17 mo. old with rash on trunk

[ebarber]

My 17 month old son developed a raised, sandpaper-like rash on his torso and back about a week or 10 days ago.  It is barely visible, but when you look closely, you can see tiny red bumps.  It doesn't seem to bother him, although I do catch him scratching at it absentmindedly from time to time - but not enough to cause any breaks in the skin.  He has just recently gotten over roseola (about 2-3 weeks ago), but this rash appeared several days (maybe more than a week?) AFTER the roseola rash disappeared.  With this new rash, he currently has no fever and only a slight cough and intermittent runny nose (typical toddler stuff).  The only documentation I can find online for fine, sandpaper-like rash is scarlet fever, although he has none of the other strep symptoms.  Any idea on what this could be, and how long it will last?  Should I rush him to the pediatrician?  Advice is greatly appreciated.

[andreagee]

Did he take any antibiotics?  Perhaps it is an allergic reaction?  I am currently in a rash nightmare wtih my 25 month old - it started like what you describe following 104 fever and a few days of amoxicillin for an alleged ear infection... per dr. orders took him OFF the amox.  3 days later - a rash like you would not believe ALL OVER his legs, feet, toes, arms, fingers and face... I am being told it is the amox. allergy......

[mmgeire]

Did you ever find out what the rash was. My son has what appears to be the exact same thing right now .. also with no complaints or symptoms whatsoever and no previous recent ailment such as roseola.

[doffie]

He needs to see a doctor. Yes this sounds like a scarletina rash but that may just mean he has strep throat. It may not mean that at all but any time we see a fine skin colored rash that is raised & like you said 'like sand paper', we think strep. New rashes need to be checked out by a doctor, even if the child isn't having any other strange symptoms.