Rash, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have itching?

See significance of itching 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 today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have a painful rash with severe itching?

Yes

Is itching stopping your child's usual activities or preventing sleep even after 12 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does your child have new patches of itchy, oozing rash?

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

Does your child have moderate itching after 48 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Does your child have moderate to mild itching that has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?

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

Yes

Has your child had itching for longer than 1 week?

Yes

Does your child have patches of itchy rash that have not been checked by a doctor or have gotten worse since being checked?

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