As for high fevers you never need to take them to the doctor for a high fever unless it lasts longer then 6 days. My daughter has had fevers in the 103 range that lasted 5 days. YOu just strip them down and wipe a wet towel on them and give them motrin (works better then tylenol), make sure they drink and they will be fine. YOu will also notice with a high fever that their heart beats really fast, that is normal and nothing to worry about. I was freaking out when my daughter's heart was like that but was reassured by the doctor. Good luck and I know it can be scarry when it is your child.

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H.H.

answers from Orlando on

I'm not going to repeat what everyone else said... Ya roseola... I just wanted to sat that you should never feel afraid to talk to your Dr. You know your baby. You know what's normal for her. I'd rather be known as the over reactive mom than have a sick child. You can even call the nurse and see if it is something to bring her in over. Be bold. Trust your instincts.
Congrats on the second baby!
God bless
H.

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T.W.

answers from Orlando on

Take her to the doctor. That's what they are there for. Don't be surprised if it's practically gone by the time they see her though. Or not as visible as it was when you first noticed it.
The warmer she is the more pronounced it will be, which is why it is generally on the truck of the body.
Just take her in and let them tell you. You are doing what you are supposed to do take care of your babies.
Take care and good luck

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R.M.

answers from Orlando on

Sounds like roseola to me but check with your dr to make sure!

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S.R.

answers from Tampa on

It sounds like Roseola my daughter had it around a year old , the fever first , and then a rash.

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T.C.

answers from Naples on

Take her to the doctor ASAP!!
A fever plus a rash could be serious. Not to scare you, but they need to see her to rule out bacterial meningitis.

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M.C.

answers from Jacksonville on

Not being an expect on the subject, you may want to have her checked for roseola - http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_vir...

My friend's daughter went through that very recently, and she wasn't sure where it came from.

Good luck!

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C.G.

answers from Tampa on

Sounds like Roseola. It's usually characterized by a fever for a few days and then a rash that breaks out once the fever has broken. From what I know, it's pretty harmless and not contagious once the rash has broken out.

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C.R.

answers from Tampa on

She is ok. I think it is called roseola? Look it up on the internet. 2 of my girl friends did the same thing...I don't know why the doctors don't say anything about this as common as it is. I know it is frustrating not knowing what is wrong!!! Hopefully, she will be better today!

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L.P.

answers from Fort Myers on

M.,

It sounds like it might be fifths disease. From what I understand it starts with a fever and ends with a rash. It is highly contagious. I would call her doctor and make sure you tell them that you are pregnant!

I hope this helps! I hope she feels better soon...

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T.R.

answers from Orlando on

Your probably gonna think the same thing I did but.. Have you looked to see if it is the chicken pox? My son was running a fever and started getting bumps on him. I thought it was bug bites and I freaked out tearing his bedroom apart. The next night he slept in my bed and had even more. He has had his vaccination but sure enough, he has the chicken pox, I was flabbergasted! A lot of good that vaccination did. Anyway, I pulled u webmd and searched chicken pox, looked at the picture and sure enough he looked just like that. Hope that is not it but maybe.

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N.

answers from Sarasota on

May be roseola from the high fever. It happened to my son after a high fever. You can google it for more information.

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M.W.

answers from Tampa on

It is probably Roseola. Or another virus, but is nothing to fuss over. The fever is over and the rest of the virus will work it's was out. The rash will be gone by the end of the week. Some viruses give you a runny nose or congestion and some give you a rash (just usually in kids). You find out so many interesting things when you have kids.

M.

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M.H.

answers from Orlando on

it's most likely roseola. not much to worry about. we gave my daughter oatmeal baths to sooth the rash, just use regular oatmeal in lukewarm water. our doctor did not prescribe any medicine and with the recalls i would be weary.

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F.R.

answers from Pensacola on

It's nothing to freak out over. Almost every child will get it. And from what the doctor's say, it's fairly harmless. There is no medication they can or will give you for it. So just keep an eye on her and let it pass. I agree with all the other ones that said Roseola.

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K.B.

answers from Tampa on

It might be Roseola - or a form of it. My daughter when she was young used to break out in a rash after a high fever. Usually a few days after the fever broke. She would get it around her hair line and on her trunk. I did take her to the Dr and she told me to give her Aveeno Oatmeal baths and to use Aveeno anti itch lotion for a few days. It got worse before it got better but only lasted a few days....

If you are concerened go to the Dr for sure that is what they are there for.

K.

