Rash, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have a generalized rash over his or her body?

See significance of a generalized rash if you need 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

Does your child have a red rash that peels away, leaving very large areas of tissue that weep or ooze fluid?

Yes

Did your child develop a rash that looks like a sunburn with a fever higher than ?

Yes

Does your child have a rash that looks like a sunburn and you think he or she has a moderate fever but you are unable to measure the temperature?

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

Yes

Does your child have a rash and a sore throat?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you think your child has rubella (because he or she was exposed to rubella), and he or she is sicker than expected after having a rash for 24 to 48 hours?

Yes

Do you think your child has chickenpox (because he or she was exposed to chickenpox), and he or she is sicker than expected after having a rash for 24 to 48 hours?

Yes

Do you think your child has measles (because he or she was exposed to measles), and he or she is sicker than expected after having a rash for 24 to 48 hours?

Your child needs an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child have a rash that has not gotten better after 2 weeks?

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