On Saturday I noticed a little red rash on dd's left arm and side of her face. Now it is all over her body and face. It is little red bumps/splotches all over. I called the ped and he is on va-ca and the np doesn't have any openings today they said. I just do not know what to do. It is really freaking me out. Does anyone have any ideas on what it could be??
ETA: The np at the ped called me back and said to start 1/2 tsp of benedryl twice a day and if it is not better by Wed to come in. I just can not for the life of me think of what could have caused it. It seems to be getting worse (covering more body) by the minute.
My daughter had a very similiar thing about a month ago. The ped said it didn't sound like anything they had seen and to give her benedryl and to put some cortozone cream on it for 3 days, then if it was still there to bring her in and they would do some tests.
It went away on the 3rd day.
Do you think she allergic to something? My daughter gets really bad contact dermatitis...basically meaning a rash from contact! lol Anyway, it sounds similar to what you are describing...if you give her 1/2tsp. of Children's Benadryl and put hydrocortizone cream on it(1%), it should go away if it is from an irritant. Otherwise it most likely is from a virus! That really stinks the pedi's office couldn't get you in!
Try putting some cortisone on it - 1%, all over. Also give her some benadryl. I've given my kids benadryl for rashes and such since they were ~12 months, and it definitely helps.
I would definitely do the beneydral or bring her to a prompt care center if you don't want to wait. My daughter (13 years) had a rash on her arms and legs, and a little on her torso, about a month ago. Very even tiny red pimples. Brought her to the dr. and he didn't know what it was. Gave her some beneydral and it eventually went away. The only different thing that she did is that her friends ran and played in a rain storm, then she broke out the next day. The only thing I'm questioning is ..you say "red bumps...splotches"? Are they like hives - big and little bumps? Or are they flat and smooth? If they are hives -definitely use beneydral and check to see if it could be food-allergy related. Good luck.
I was going to say "fifths disease" which is a pretty common rash outbreak in children.
Here's a description of it:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/skin_rashes_in_children/pa...
My neighbor's daughter got it after a fever etc. Her skin looked laced with raised, faded red splotches that connected like a network of islands, all over her body. It wasn't scarey and it didn't bother her, but I think she took meds.
After reading that website I linked for you, benedryl does sound like a universal OK thing to do since these rashes seem to come after viral infections which last and pass in 3 days time, so might as well keep the swelling down and keep the child comfortable and hang tight if nothing else worse pops up.
Best of luck, TLC!
K.
If you are really concerned go to a Mercy Urgent Care (Or what ever is close by) or the Emergency room. If it is an allergy it could keep getting worse and you will worried about letting her sleep.
No one can diagnose via this forum.
S.
This time of year, I'd suspect heat rash. For that, I don't think you usually treat it. Try googling it for some pictures.
--S.