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R.J.

answers from Sarasota on

I'm sure this email is the 100th+ response by now, but that sounds an awful lot like Roseola to me. Which is contagious, by the way, and may remain dormant for up to two weeks before the fever or rash appear. So it is likely that she caught it several weeks ago from another child that didn't yet show symptoms. One of my daughter's friends had it last summer and his doctor just recommended lots of vitamin C and to stay away from other kids for awhile to try not to continue to spread it.

Good Luck and congrats on #2!

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T.L.

answers from Jacksonville on

I agree that it is Roseola. My son had that this past summer. Here is a website with information about it http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_vir...
You could call your dr. just so they put it in your child's records, but if it is a good dr. he won't have you come in. because that would be a waste there is nothing to do.

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K.W.

answers from Orlando on

Though she is a bit young for it, it could be fifths disease http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor...
which is a viral infection that causes a fever and cold like symptoms then followed by a rash. It's not usually serious and most kids usually recover without any complications.
Also, did your Dr prescribe any antibiotics? It could be a reaction to that also--I know I'm allergic to sulfa drugs, which causes a rash.
Either way, I would at least call your pediatrician's nurse and she what they say.

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B.P.

answers from Tampa on

She most likely has roseola, which is a virus, the typical course is fever for 3-4 days and then when the fever breaks, they develop a rash, She is no longer contagious once the rash appears. The rash is not usually itchy or bother them at all, so need to treat her and unless you want confirmation from the doctor no need to see them.

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K.R.

answers from Sarasota on

this has happened to both of my kids a couple of times. doctor just said virus...starts as a fever ends with a rash. you still should take her to be checked out though, you can never be too careful with her health. good luck.

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J.S.

answers from Orlando on

Have her checked for MRSA, my daughter had all those symptoms and tested positive. what appeared to be bug bites were infected boils and if left untreated thay can be a big problem. Just to be safe I would have it checked out. Good luck!

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M.O.

answers from Tampa on

Hi M..

i would definetely call the dr if you haven't already. My son went through this and it turned out to be Roseola. It's nothing life threatning and there is nothing to really do but let it take it's course but it is still good to just let the dr know. You can google it to get more info on it...my son got it all over his belly and face. It usualy goes away with in 2-4 days and the fever does also. Good luck with everything :)

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J.I.

answers from Sarasota on

My son had very similar symptoms. The fever for a couple of days and then the following morning he woke up with what looked like a heat rash all over his body (even on his palms and soles of his feet). My doctor told me it was a viral infection. There was not alot you can do for the rash, just keep baby in comfortable clothing. The rash subsided in about 4-5 days. I was told that this is the way viral infections present in small children - different than adults. I would call your doctor, but mine told me it would just need to run its course. The doctor did not give him any meds.
Best of Luck!

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N.G.

answers from Orlando on

Hi M.!
It's probably Roseola. It is a viral infection - they get a fever for a few days first and after it's gone a rash spreads over their body. By the time the rash appears it's almost gone and no meds are needed. :)
My almost 3 yr old has had this twice in a year and we just got back from the dr for his bout also this weekend. He is covered in spots right now too.

N.

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J.S.

answers from Tampa on

It could be roseola. It normally starts with a high fever, then the rash comes once the fever is gone. Kids who have it are most contagious when they have the fever. There isn't a set treatment, the Dr would just treat the symptoms if she is uncomfortable. It should last a few days at most. Hope she feels better soon!

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A.S.

answers from Jacksonville on

It could also be Fifth disease. You should call her Dr immediately to get a proper diagnosis since you are pregnant and it could affect you. Here is a link to really explain it. Once the rash appears then she should not be contagious any longer.
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_vir...

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S.A.

answers from Tallahassee on

M.

Usually after a viral infection and fever the body will purge the virus and produce a rash. My son was the same way and I did take him to the doctor's office and that is exactly what he said.

Keep a close eye on the rash however. You can never be too careful.

Congrats with #2 due in July!

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S.G.

answers from Tampa on

Hi Moly. As a seasoned mother of two wonderful daughters who are now 13 and 17 I can honestly say new mothers need seasoned and real advice every step of the way.My 13 year had a similar reaction as your daughter. After a fever or even a cold she would often get a rash. After a visit to the pediatrician he advised me that it was possibly from the virus that caused the fever and that it was not uncommon for a rash to come and go even after the symptoms were gone. What a relief! Needless to say she had this happen more than once. Always nervous about what it could be I finally accepted what the doctor said.The thing is that her rash was not itchy or uncomfortable...it was just noticeable and looked worse than it was.Since there are rashes associated with other illnesses that may need attention my rule of thumb was to wait it out.If it seemed to be a concern I would make the visit(which never really happened). Instinct should ALWAYS be a part of your decisions regarding your child's health. My pediatician was the first to say if you do not need to come don't....It is at the doctors office that the little ones pick up the most bugs! On the other hand it if makes you feel better to be on the safe side you should go.As for tylenol and medications (like the overuse of antibiotics) I always tried to let my children's bodies fight the bug naturally. While not a "hippie,health freak" I can honestly say that I watched other co-moms run to the doctor for every little thing and come home with over-medicated children who seemed to never be able to resist germs. Hence today's issue with "super bugs" that can not be treated due to the over use of antibiotics. I hope this has helped you:) If it makes you feel better I am still never 100% sure when we need to go to the doctor.....sometimes a quick phone call to the nurse saves the trip.But always my instincts play a role.
S. G

