Rash on Two Year Old-possible Food Allergy or Roseola?

Updated on September 15, 2008
A.W. asks from Merrillville, IN
11 answers

One of my twin boys, who is 2 1/2 yrs, has a rash covering his trunk and back. It's also around his mouth. I first noticed it yesterday at bath time. It's not bothering him (the rash consists of small, red bumps), and he doesn't appear to be sick in any way, though he did have a fever a couple of weeks ago. His twin, who also had a fever a couple of weeks ago, doesn't have a rash. Both of my boys have sensitive skin, and allergies run in my family, but I haven't exposed him to any new foods, laundry detergent, etc. A friend of mine suggested that he might have roseola, but he hasn't had a fever lately. Does anybody else think this might be roseola, or perhaps a food allergy?

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So What Happened?

Thanks so much for all the responses! I think he actually was having an allergic reaction to his shampoo (I had only been using it for a week or two, so perhaps it took some time to have an adverse reaction to it). When I stopped using it, his rash went away.

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S.M.

answers from Chicago on

my son had a rash, too, on his shoulders and trunk with no other symptoms. Long story short, he tested positive for strep, went on amoxicillin and the rash went away.

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E.P.

answers from Chicago on

I would bring him to the dr. to be evaluated. He could have Roseola (i.e. 6th disease). He could also have 5th disease, which is also referred to as a "slapped cheek rash". (There are 6 rashes that are associated with childhood illnesses). I don't know as much about Roseola but, the way you described....mildly sick a week or so ago...that is one of the things that happens with 5th disease. It's pretty benign, goes away on it's own, is not concerning-except to pregnant women. If you child takes some benadryl and it doesn't seem to affect the rash, then you will know that it is probably something viral; if the medicine makes it go away - could be a food/soap sensitivity. My daughter had 5th disease - went away in about 4 days. Good luck. Also, if you go online, you can google all kinds of childhood rash pictures of 5th or 6th disease. It may help you determine what you son has.

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

Tanke him to the Doctor. It could be fifth's disease.It's not dangerous, it's viral and will have to run it's course. But check with his doctor just to be sure.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

My son had roseola about 1.5 year ago. It starts with a HIGH fever for a couple of days,then the bumps start right after the fever breaks. Not weeks.

Not sure what else it could be, I would take him to your Dr.

Good Luck.

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

If it was roseola, you would be in misery! My first had it at about 18 months, which my doctor told me is the common age for it. She had a really high fever and was just miserable! She cried and cried and there was nothing I could do to comfort her. With roseola, the fever just comes out of nowhere, and it is pretty high and it would go away for an hour or so and then come back. Sounds like it might be a food allergy or something else, I would check with my doctor.

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S.G.

answers from Springfield on

I'm wondering if it is 5th's Disease? If it is and since he already has the rash, it's nothing to worry about unless you are pregnant. You can go on the internet and research it or call your pediatrician.

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

A.:
It does sound like he has to go back to the doctor. Yes, possibly 5th's disease which is viral, but you should get him in to be sure. Many children get it, even at much older ages as well. Went thru it at my house many years ago.

If your boys have sensitive skin, you really have to be careful of what you are putting on them as far as body washes, lotions, diaper creams, etc. So many products claim to be natural but still have chemical fragrances, dyes, etc. that can be very irritating to sensitive skin.

I am a health and wellness consultant and use botanically based products that contain none of the above. In the babycare line, there are no peanut oils whatsoever and they are vegan certified. Something to think about at least. I would be happy to provide you more information as all of the products are of the highest quality and standards since they are formulated in Switzerland, but made in the US. Europe has much higher standards than we have here - sad but true.

Email me and I'll provide you more informaion, doctor testimonials and pictures! Be careful with your other son as he could get this as well. Good luck!

K.

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M.N.

answers from Springfield on

Welll, it could be either. Have you considered a wheat allergy?? Have you ever thought of going to a chiropractor to see if they can help you with your boys allergies? Many people have great results with common allergies and food allergies, using nutrition and chiropractic.

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C.J.

answers from Rockford on

Sounds like 5th's disease to me. Take him to the doctor to be sure but in the meantime be sure to keep him away from anyone who is pregnant--a friend of mine miscarried at 6 1/2 months due to complications from her other son having it! Horrible, horrible, horrible!

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C.F.

answers from Chicago on

It sounds like it might be hand, foot and mouth disease which is very common this time of year. There is no treatment for it, it just does away on it's own. You need to make sure that you wash your hands really good whenever you change his diaper (poopy) for a couple of months so you don't re-infect him with it.
My son had it during the summer, and his first symptons were a rash on his lower back and his butt. Nothing to be alarmed about.
Good Luck!

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T.W.

answers from Chicago on

Definately take him to the Dr. My daughter had the exact same thing and it was foot and mouth disease. I heard recently it is going around right now. Not a big deal - its viral and goes away on its own. But best to have it looked at immediately.

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