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Maternal (Expert Forum)
sore thraot then rash
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.RN-AM, Oct 22, 1998 12:00AM
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Rashes that follow sore throats can indicate a number of things.Fifth's disease does not generally have a prodromal picture, high fever or sore throat. My first thought is pitriasis rosea, which is an acute, self-limiting disease characterized by scaly itching rash on the trunk and extremities, It usually follows a viral infection and treatment is aimed at relieving itching with cool compresses and antihistamines.Another option could be roseola, which has a prodromal course of sore throat and high fever lasting for 3-4 days then the fever breaks and the rash folows, typically fine and concentrated on the trunk and extremities. Because this is viral in origin, it will go away on it's own. Scarlet fever is another rash that follows this same course. It has a more "sandpaper" quality to the rash, as well as much more serious consequenses if not treated, as this is caused by a streptococcal infection and requires antibiotics. Any time a child gets a rash, it should be evaluated by a health care provider to determine if treatment is needed and instruct you on whether it is contagious. Some rashes indicate disease that can have very serious consequenses to people at risk like those with cancer, pregnancy, or inadequate immunity.
HFHS.RN-AM
*KEYWORD: roseola, scarlet fever, measles, Fifth's disease, pityriasis rosea
Rashes that follow sore throats can indicate a number of things.Fifth's disease does not generally have a prodromal picture, high fever or sore throat. My first thought is pitriasis rosea, which is an acute, self-limiting disease characterized by scaly itching rash on the trunk and extremities, It usually follows a viral infection and treatment is aimed at relieving itching with cool compresses and antihistamines.Another option could be roseola, which has a prodromal course of sore throat and high fever lasting for 3-4 days then the fever breaks and the rash folows, typically fine and concentrated on the trunk and extremities. Because this is viral in origin, it will go away on it's own. Scarlet fever is another rash that follows this same course. It has a more "sandpaper" quality to the rash, as well as much more serious consequenses if not treated, as this is caused by a streptococcal infection and requires antibiotics. Any time a child gets a rash, it should be evaluated by a health care provider to determine if treatment is needed and instruct you on whether it is contagious. Some rashes indicate disease that can have very serious consequenses to people at risk like those with cancer, pregnancy, or inadequate immunity.
HFHS.RN-AM
*KEYWORD: roseola, scarlet fever, measles, Fifth's disease, pityriasis rosea