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M.J.

answers from Jacksonville on

could be roseola (sp?), i believe it is a relative of measles (could be wrong). my son developed a bad rash on chest and back and i took him to dr., found out he was allergic to amoxicillin. had i not taken him to dr. for rash, he could have died from allergy to drug. i would definately take her to the dr. unexplained rash on chest and back is not ever nothing.

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J.S.

answers from Ocala on

I've always heard that if there is a rash with a fever you really need to take the child to the doctor. I would call your doctor, but I bet that's what they'll tell you. :)

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P.N.

answers from Tampa on

Always take a baby to the doctor for a rash. It could be contagious. Chicken pox is going around, I know 6 people that have had it in the past 2 weeks, 3 different families. Additionaly, don't feel bad about bugging the doctor, I have found that advocating for myself and being persistent with them has benefited my baby's health. My son had a cough that lasted 4 months. I was in the office weekly. I kept being told that nothing was wrong and he would get better. I knew better. He acted fine, but a baby should not maintain a cough for that long. Finally, I was referred to a specialist and given a nebulizer. My son was diagnosed with reactive airways. The specialist informed me that the cough would not have gone away without steriods and breathing treatments. After a week of both, the cough was gone. I have no problem returning to a doctors office until I feel that the diagnosis is accurate. :P

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K.

answers from Tampa on

My son had that exact reaction and it turned out it was some viral infection that just had to run its course. Sometimes when they're so young they don't have the typical reaction you'd expect to a virus. He also had severe diarrhea when he got a strep infection - not a sore throat. I would call the doctor's office and speak to a nurse before you make another appointment. They can sometimes tell you over the phone if they need to see you.

K.

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L.J.

answers from Orlando on

I would bet she has roseola. You do not need to take her to the doctor. The rash will go away in about 5 days. Do you have a book about childhood and illnesses? If so look up roseola. You will see all of her syptoms. All three of my children had it.

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S.J.

answers from Sarasota on

HI M.,

I have had the same problem with my son, a rash after a fever breaks or even during is very common with a lot of viruses in children, I've rushed him into the doctor twice once not sure and next I only called thinking he was reacting to his varicella shot but turned out to just be a way of his body responding. So don't worry it will go away in a few days if not shortly after. Once my son even had one that came and went with his ever.

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E.S.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Sounds like Roseola, which is very common and not serious. My little girl had the same symptoms. If the rash is on her legs or arms, it's not Roseola. But, since you're pregnant, you might want to at least call the doctor since some rashes (measles, etc.) can be dangerous for pregnant women/fetuses.
Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Orlando on

it could possably be rosiola. look it up online. it starts out with a fever and when the fever breaks they will break out in a rash. the rash is not irritating. there is no need to treat the rash. and it is not contagious. i'm not sure if i spelled it right it might be spelled roseola.

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K.L.

answers from Jacksonville on

Sounds like a classic case of roseola and you may want to have the doctor rule out anything else. If the fever had been over 103, for sure call the doc anytime that happens, but they won't do anything for the roseola, as it's a virus that has to run its course. My daugther went through the same thing and the rash didn't bother her one bit. She was just a bit irritable at times.

Good luck,
K.

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J.P.

answers from Tampa on

Hi there.
She could have a mix of two things happening. She may very well have had a virus, and it went away after the fever broke. THe rash sounds like a food allergy that you are not aware of. I have two children afflicted with food allergies and the most important thing I learned is that you can react to any given food for up to 4 or 5 days. It doesn't have to be constantly there. Unfortunately, it's very difficult without having skin tests done, to figure out the exact problem. Another important note about allergies is that they do not have to start right from birth. My daughter ate applesauce and fresh apples for several months. Then one night, ifed her a fresh apple, and I had to rush her to the emergency room. She completely swelled up. If possible, make a diary or journal of everything you feed your child for about two or three weeks. When there is a rash, reference your notes and compare. You may just figure it out.

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