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Hello, My 8 Month Old Had A Runny Nose And
Question: Hello,
My 8 month old had a runny nose and a cough and suddenly started having high fever and diarrhea. The pediatrician said that it was a flu and that the infection spread ro her digestive system so he prescribed an antibiotic. The fever resolved after 3 days. A day after resolution she developed a rash on her neck, torso and back. She was fussy which I attributed to the diarrhea that was still ongoing. But today, the rash is worse and has spread to her face. She is still cranky even though she had no bouts of loose stools. With the apparition of the rash now, is she presenting a case of roseola? And not just a flu?
Thank you for the response!
My 8 month old had a runny nose and a cough and suddenly started having high fever and diarrhea. The pediatrician said that it was a flu and that the infection spread ro her digestive system so he prescribed an antibiotic. The fever resolved after 3 days. A day after resolution she developed a rash on her neck, torso and back. She was fussy which I attributed to the diarrhea that was still ongoing. But today, the rash is worse and has spread to her face. She is still cranky even though she had no bouts of loose stools. With the apparition of the rash now, is she presenting a case of roseola? And not just a flu?
Thank you for the response!
Brief Answer:
Likely roseola
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. You have very well described Roseola infantum, which typically starts with a fever for 3-5 days, along with many symptoms including irritability, upper respiratory symptoms, and diarrhea. Lymphadenopathy, which are swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, are also common. When the fever breaks, a rash that can look like the one in the pictures begins on the neck and trunk and spreads to the face and extremities. This rash usually lasts only 1-2 days.
Other viruses can also cause a rash and fever, but this sound most like roseola. A drug allergy is also possible from the antibiotic, and if the rash seems to be itchy, or lasts longer than a few days, this may be more likely.
No treatment is necessary at this point. If the fever recurs, she may have a bacterial infection and you should bring her back to the doctor, but I would expect that she will be feeling better in the next few days.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Likely roseola
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor. You have very well described Roseola infantum, which typically starts with a fever for 3-5 days, along with many symptoms including irritability, upper respiratory symptoms, and diarrhea. Lymphadenopathy, which are swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, are also common. When the fever breaks, a rash that can look like the one in the pictures begins on the neck and trunk and spreads to the face and extremities. This rash usually lasts only 1-2 days.
Other viruses can also cause a rash and fever, but this sound most like roseola. A drug allergy is also possible from the antibiotic, and if the rash seems to be itchy, or lasts longer than a few days, this may be more likely.
No treatment is necessary at this point. If the fever recurs, she may have a bacterial infection and you should bring her back to the doctor, but I would expect that she will be feeling better in the next few days.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello Dr Branch,
Thank you for your answer.
Today is day 2 of her rash and it seems to have reduced on her trunk and face but looks the same on her limbs. Is it normal? It is not itchy and doesn't bother her.
She still has loose stools. Today she needed the 3 diaper changes. Her stools are looser than normal but she doesn't dirty herself. She is breastfed and has started on her solid food again and had 2 starchy meals. She doesn't show signs of dehydration. Should her mild diarrhea be a cause of concern? She normally had solid stools.
Thank you in advance.
Thank you for your answer.
Today is day 2 of her rash and it seems to have reduced on her trunk and face but looks the same on her limbs. Is it normal? It is not itchy and doesn't bother her.
She still has loose stools. Today she needed the 3 diaper changes. Her stools are looser than normal but she doesn't dirty herself. She is breastfed and has started on her solid food again and had 2 starchy meals. She doesn't show signs of dehydration. Should her mild diarrhea be a cause of concern? She normally had solid stools.
Thank you in advance.
Brief Answer:
Sounds reassuring
Detailed Answer:
The rash sounds like it is progressing as expected, and next I would expect it to start to fade on her limbs. The diarrhea also doesn't sound concerning and would be expected with her illness. This should gradually improve over the next several days to week. I would just make sure to keep her well hydrated.
You're welcome, please let me know if I can help with anything else.
Sounds reassuring
Detailed Answer:
The rash sounds like it is progressing as expected, and next I would expect it to start to fade on her limbs. The diarrhea also doesn't sound concerning and would be expected with her illness. This should gradually improve over the next several days to week. I would just make sure to keep her well hydrated.
You're welcome, please let me know if I can help with anything else.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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