Rash, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have a rash and signs of skin infection?

See significance of a rash and signs of skin infection 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 diabetes?

Yes

Does your child have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with the immune system?

Yes

Does your child have red streaks spreading from the rash?

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

Yes

Does your child have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the rash?

Yes

Is the area around your child's rash more tender to the touch?

Yes

Does your child have pus in or around the rash?

Yes

Do you know or think your child has a fever?

Yes

Does your child have a rash with honey-colored drainage which dries into crusts and covers an area larger than ?

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

Has your child had mild pain and swelling with redness less than around the rash for longer than 24 hours?

Yes

Has your child had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, armpit, or groin for longer than 72 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