My Baby Has a Fever & Red Dots All Over

If your child is suffering from a fever accompanied by a rash, the underlying cause could be a number of things. The condition may be as simple as a reaction causing hives to something more serious, such as a disease known as purpura. A visit to your doctor is the best course of action. Your doctor should be able to diagnose your child and offer some relief.

Hives

Hives are a type of allergic reaction that may be accompanied by a fever. A typical hive looks like a red welt that can come in a variety of shapes. Hives may be round, irregular, singular or in clumps. They may come and go within 10 to 15 minutes or last hours. Since a hive is a sign that your body is reacting to an allergen, it is essential that you watch for other allergic symptoms in your child so that his condition does not become life-threatening. Wheezing or trouble breathing are two symptoms that should prompt a visit to the emergency room. However, it is not uncommon to see hives accompany a routine cold or fever, states Drs. William and Martha Sears of DrSears.com 1.

Chicken Pox

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Chicken pox is a viral illness marked by red dots all over and a fever. Red bumps that resemble insect bites will begin to appear. Old ones will blister over while new ones form. When your child's fever is broken, he no longer is contagious. Chicken pox are most common in children under age 12. Usually, treatment of chicken pox is rest until the symptoms go away within a few days.

Fifth Disease

Fifth disease, also known as slapped cheek disease, begins with redness in the cheeks. It eventually progresses to red dots that resemble pimples on the trunk, arms and legs, as well as a fever. There is no treatment, other than rest, that will lead to recovery for children with fifth disease. Within a few days, your child will be feeling better as this is typically a mild disease.

Roseola

Rashes & Stomach Aches in Kids

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Roseola is quite different. It begins with a fever that lasts for three days with no other symptoms. Just as the fever breaks, your child will develop a rash. The rash will look like red bumps and start at the neck and upper body, working its way down the thorax and into the arms and legs. This rash will appear for up to three days. There is no treatment protocol for the disease, as it clears up on its own. However, a fever reducer may be given if you check with your child's pediatrician.

Purpura

Purpura is a serious rash and fever combination that warrants immediate medical attention. In this case, the rash is caused by blood vessels under the skin breaking. These dots will look like small red spots all over the skin that are flat and do not disappear when you press on them. This rash can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and you should seek immediate medical attention for your baby.