Rash, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have a rash with a fever?

See significance of a rash with a fever 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 baby younger than age 3 months have a rectal temperature of or higher?

Yes

Do you know or think that your baby younger than age 3 months has a fever but you are not able to measure his or her temperature?

Yes

Does your child age 3 months or older have a rectal temperature of or higher?

Yes

Do you think that your child age 3 months or older has a very high fever, but you are not able to measure his or her temperature?

Yes

Does your child age 3 months or older have a fever and any other symptoms of a serious illness? Symptoms may include:

• Severe neck stiffness or pain and is fussy.
• 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.

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 any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child age 3 months or older have a rectal temperature of to that has not come down after 12 hours of home treatment and medicine?

Yes

Do you think your child age 3 months or older has a moderate fever that has not come down after 12 hours of home treatment and medicine, but you are unable to measure the temperature?

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 age 3 months or older have a rectal temperature of to that has not come down after 24 to 48 hours?

Yes

Do you think your child age 3 months or older has a mild fever that has not come down after 24 to 48 hours?

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