Widespread Rashes
Description / Symptoms
- Rash over most of the body (widespread or generalized)
- Occasionally just on hands, feet and buttocks - but both sides of body
- Red or pink rash. Small spots or large spots
Cause
A 2 or 3 day rash occurring with a viral illness.
When to Call Your Doctor for Widespread Rashes
Call 911 Now If:
- Purple or blood-colored rash with fever
- Sudden onset of rash (within 2 hours) and also has difficulty with breathing or swallowing
- Too weak or sick to stand
Call Your Doctor Now If:
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Purple or blood-colored rash WITHOUT fever
- Bright red skin that peels off in sheets
- Large blisters on skin
- Bloody crusts on lips
- Taking a medication within the last 3 days
- Fever
- Menstruating and using tampons
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:
- All other widespread rashes, but none of the symptoms described above
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:
- See other columns for appropriate advice.
Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):
Non-Itchy Rashes
No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes which respond to cool baths.
Itchy Rashes
Wash the skin once with soap to remove irritants. Then give your child cool baths without any soap 4 times per day for 10 minutes whenever the itch is uncomfortable. (Caution: avoid any chill).
Follow with calamine lotion or a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water).
Contagiousness
Avoid contact with other children and especially pregnant women until a diagnosis is made. Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present).
Your child can return to day care or school after the rash is gone or your doctor says it's safe to return with the rash.
Expected Course
Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.
Call Your Doctor If:
Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms
Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.