Rash with a fever in children

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Rash with a fever in children

In general, the severity of a rash and fever does not relate to the severity of an illness. It is important to find out how ill the child feels or how the child is behaving.

Many viral illnesses can cause a rash and a fever of or higher for short periods of time (up to 48 to 72 hours). If a rash and fever are the only symptoms, a fever of up to that comes and goes or lasts for up to 72 hours is usually not a cause for concern.

Newborns have immature immune systems. When they have fevers, they need to be evaluated sooner than older children with fevers. A fever that occurs with a rash in a newborn is impossible to assess over the telephone. A visit to a health professional is required.

High, persistent fevers are more likely to indicate a serious problem that requires a visit to a health professional. A persistent fever may be a symptom of a serious infection.

A rash that looks like a sunburn and that starts 2 days after a fever of or higher may be caused by a rare condition called toxic shock syndrome.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated	August 1, 2008

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Last updated:	August 01, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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