*Weird rash* please respond..

[mom1490L]

My son broke out w/a weird rash yesterday, it started on his elbows, knees, and ankels..he also complained of a sore/stiff neck (his head feels heavy) brought him to the doctor she did a strep test and its not that, said its probably viral,he has a swollen tonsil on one side, now he is running a fever. Has anyone else had these symtoms..some have said it could be mono? I just want help for my poor son! Thanks

[mom1490L]

We brought my son to the ER on sat, because the rash looked like it was bruising..the doctor diagnosed him w/ "Erythema multiforme" its the strangest thing I have ever seen.. it changes in looks each day.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like a viral infection or infectious mononucleosis. Mon presents with pharyngitis, hepatosplenomegaly, lymohadenopathy and a maculopapular rash which is more common in young children .

My sincere advice would be t consult a physician and get complete blood count, mono spot test and heterophile antibody test for the Epstein Barr virus done. Although it is a viral disease and will take its own course to come down and rest, acetaminophen and plenty of fluids being the main treatment, yet it is important to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.