My son has a itchy rash that started on his torso and has spread to the rest of his body. I looked up rashes and it most resembles Scarlet fever. His other symptoms are: headache, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, no fever. I looked in his throat, it does not appear red or full of pus, but tongue is white. Any ideas???
Scarlet Fever has a red tongue - they call it strawberry tongue. Even if it is that, it is only dangerous if untreated. Scarlet Fever is very easily treated with antibiotics, and has been referred to with the much nicer term of "scarletina" in the past several decades.
Scarlet fever is nothing more then strep throat that presents with a rash. It can be serious if it goes untreated and it warrants a call yo your pediatricians on call service. The rash feels like sandpaper. My oldest has had strep several times and this last time was the first time he had a fever with it so it's possible. But also keep in mind that other things can cause a similar looking rash.
My daughter had it and only presented with a rash. Have them do a strep test - if it's positive he will just be given a course of antibiotics. I don't know how old your son is, but this was considered a reportable illness at my daughter's preschool and the other parents were notified. If left untreated, it can lead to other issues, including heart damage.
I agree...time for the ER!!!
If you for two seconds even think your child has Scarlet Fever, you need to call the pedi on call or head straight to the ER! It might be a good idea to do those things anyway......
What does your doctor say? I'd start with that. There are lots of different kinds of rashes and the doctor will need to see it in person to get a good diagnosis.
my friend's son always gets the "rash" on his torso. he never has the sore throat. he'll just go right to the rash!! get him in!!!
Call the 24 hour nurses hotline though your local hospital. They'll be able to run down symptom lists with you and be able to tell you if you need to go to the ER now, make an appt for tomorrow, or treat at home (and the best way to treat at home)... and what to do if x, y, or z changes.
I can honestly think of about 4 things off the top of my head that can cause a rash like that (not including atypical scarlet fever) 2 which need an ER visit, 1 can wait for an appt, and 1 is no biggie and treat at home.
The nurses line is the way to go.
