Rash - Widespread And Cause Unknown
Rash - Widespread And Cause Unknown
Does this describe your child's symptoms? |
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Definition
Causes
Return to School
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If not, see these topics
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When to Call Your Doctor |
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If |
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Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If |
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Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If |
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR WIDESPREAD RASHES (until you talk with your doctor) |
For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes which respond to cool baths.
For Itchy Rashes:
Wash the skin once with soap to remove irritants.
Hydrocortisone Cream: For relief of itching, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) 3 times per day to the itchy areas.
Cool Bath: For flare-ups of itching, give your child a cool bath without soap for 10 minutes. (Caution: avoid any chill). Optional: Can add 2 ounces (60 ml) of baking soda per tub.
Fever Medicine: For fever above 102°F (39°C), give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
Contagiousness:
If your child has a fever, 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 child 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
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Updated:  
March 22, 2017