96
FAMILY ILLNESS
Rash with fever
For rash without fever, see p. 94 If you or your child has a temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above, you should check whether a rash is also present. A rash with fever is usually caused by a viral infection, most of which are not serious. However, a rash may alert you to the possibility of potentially life-threatening meningitis.
START
What are the features of the rash?
Widespread itchy, blistery rash
Rash that spreads from a central red spot
Flat, dark red spots that do not fade when pressed
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have chickenpox, which may need treatment with an antiviral drug.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Apply calamine lotion to relieve the itchiness of the rash.
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call EMS if a rash and fever are accompanied by any of the following:
• Abnormal drowsiness.
• Seizures.
• Temperature of 102 ° F( 39 ° C) or above.
• Abnormally rapid breathing( see advice on checking your
child’ s breathing rate, p. 71).
• Noisy or difficult breathing.
• Severe headache.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS
You may have Lyme disease( an infection transmitted by ticks that causes a rash and flulike symptoms).
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
Dull red spots or blotches that fade when pressed
Bright red rash, particularly on the cheeks
Pale pink rash on trunk and / or face
None of the above
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR
WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your rash and fever from this chart.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Fifth disease( or slapped cheek disease) due to a parvovirus infection may be the cause in a child.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have rubella( German measles). Roseola infantum( a viral infection that causes high fever followed by a rash of tiny pink spots) is another possibility, particularly in children under 4 years old.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
• Warn any contact you think could be pregnant.