M.G. asks from Denver, CO on January 31, 2009
What Is Happening to My Daughter?!?!?!
Today I came home from work and my 10 year old daughter was crying. When I asked her what was wrong she showed me her hands, and they were BRIGHT red. Like a sun burn. She then showed me her inner thighs. Same thing. It's not a burn, because the red fades as it goes up her arm, it's not hot to the touch, and it's not swollen. It's some king of rash, and I gave her benadryl but it didn't go away. I sprayed first aid burn spray on it and it seemed to relieve the pain temporarily. She has not worn anything different or used any soaps or lotions that she hasn't used in the past, so I don't think it could have been an allergic reaction, which now that I think of it, is probably why the benadryl didn't work. duh.
So my questions are, should I take her to the ER or weekend clinic or can I try to keep her comfortable until Monday and take her to her doctor? Also, is there something I can put on her topically, besides calamine lotion?
1 mom found this helpful
So What Happened?™
So the Doctor at Urgent Care thinks it is irritation from chlorine from the indoor pool they swim in. It could be, but I'm skeptical because they have never had issues before. Maybe there was a higher level of chemicals in the pool on Saturday. I'm taking them to our family practitioner today, just to play it safe. Her hand isn't red now, but almost a browish color, and very dry. I think it could just be dry skin as some mentioned, we will see. Thank you all again for your advise and concern!
Featured Answers
P. answers from Boise on February 01, 2009
Sounds like something my kids got just before Xmas break. It is called Fifth Disease. It is a viral infection. Several days before they may or may not have had a fever, no other symptoms, just bright red cheeks. Then it started to work it's way down their little bodies. They itched a little, but really it was nothing to be especially concerned about. There was nothing we could do for it except Benadryl for the itchyness. It is extremely contagious before they get the rash. By then, the virus is pretty much done. Kind of hard to do much about it if you don't really know it's a problem. My boys showed no symptoms until one came home one day from school with bright red cheeks (it looked as if someone slapped him). It takes several weeks to pass. I guess you're probably wise to get them to a Dr. just in case. Good luck!
S.B. answers from Salt Lake City on February 01, 2009
Could be a yeast infection. Yeast is typically bright red........might be on her hands if she is scratching herself. Just a thought.
More Answers
S.R. answers from Salt Lake City on February 01, 2009
Could be scarlet fever, an infection kids can get that presents as a bright red rash all over, can be very painful, can be contagious, and needs antibiotics. Take her to urgent care.
B.H. answers from Pocatello on February 01, 2009
You could also just do urgent care. It would cost less but they could do just about the same thing.
T.K. answers from Fort Collins on February 01, 2009
At times I also have skin that is red and VERY painful to touch...especially skin to skin. I take advil to reduce the pain and sensitivity to my skin, and also room temp or a little cooler rags. If that does not help, I would for sure see a doc first thing Monday.
T.R. answers from Pocatello on February 01, 2009
M.-
The one thing that I would suggest is putting either Aveeno lotion on the spots, or else there are packets that you can put in the tub that are Aveeno as well. This is a natural colloidal oatmeal bath or lotion, and it will relieve her for at least a couple of hours. I have always gotten hives VERY badly, and this is the greatest remedy that I could ever find. It could at least hold off the ER for you until the doc opens tomorrow. Good luck!
S.B. answers from Salt Lake City on February 01, 2009
Could be a yeast infection. Yeast is typically bright red........might be on her hands if she is scratching herself. Just a thought.
D.K. answers from Denver on February 01, 2009
If she is running a fever or any other symptoms you may want to take her the Urgent care, I wouldn't rush her into the ER unless she has breathing issues, fever or something more severe.
Take her in first thing Monday though.
I don't know if children can get it as they get older, but I had shingles and it sounds a lot like this. Has she had the chicken pox or vaccine?
I had it up my thighs and it felt just like a sunburn. I saw my Dr and he gave me some medication to lessen the duration but that is about all they can do.
I wouldn't put anything on it though.
Does your Pediatrician have an after hours care? Mine does that goes directly to the Childrens Hospital and a nurse should call you back and give you some idea of what it could be once you give them the symptoms. Or have your Dr paged to see if it is serious. Better safe then sorry.
I hope she is feeling better soon! Poor thing.
D.H. answers from Missoula on February 01, 2009
M. G,
I would take her to the ER and ask them to check for Scarlet Fever, we have seen 5 cases in the last three months in our area, the doctors were not looking for it because it isn't something that had been seen for along time. Otherwise I would recommend a lotion that is 7 x's more effective than Eucerin generally perscribed, you must be a member of this wellness company, similar to membership fees at Costco but less expensive and the products truly have alot of value put into them, this company does not use perservatives like almost every other company and they have scientist that are constantly looking to improve quality lives for others. You can get some info from gotgreennow.fourpointwellness.com
T.S. answers from Salt Lake City on February 01, 2009
Try mustard, Don't laugh but something in mustard will take the burn out. If it is a burn it should go away with this, try on her hands, and see If it is not a burn It won't work.
Email