Rash over the joints--pediatric

[Ann]

My 3 year old son has a rash that began as small red dots a few days ago.  The "dots" keep getting bigger (some of them are an inch wide).  The pediatrician was not sure what it is.  She said it may be hand-foot and mouth disease, but it's not near the mouth.  It's mostly around his joints and he can barely walk because his joints hurt so much.  His neck is stiff because of swollen lymph nodes (per the doc).  The rash itches, he has a fever, and his stomach and head hurt. The doctor also said it could be an allergic reaction, but it doesn't respond to Benadryl at all.  Another possibility is strep throat, but there's no sore throat.

My questions are:  1) What do you think this could be?  2)  What can I do to help him be comfortable?  3)  Does this sound contagious?  4)  Any ideas on how to keep his joints less stiff?  5)  How long does this kind of thing last?

Thanks in advance.
Ann Z.

[casey137]

A related discussion, skin discoloration was started.

[paula Eckenrode]

My,daughter is ten,and has a rash which developes on her,arms,legs,cheeks.It seems to go and come back,I called the school,a lady told me to check out two things,(slap cheek)and(cyst desease) sorry  if spelling is wrong!This rash has been appearing   for a week! Can you help?

[Ann]

Thanks for your help.  We heard from the doctor yesterday.  It turns out that it is strep throat.  I didn't know strep throat could be so bad--and without any sore throat!  My son is hanging in there and should not be contagious for much longer.  Thanks again for helping so many people.
Ann

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Ann:

The symptoms you describe have the flavor of a viral syndrome, though their severity suggests that other causes like vacterial infection be tested for and ruled out.  Simple blood tests and perhaps cultures may be in order.  While awaiting the results of any tests and the test of time, symptomatic treatment seems appropriate.  This could include anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Tylenol), warm compresses, fluids, and lots of TLC.  Talk to your doctor about this.  A reasonable time frame would be a week or 10 days.  If the symptoms persist or worsen, consultation with specialists might (dermatology, infectious diseases, etc.) might be contemplated.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff