My Son Has a Cold and a rash...are They Related?

My little guy just had a fever and mild cold that was accompanied by a rash on his chest and abdomen and behind his ears. It was light red, very small bumps, and did not seem to bother him at all (freaked me out, though). I called his doc and he said it was normal - sometimes when they run a fever or virus they can break out in a rash because of the infection or elevation in body temp. From my understanding (as a nurse) the strep rash is more hive-like and bothersome - an angry rash, if you will. And there is usually a bit more of a fever associated with strep.

Just keep in mind that the doctors and nurses are there to help and if you are worried or concerned just give them a call. They might be able to answer your questions over the phone.

Good luck!
T.

M., I feel your pain. I went through the same thing about 2 years ago now...my daughter used to get ear infections and colds all the time. They went hand in hand. She'd get a cold for a couple of days and then spike a really high fever, which let us know she had an ear infection (she never cried from them) Then all of a sudden we went out right after she started a new preschool and she said her tummy was itching. When we got home, I went to put her in the bath and she had red raised welts all over her body. To make a long story short, after studying what she ate (they thought it was a food allergy) and monitoring everything that touched her skin (they thought it could have been a reaction to detergent, soap, etc.,) after realizing Benadryl didn't work, we figured out that it was her body's way of fighting an infection. Instead of getting a cold and a fever before the ear infection, she broke out in those welts. It lasted about 6 months (she got ear infections regularly) they just stopped. The doctors told me it was fairly common and prescribed something that was a lot stronger than Benadryl to give her when they appeared - it made her sleep A LOT but the welts would go away immediately. Knock on wood, they've never returned.

I have noticed that rashes and fever come together for my younger son especially. I'm not sure why his body responds that way. But so far it hasn't been related to strep (although he has strep throat this week! No rash, though.) It's been roseola or just "the virus going around." The rashes I'm talking about are mild little red spots/bumps and not itchy at all.

I think if you have any doubt or especially if the fever continues, take him to the doctor. Strep throat comes with a low fever, not high, by the way (that threw me the first time.)

Sounds to me like Scarlet fever. I would take him to the hospital. My Daughter had the same thing when she was younger!