Allergic reaction - Often times a rash from an allergic reaction is not accompanied by a fever. Most often it occurs when a child is on an antibiotic or any new medication. It may also occur with the introduction of a new food, or if the child has been around grasses, plants, new laundry detergent, or anything they have not previously been exposed to. Keep it in mind that new allergies may develop even after your child has already had exposure to something. For example, a child could take amoxicillin for an ear infection and do fine with it for several days. Just when the antibiotic is nearly finished, your child could suddenly break out in a rash - an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. This could be because over time, as your child takes the medication, an intolerance builds until it becomes a full allergic reaction. See your doctor for any allergy rash to get proper treatment before more severe symptoms occur.
Another common rash is eczema. Eczema is usually dry, patchy, flaky skin most often found on the face, hands, feet, wrists and behind the knees but it can be found all over the body. It can be itchy and very irritable. About 10% of children have it but most out grow it by the age of 10. You may try vitamin E lotion or coconut oil. If it is severe or you have no luck reducing the symptoms at home, you may consult a doctor for more treatment. Eczema is not usually accompanied with a fever. Dry skin may also cause a rash that is similar to eczema and could be treated with essential fatty acids and plenty of fluids.
Some of the rashes that are following could be serious and if you suspect them, consult a doctor.
A strep rash indicates strep in the body. Even if your child does not have a sore throat, if fever and rash are present, it could be a strep rash. Also known as Scarlet Fever, a strep rash should be treated to prevent more serious problems. Generally a strep rash is splotchy and spread over the body. Fever is a common companion of the strep rash.
Then, of course, there are the five childhood disease rashes. Most are rare due to immunizations, but occasionally they may still be seen.
Measles, a rash that presents as a flat red area with raised bumps on the flat red spots. It usually starts on the hair line that spreads down the neck, trunk, arms, hands and feet. A fever of 104 or higher is not uncommon. The following picture is a measles rash.
Mumps is noted by the swelling and tenderness of the parotid gland. Thanks to vaccinations, mumps is very rare. Fever is common.
Rubella is also known as the German measles. It is a red rash that often goes unnoticed. Most commonly accompanied by fever.
Varicella is commonly known as chicken pox. This rash is characteristic of a red rash with blisters. The blisters will pop and then scab over. This is a very itchy rash and can leave scaring. Accompanied by fever.
And Fifths Disease is the fifth of the childhood rashes. So named because it is the fifth of the common childhood illnesses. It usually presents on the cheeks and makes a child appear to have been slapped on the face. It then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs. Generally accompanied by a low grade fever.
Although a rash does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem, it is worth checking out. Not all rashes are accompanied by a fever, but generally, if there is a rash and a fever, it would be wise to consult your pediatrician.
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