Red Bumpy Rash on Tummy and Back

When my son was about 18 months old he broke out in a rash that started on his tummy and then back and then all over. The doctor printed out some material for me that stated that 20% of children get this "rash" 7-10 days after receiving the measles vaccine. (One doctor even mistook it for chicken pox) Not sure if your son recently had that shot or not. It did just eventually go away. It didn't seem to bother him - didn't itch, just looked bad! Then he got another similar rash when he was about 2 1/2 and I was told that it was very common to see this with strep. He was diagnosed with strep after that. Not sure that I helped out any, but I would think you would be okay in holding off until your appt on Friday to have him checked out.

My daughter had similar symptoms at that age and that's when I learned all about eczema. Sounds like your son could have this or it could be a simple rash. I would ask your doctor when you bring him in for his second flu shot.

What sets off my daughter's eczema is milk, and certain material like wool.

I just wanted to suggest that you try washing his clothes in a Free and Clear type of laundry soap (I like All free and clear), my son has sensitive skin and the strong perfume in Dreft makes his skin break out.

I'd take him in...a rash like that could mean he has strep or another illness. My daughter got a rash like the one you described and it turned out she had a bad case of strep and we didn't even know...I think they called it scarletina.

Our fifteen month old had a temp (with no other symptoms) for two days and then it broke. When it did he turned covered in a rash (abdomin, back, face). We have gone through it before. There is a virous called Rosieola (sp?) that hits toddlers up to three. (nothing you can do about it it goes away within four days). Our other boys got it a number of times but never as bad as we had it this time. He was actually itchy, irritable and not hungry. A long four days. Anyway, just a thought... it does pass and is not harmful.
Have a great day,
A.

I have heard of kids getting sick from the chemicals used to clean carpets....but I thought it was limited to runny nose, coughing, etc.
I would call the doctors office and mybe ask the nurse or whoever makes the appts. about it and see what they suggest. I know it's hard to wait what seems like forever, but they should be able to tell you if this is a situation that requires an immediate visit...then maybe you could just get his booster a couple days earlier. Good Luck!!!

Hi R.,
Our 9 month old got a similar rash about 10 days ago -- it's not raised bumps -- just like red circles, but same as you - the size of goose bumps. I called the pediatrician and they said if he has no temperature, isn't itching them, etc. to just monitor it. However, if he did get a temperature or start itching, we should call back in for an appointment. Apparently, there are several viruses out there that end with these bumps.

Finally, the rash is starting to go away - so I think it was good advice. I would call your pediatrician also to check in, but that's just my two cents.

I have a 10 month old and he has eczema. I would try a gentle body wash like, Aveeno Baby Soothing relief creamy wash. Also, washing the stuff in Dreft is a good idea. You could also try some cortizone 10 if you think it is bothering him. If you don't think it is bothering him, then I think it will be ok to wait until you go to the doctor again on Friday. Although, when we went into the doctor for out second flu shot, we just saw a nurse and not our doctor. So maybe check and see who you will see and if you need to make an appt with your doctor and they may be able to tell you if it is something like eczema or just a rash and what to do about it if it hasn't gone away or gotten better. Good luck! You have done the right things.

I'd definitely take him to the Dr just to be safe though it's probably harmless. Also, try hydrocortisone cream (not gel) on him. I'd stay away from the Aquafor as it tends to block pores and doesn't let the skin breath. Also, don't rule out allergies. Sometimes kids have little or no reaction to something they're allergic to for some time and then come up with a major reaction. Switching back to Dreft is a good idea. Also try non-scented dryer sheets if you use those. I'd also keep track of what he's eating just in case. It's not always the common culprits. I have a cousin who's allergic to apples of all things. Good luck.

If the rash is around the diaper line, my son had a similar rash and the Dr. said that they see this frequently with Pampers users. There's some kind of chemical that all of sudden starts to affect the skin. Many times at a change in size. She suggested switching to Huggies. I still like the pampers better, but the Huggies Supreme have been better for his skin.

Try a change and see if it gets better. It might take a little while, but in the mean time, use some Aquaphor on the skin to help it heal.

J.

My son gets a bumpy red rash a lot during the winter months. In his case it's eczema. I put 1% hydrocortizone lotion on him and it helps a lot. The redness goes away. Whenever my son gets a rash like that I try the hydrocortizone first to see if it will clear it up on it's own. The doctor said it's totally safe. We put Eucerin lotion on over that and it usually helps. Good luck!