What can cause a rash like this only on a child's face?

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   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   What can cause a rash like this only on a child's face?
   
   Ok I know the pic is slightly hard to see, but the rash is covering most of her face. It is predominately on her cheeks and nose. I called the doctor and told them she had a rash and a fever and they said likely a virus and to call back to get her in if not better in couple days. I have three kids and none have ever gotten a rash on their face with a virus (back, sides, and belly usually). Anyone seen this with just a virus?
   
   

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2. 98

   Alison Grahamposted 10 years ago

   Looks like slapped cheek syndrome or Fifth disease to me - my daughter had it when she was around 6 years old. It is caused by a virus and is quite common in children aged 6 - 10 - you can read more about in on the NHS website if you type in slapped cheek syndrome. If this is what your little girl has, it should resolve by itself.

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. At least that is an easy virus that normally goes away on it's own. It would be nice if it was just a virus.

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   fpherj48posted 10 years ago

   peeples....UHG!  "rashes"....there's only a hundred or more possible causes.  It's like you want to say to a parent, "happy hunting."  And so begins the long list of questions.  Knowing you and your husband, you've thought of most everything.  Since I'm a bit doubtful of the Dr's educated "guess," as you are.....I'll offer just a few things MORE for you to consider:
   1.) I can tell you that my 5 yr. old grand daughter cannot use just any sun block.  She gets a "rash" (severe redness) on her face only, oddly enough.  Often even too much direct sunlight will do this to her as well.
   (Note from Grandma's thinking:  Her mother is a true redhead with very fair & sensitive skin, who must use every precaution in the sun...so this is 50% of my Grand daughter's DNA)  Also, this sort of reaction can begin at any time....so if it hasn't happened before, that really does not matter in terms of it happening NOW.
   Could your daughter have used something on her face that your other children have not?  A soap, cream, etc?
   A brand new "allergy" may have recently cropped up? Good luck tracking that down!   That's an entire adventure....soaps, detergents, shampoos, environmental, bugs & other summer pests  and a whole grocery store full of foods and beverages.
   Just one more thing.  I did learn something useful about "rashes" in general while raising my kids......A rash can definitely develop on the face only.....and be nowhere else on the body.....and still be attributed to any of the above (& then some)
   The face has the most exposure......hands are in touch with the face all day everyday.....and as a body part that is never covered by clothing....it is the most vulnerable.
   If I'm not totally out of the loop these days.....wouldn't a fever and at least one other symptom accompany a "virus?"  If you get to the bottom of this....pls share!!   Good Luck.  She sure is adorable, red face and all!

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sure enough I posted this and noticed minutes later it is in fact spreading down her arms now. Seems more noticeable when outside. Nothing new used on her. More annoying for me though than her I think. Hoping for virus, easier than an allergy!

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      fpherj48posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, peeples...depending on WHAT the allergy might be, you're right, it can get complicated.  I'm sorry to hear the rash is spreading.  You may want to let her soak in a slightly warm oatmeal bath.  I hope she clears up soon!

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   amiebutchkoposted 10 years ago

   It definitely can be a virus that just needs to take its course!  It could also be roseola or fifths disease, both of which are not that serious.  Sometimes, fevers can cause hives as well.  My children ended up with so many rashes over the years and they can be scary, I know, but are quite common.  Good luck finding out what is wrong with your little one.  I am sure she will be all better soon!

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the answer. As of now if it's a virus she has no other symptoms except fever, so I'll hope it doesn't get worse.

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      wmhoward4posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Most likely the virus was from contact w/other children. Grannies usually don't carry kiddie virus. I have seen a few like this at my son's daycare. He had a real mild version last week.

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   bethperryposted 10 years ago

   peeples, did you apply sunblock shortly before the rash appeared? My son, when he was three, had an allergic reaction to sunblock that appeared quite similar to this.

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      She spent the day with her grandmother who says she did put sunblock on her, but I am wondering now, could an allergy cause a fever?

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      bethperryposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Most likely it would not cause a fever. Goodness gracious, I hope the doctor can tell you more on this soon. I know it must feel a little scary not knowing!

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