Toddler Scarletina Strep Rash with No Fever
by Robyn
(Kingwood, TX. USA)
Back after 2 applications of calamine lotion
Stomach after two applications of calamine lotion
I have a 2 year old daughter who seemingly always gets the "rare" diseases. She has been this way since birth. After the holiday season I noticed a red bumpy type of skin irritation on her feet. Upon discovery of the red bumps I unclothed her to reveal what I describe as red baby acne like bumps from head to toe. She has ezcema patches on her insteps so I assumed maybe she was having an allergic reaction to laundry soap or fabric softener, so naturally I applied calamine lotion to her body and stripped her bedding and rewashed everything in her closet. Practically anything that came in contact with her was rewashed.
Now mind you she had been teething for her second molars, had a 99.3 low grade temperature for 4 hours that day, and her appetite had decreased suddenly. I had no idea these were all connected until the doctor visit. So I discovered the rash on Monday night, the Calamine and Benadryl I thought helped a little, and after calling the nurses at my pediatrician's office they said she did not present with fever and the rash was not pussy or blistering and to wash with Aveeno and not to use any type of scented products but if it got worse to come in. I did notice it was on her diaper area which caused me to question whether it was the fabrics because she is still in diapers.
Monday and Tuesday during the day the rash didn't seem to itch or bother her, but Tuesday night was awful! She did not go to sleep until midnight and even then she looked lethargic and glazed. So as a first time mother I instinctively called the doctor Wednesday morning when she awoke and the rash was worse and now on her scalp and I said this is not an allergic reaction something is wrong. Upon walking in the room the doctor checked her out, instructed me to take off her diaper and then said okay mom get her dressed. I was quite confused and said "okay so what is wrong with her?" I was surprised at her answer.
Scarletina Strep Rash Without fever and white bumps on the throat. Actually she said she has strep everything because it is even in her diaper area. I had heard of scarlet fever and wanted to freak out until the doctor explained what it was, why it was presenting this way and what we were going to do. She told me it was transmitted by either someone with strep who did not know they had it or from someone who had it that came into contact with her. Strep is higly contagious so naturally I can't track it down to the very person but I truly felt like wrapping her in a bubble! The interesting thing was my daughter did not have a high fever that typically goes along with the rash which is why it was dismissed by the nurse when I called the first time. We are now on antibiotics and quarantined for about 2 days.
If you notice a red goosebumpy rash anywhere on your child please call the doctor and follow your instincts. I am glad I did because they told me it could go into rheumatic fever if not treated early. I have attached pictures of the rash on her tummy and back.
