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What Causes Red Colored Rash All Over Body Along With Fever And Swollen Legs?

Posted on Thu, 7 May 2015

Question: Our graddaughter (age 16) is with us. She has a red rash all over her body, sore mouth, fever, swelling in her feet, arms and legs, joint pain, fatigue. It began with 2 large superficial bumps 2 weeks ago , one on each leg in the groin area, that lasted about a week, then Thursday (3 days ago), vomiting with fever, then headache, hands and feet burn. Friday the rash appeared all over her body, with itching and burning in her limbs. Saturday 2 welts appeared where the bumps had been. She had 103 fever and went to urgent care. Had blood screen for mono that tested negative, and she started an oral antibiotic. Today she has joint pain, a low grade fever, rash everywhere, swollen red tongue, fatigue and 2 rectangular white, red rimmed welts. She has developed a little better appetite today. Her ankles, feet and hands are swollen. She began a low carb diet about 2 months ago and has lost about 15 lbs. over that time.

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
? Infective cause

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on health care magic

Well the sort of symptoms you are describing, and considering it has only been 2 weeks it may be very well due to some infection.

Firstly I would like to know if she had any history of travel recently??

Secondly, is it possible she has any history of tick bites in the last few months?Considering your geographic location, Lyme disease is a very common cause of the rash, joint pains, fever which is caused by the bite of the tick

3. Is is possible for you to attach the picture of the rash. It would give me a better clue on what sort of infection it can be.

Considering the fever and rashes which have been persisting, it would be better to get her thoroughly evaluated. At this stage, the infection seems a likely cause. But considering the other symptoms she is having, it is worth while to evaluate for any autoimmune cause as well. ANA and ENA profile would do. But yes, if possible do get Complete Blood count, Liver function tests, Renal function tests, ESR, CRP and Lyme Serology along with ANA and ENA.

For treatment, make sure she has adequate fluids. Consult your phyisician and consider starting her on Doxycyline along with antiinflammatory till we have a definite cause.

I hope the information was useful

Do let me know for more queries

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (2 hours later)

She flew back from Florida the night before the 2 initial lesions ("bumps") appeared. I have passed your report on to her parents. I thought of Lyme disease too, so I appreciated your input, especially regarding the blood work.

I don't know the name of the antibiotic she started yesterday...a medium sized red capsule 3x/day for 10 days. So the initial treatment is what you recommended.
Her mother has lupus (onset at age 18) and keeps it under control with rest, diet and exercise, so was interested in your mention of authoimmune disease testing. I'm sure she will be on top of this as well.

Thanks again. Time for me to close and go to bed.
Thanks very much for your ideas!

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infective Cause

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Oh no issues at all. I am glad i could be of some help. Do let me know for any further queries. Would be happy to help out.

take Care

Regards
Dr Naval

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E