Why rash after fever

Roseola usually does not require professional medical treatment. When it does, most treatment is focused on lowering the high fever. Antibiotics can't treat roseola because viruses, not bacteria, cause it. Acetaminophen such as Tylenol or ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin can help to ease a fever. Never give aspirin to a child who has a viral illness because its use in such cases has been associated with Reye syndrome , which can lead to liver failure and death.

While some parents use lukewarm sponge baths to lower fever, there is no proof that this really works. In fact, sponge baths can make children uncomfortable. Never give your child an icy or cold bath or alcohol rubs. To prevent dehydration from the fever, encourage your child to drink clear fluids such as water with ice chips and Pedialyte electrolyte oral replacement solution. Breast milk and formula can help prevent dehydration as well. High Priority Alert.

Close alert. Informational Alert. Roseola-Viral Rash. Is this your child's symptom? Widespread fine pink rash caused by Roseola virus Classic feature is that the rash is preceded by 3 to 5 days of high fever The fever goes away before the rash starts A doctor has told you that your child probably has Roseola or Rash occurs after several days of fever. Fever gone now and your child feels fine. Symptoms of Roseola Most children get Roseola between 6 months and 3 years of age. If your child has a rash, he or she should not be in contact with other children or pregnant women.

Most viral rashes are contagious, especially if a fever is present. Itching with a rash is generally not serious, but it can be annoying and may make a rash more likely to become infected. Rashes caused by chickenpox , eczema , or contact dermatitis are much more likely to itch. Sometimes itching can get worse by scratching. Talk to your child's doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

When you switch between two medicines, there is a chance your child will get too much medicine. Call your child's doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. Several childhood diseases that cause a rash can be prevented through immunization.

Immunizations help your child's immune system recognize and quickly attack a virus before it can cause a serious illness. Immunizations for chickenpox and for measles, mumps, and rubella MMR can prevent these common rash-causing illnesses. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your child's condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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Updated visitor guidelines. Topic Overview Healthy skin is a barrier between the inside of the body and the outside environment. Common rashes caused by viruses include: Chickenpox varicella. This rash is a common, contagious illness caused by a type of herpes virus.

Fifth disease. This facial rash looks like the cheeks have been slapped. It also causes a lacy, pink rash on the arms and legs, torso, and buttocks. Roseola roseola infantum. This rash occurs about 3 days after a high fever. Unknown virus.

Sometimes the specific virus that causes a rash is never known. Common localized rashes that occur during childhood include: Diaper rash. This rash is caused by rubbing, moisture, chemicals, or bacteria in the baby's urine or stool; substances in disposable diapers; or soaps used to wash cloth diapers. This bacterial skin infection is caused by strep or staph bacteria. Heat rash prickly heat. This rash often results from a well-meaning parent dressing his or her baby too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot weather.

Cold sores. These are sometimes called fever blisters. Cold sores are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. Contact dermatitis. This rash is caused by contact with a substance, such as food, soap, or lotion, that causes an allergic reaction.

Most contact dermatitis is mild and goes away when your child's skin no longer comes in contact with the substance. Cradle cap. Cradle cap is an oily, yellow scaling or crusting on a baby's scalp. It is common in babies and is easily treated. Cradle cap is not a part of any illness and does not mean that a baby is not being well cared for.

Rashes that may require a visit to a doctor include: Lyme disease, which is caused by a bacteria carried by deer ticks in some areas. A characteristic expanding red rash usually occurs at the site of the tick bite and is followed by flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, chills, fever, body aches, and stiffness.

This type of rash may be caused by a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome. A very rare and serious type of generalized red rash called toxic epidermal necrolysis TEN. This type of rash may cause the skin to peel away, leaving large areas of tissue that weep or ooze fluid like a severe burn.

TEN may occur after the use of some medicines. Check Your Symptoms Does your child have a rash? How old are you? Less than 3 months. Are you male or female? Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have. If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.

If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Does your child have a tick bite? Has your child been bitten or stung by an insect or spider? Does your baby seem sick? A sick baby probably will not be acting normally. For example, the baby may be much fussier than usual or not want to eat.

How sick do you think your baby is? Extremely sick. Baby is sick sleepier than usual, not eating or drinking like usual. Does your child have symptoms of shock? Could your child be having a severe allergic reaction? This is more likely if your child has had a bad reaction to something in the past. Does your child have symptoms of a serious illness? The symptoms in a baby are different than the symptoms in an older child.

Have tiny red or purple spots or bruises appeared suddenly? Does your child have any abnormal bleeding? Does your child feel lightheaded and dizzy, like he or she is going to faint? It's normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious. Is your child bleeding now? Are there any symptoms of infection?

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it? Does your child have diabetes, a weakened immune system , or any surgical hardware in the area? Fever medicines acetaminophen and ibuprofen cause the most needless worry.

Reason: most viral rashes start with a fever. Hence, the child is taking a fever medicine when the rash starts. Drug rashes can't be diagnosed over the phone. Rash: pink, small, flat spots on the chest and stomach. Then spreads to the face.

Classic feature: 2 or 3 days of high fever without a rash or other symptoms. The rash starts 12 to 24 hours after the fever goes away. The rash lasts 1 to 3 days. By the time the rash appears, the child feels fine. Treatment: the rash is harmless. Creams or medicines are not needed. Usually, the rash is just on one side of the body. An example is a rash on 1 foot. Exceptions: athlete's foot can occur on both feet. Insect bites can be scattered. Widespread means the rash occurs on larger areas.

Examples are both legs or the entire back. Widespread can also mean on most of the body surface. Widespread rashes always occur on matching both sides of the body. Many viral rashes are on the chest, stomach and back. The cause of a widespread rash usually spreads through the blood stream. Examples are rashes caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins, and food or drug allergies. The cause of a localized rash usually is just from contact with the skin. Examples are rashes caused by chemicals, allergens, insect bites, ringworm fungus, bacteria or irritants.