What Causes Rash Around Neck Area Along With Stomach Pain In Children?

Posted on Sat, 2 May 2015

Question: Hello,
My 5 year old daughter started with a rash around her neck a couple of days ago. 2 days later she started to complain about stomach ache and in the evening she vomited once . through the night she had a fever and today she still has a fever of 102. With very soft stool, diarhea at times. When this started we travelled from Abu Dhabi to XXXXXXX Lanka. We are traveling with another family that live in Abu Dhabi. And their 4 year old son was already sick vomitting 3 days ago. Started at their home, and they went on the plane with him. He stopped after 2 days, and then the mother and the other 5 year old son had the same symptoms. But today now they seem fine. What does she /my daughter have ? And what to do at this point ?

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have gone through your daughter medical history carefully and can say as following:

1. Is your daughter still having the neck rash? If yes, can you provide a picture?
Is the rash itchy?

2. From what you are describing, the symptoms your daughter is having are due to viral gastroenteritis. I advise to:
- give her plenty of fluids especially water and OTC ORS
- give tasectan to stop diarrhea
- monitor her body temperature and give anti-inflammatory medication
- give her light meal (yogurt, chicken soup, etc.)

If she won't get improvement, should consult with pediatrician for further evaluations and treatment.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Hi Doctor,

Thank you for such prompt reply.
The bumps are on Both sides of her neck. Not itching though, that was happening a few days ago. Sometimes bumps/ a rash flares up on her arm and on her right leg( inside thigh), and that does itch a lot! Her fever went down a couple of hours ago with Paracetamol to 98.6. Hopefully that can stay down. So this viral infection has to run it's course? And how likely will it be that I , my husband and my son can get it?
Best, XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Still think viral infection...following information is required...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXX,

Thank you for providing the photo. Unfortunately, the quality was not good enough to evaluate specifically, however, I noted some bumps on her right side (that was shown in the photo). Can you please describe if the bumps are :
- filled with water?
- are flat?
- some are filled with water alternating with others not filled?

I need this information as other infectious diseases should be ruled out too (e.g. chickenpox).

I still think your daughter is going through virosis which is presenting with upper respiratory tract infection, stomach bug and skin rash. Usually, viral infection will subside within a couple of weeks and sometimes, they, can last for 4 weeks.

It is true that if one family member gets the viral infection, there are good chances for other members to get it too within the 5 days after her symptoms appeared.
However, it will depend on the strength of immune system of your husband and son.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Hi Doctor, I'm providing more pics, because the rash is spreading to different parts of the body. Around the knees, more parts of the arms, under the chest. And it is very itchy. The bumps are flat. But the ones around the neck look smaller and drier with more dark red spots.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
rash due to viral infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for providing additional photos.

I still think the rash she is having is due to viral infection.

They will be subsided in few days and her overall health situation will be improved soon.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar