V.D. asks from Wyoming, MN on April 04, 2008
9 Year Old Son Had Croup Last Week, Now Has Erythema Multiforme Minor
I had posted last week about my son having croup. He had pretty much recovered ffom that with just a very minor cough left. On tuesday evening he developed a rash. After 3 trips to the Dr. and a worsening and changing rash we got a diagnoses of Erythema Multiforme Minor. We are 3 days into this and have not experienced any blistering of the skin, or mouth or eye involvement. (Thank God) The doctor thinks the croup virus triggered the Erythema Multiforme. The rash is quite extensive but from what I have researched it could be much much worse. Has anyone else dealt with this problem? It has been a worrisome 3 days.
Thanks, V.
More Answers
M.M. answers from Minneapolis on April 05, 2008
My dtr, (now 22 mos, was 12 mos @ time) had Erythema multiforme (moderate) last summer. The MD thought it was an allergic reaction to amoxicillian or poss. viral?? Anyways, it was horrible!! She had edema (swelling from head to toe, fever, pain, and could not sleep, it was heart wrenching to see her suffer so greatly. The rash/red blotches went on for about 2 mos ( Her skin would suddenly turn red, from anything coming in contact with her skin, or if she cried ect.) we also went to the MD a few times, they treated her with a steroid and anti-histamines, which to help control her symptoms of itching, swelling and pain. Needless to say it was a very horrible thing to watch her go through!! I feel your pain, hang in there and let me know if you need anymore feedback!! Good luck!
A.H. answers from Minneapolis on April 05, 2008
I had this once after a bout with pneumonia. I had blisters down my throat and also 'somewhere else' plush the rash on my skin. The blisters only formed on the mucosal tissue for me, they were painful, and to be honest I do not remember how I dealt with it, I was still getting over the pneumonia.
Luckily, I have not had another outbreak since. I get a lot of sore throats, but my body fights infections very well, part of the the erthymatosa, over active immune system.
Try not to worry, if he gets the blisters luckily you are well trained the healing arts! There is a lidocaine topical ointment that you can put to prevent infection, and numb the area. Best of luck, I will keep you in my prayers.
C.B. answers from Minneapolis on April 05, 2008
Our son had this when he was one. So heartbreaking to go through. The rash moved over his entire body, and he couldn't even wear clothes. We kept putting lotion on him and one of my husbands soft t-shirts. The dr. said that we could admit him to the hospital, but they would just treat it as a severe burn and that we could treat him more comfortably at home. Hang in there! He didn't have any blistering, and there are no markings left now.
C.J. answers from Appleton on April 05, 2008
I can totally understand!! My 2 year old just had Erythema Multiforma Minor and it was horrible!!!!! She got it as her reaction to Amoxicillin. She had the rash on her entire body - even in her privates. Then we ended up in the Emergency room because she couldn't walk. Turns out she developed reactive arthritis in her entire body so she was like a 90 year old lady for a few days. That was the worst thing I have ever gone through. When my daughter had croup last fall - she developed hives on her leg the day before she got croup. It's scary stuff but by the way it sounds, you're right, it could be totally worse. Hang in there!!!!
K.T. answers from Eau Claire on April 05, 2008
V.,
My son had it when he was 3. The doctor said it comes on like any other virus, but affects kids differently. It was 6 years ago, but what I remember, it lasted maybe a week at the most. He had a raised rash on his face and chest, and his wrists were swollen so that he couldn't hold his sippy cup. He never had blisters at all. It seemed bad at the time and I remember having him sleep with me so I could watch him. I hope this helps and that all goes well.
K.
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