Rash, Age 11 and Younger

Emergencies

Yes	Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the chest
• Rapid swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, eyes, or face
• Signs of shock
• A rash that looks like bruises or blood spots under the skin and that occurs along with mental changes, such as confusion, irritability, or decreased mental alertness
• Drooling and an inability to swallow
• A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the same allergen in the past

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Your child has hives or you suspect an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
• Your child's rash began after a tick bite, spider bite, or insect bite or sting: Go to the topic Tick Bites or Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.

Yes	Does your child have a rash that looks like bruises or tiny purple or red blood spots under the skin?
Yes	Does your child have a rash with a fever?
Yes	Does your child have a generalized rash over his or her body?
Yes	Do you think your child's rash may have been caused by abuse or neglect?
Yes	Do you think your child's rash may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Does your child have a rash and signs of skin infection?
Yes	Does your child's rash itch?
Yes	Does your child have a localized rash in one area of his or her body?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Joint pain and swelling: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• A fever and a sore throat: Go the topic Sore Throat.
• A rash that looks like blisters: Go the topic Blisters.
• A scalp problem: Go the topic Scalp Problems.
• A sore near the mouth or on the lip: Go the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury.
• A red, painful, swollen bump under the skin: Go the topic Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin.
• Skin changes: Go the topic Skin Changes.
• Cracked, blistered, itchy, peeling skin between the toes: Go the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: August 29, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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