Rash, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have a rash that looks like bruises (purpura) or tiny purple or red blood spots (petechiae)?

See significance of a rash that looks like bruises or tiny purple or red blood spots if you need more information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child had any abnormal bleeding in the last 12 hours?

Yes

Does your child have other symptoms of a serious illness? These symptoms may include:

• Fever of .
• Severe neck stiffness or pain and fussiness.
• Very sleepy and hard to wake up, or child is less alert.
• A bulging soft spot (fontanel) on a baby's head.
• Rapid, difficult breathing.
• Drooling and not wanting to swallow.
• Severe pain.
• Signs of moderate dehydration.
• Blue or purple skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis).
• New swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one or more joints.

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child have many new tiny purple or red spots (petechiae) or bruises without other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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