RASH WITH FEVER 97
Do you have any of the following?
Severe headache
Drowsiness or confusion
Dislike of bright light
Neck pain when bending head forward
Nausea or vomiting
None of the above
ACTION
DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS
! You may have meningitis( inflamed membranes around the brain).
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW This type of rash may be due to a severe allergic reaction to a drug such as penicillin. It could also be the result of a blood disorder that causes bleeding into the skin.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
Checking a red rash
If you develop a dark red rash, check if it fades on pressure by pressing the side of a drinking glass onto it. If the rash is visible through the glass, it may be a form of purpura, a rash caused by bleeding from tiny blood vessels in the skin either because blood vessels are damaged or because of an abnormality in the blood. Purpura can be caused by one of several serious disorders, including meningitis, and needs prompt medical attention. Dial 911 or call EMS if you have a high fever, severe headache, or any of the other danger signs listed opposite.
Have you noticed any of the following symptoms in the past few days?
Runny nose
Cough
Red eyes
None of the above
Do you have a severe sore throat?
Yes
No
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 You may have measles, which is a potentially serious illness.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have a viral illness, but scarlet fever is a possibility.
• Follow the advice for bringing down a fever( p. 164).