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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child Has Enlarged Occipital Lymph Node, Redness Behind Ear. Want Second Opinion

My son has an enlarged occipital lymph node on left side of head. If first appeared about a couple months ago with no other noticable symptons. I took him to ped they did not seem worried said to watch it and it started going down little by little pretty much back to normal size. About a week ago I noticed it was enlarged again this time feelinh bigger than the last. I also noticed redness behind his ear on the affected side which then spread as a rash from his head face back and chest. Took him to ped again they said it was a viral infection but this time measured the lymph node an it was 8mm. Again they didn't seem concerned and said to keep an eye on it and the rash should go away. He is going to be 18 months old in a couple days. Maybe it's just paranoia but I feel like something more should have been done since this is the second occurence. Should I seek a second opinion?
Thu, 1 Aug 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Welcome to Healthcare Magic
Hope you are doing good. Lymph nodes usually swell when a part of the body is infected. Occipital lymph nodes that swell may therefore be an indication that you have a certain infection of the scalp or other neighboring regions.

scalp conditions that may cause the occipital nodes to swell include scalp ringworm infection, lice infestation, fungal infection , dandruff and tiny bug bites. Swelling may also happen due to neighboring area conditions such as infection of the ear, throat infection and rubella.


So there is a reason behind the swelling of lymph nodes which should be ruled out. Take him to your pediatrician or ENT specialist who can examine has earn and throat.

I hope have answered your query. Feel free to ask him you have any query, wish your son good health, Regards
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Pediatrician Dr. E Venkata Ramana's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for your query on Healthcare Magic.

Enlargement of occipital lymph node is seen in children with present or previous viral fevers such as rubella and bacterial infections of scalp such as pustules.

If there any pustules in scalp, they have to be treated with antibiotics local or oral.

Monitor the size of lymph nodes.

Look for any similar swellings like in axilla, groin, and neck.

If the size is increasing tests like complete blood picture, ESR, and FNAC of the lymph node can be done to know the cause for swelling after the pediatrician consultation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards.
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Child Has Enlarged Occipital Lymph Node, Redness Behind Ear. Want Second Opinion

Welcome to Healthcare Magic Hope you are doing good. Lymph nodes usually swell when a part of the body is infected. Occipital lymph nodes that swell may therefore be an indication that you have a certain infection of the scalp or other neighboring regions. scalp conditions that may cause the occipital nodes to swell include scalp ringworm infection, lice infestation, fungal infection , dandruff and tiny bug bites. Swelling may also happen due to neighboring area conditions such as infection of the ear, throat infection and rubella. So there is a reason behind the swelling of lymph nodes which should be ruled out. Take him to your pediatrician or ENT specialist who can examine has earn and throat. I hope have answered your query. Feel free to ask him you have any query, wish your son good health, Regards