chapped sores on child's perineum

[kimberlyahmckay]

My son has had a fever for the past 2 days, and it broke today, but when he went to get in the bath, he complained that it hurt his bum, when I looked, I saw the skin on his perineum is bright red and chapped.  I have put children's polysporin on it, but not sure what else to do.  Do we need to see a doctor.  Note he also has very very chapped lips at the moment too.

[kimberlyahmckay]

It seems to have cleared up.  I think it was a very bad bum rash - almost like a diaper rash.  My son had been running a fever for 2 days, and was in bed, covered from head to toe, cause he kept complaining that he was cold.  My guess is that he was sweating from the fever and it created a bum rash...  we have since used cornstarch on it (which is what use to always clear him up as a baby) and sure enough within 2 days it did the trick....  thank you for the advice.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to chaffing. Chafing occurs when the skin becomes irritated by the friction caused by rubbing – either against other skin or against a foreign material. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also make your child wear cotton undergarments. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how your child is doing or in case you have any additional doubts.