HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Rash On Arms And Chest

default
Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2014
Question: My son is 14 years old. We were snorkeling in Cozumel aug 12-17. Saturday he had a mild fever. It spiked Sunday and Monday it was 103 accompanied by vomiting and moderate sore throat. He had an arm cast removed on Monday from Children's. That evening several red spots appeared on his arm - smaller than an eraser head. By Tuesday evening he now has a rash of pink spots covering his back, arms, front chest and abdomen and its also growing down from his scalp hair line and onto his face. he still has a fever around 99-100.3. His vaccinations are all current.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dengue is suspected;laboratory must confirm it.

Detailed Answer:
Hello , I understand your concern. I am Dr. Arun Tank & I am infectious disease specialist. I am going to answer your concern.

-I think the cozumel is the island. If its island proabably the mosquitoes have been more in number there. I suspect Dengue or Malaria in your son. More of I think it is a dengue than malaria, the reason is the red tiny spot you have described. Such a feature is common in hemorrhagic fevers, so in case of dengue. If you can upload a photo of the lesions it will be helpful in confirming the nature of the lesions.

-The rash started from the cast the reason being the area is highly vascularised so hemorrhages are more common on that part.

-I think you should think of getting tested for Dengue NS1 or Dengue IgM in order to get properly diagnose. Also carry out the platelet count and monitor the count during the flluid therapy. Also undergo malaria rapid test. You should discuss it with your family physician. If you have undergone Laboratory investigation kindly attach the report in the reply of this answer.

-Please give plenty of fluids to your child as fluid therapy is the most important to get cured from the disease. As such there is no treatment for dengue fever only fluid therapy and monitoring of the platelet is important.

-It is good that he had been vaccinated. But vaccination has no such role in this disease.

If you have anything else to ask I will be very happy to answer that. We wish you a best health at healthcare magic.
Thank you,
Dr. Arun Tank
If you are satisfied with my answer rate me as five star and close the answer

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Arun (42 minutes later)
Dr. XXXXXXX
thank you for your response. The rash is not on his legs or feet. Also, when he blew his nose this morning there was blood. Not thin blood like a bloody nose. Not a little blood like with a sinus drainage infection. It was a thicker blood, bright red and all red - not blood streaks in mucos. Could it be mono?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please visit ER, do Platelet count

Detailed Answer:
Hello Reyesreyes,

- I think you should do a platelet count of your son. Such a hemorrhagic condition should be consulted at ER. I suggest you must visit ER.

- If platelet count goes very down. It will be difficult to handle this situation even at ER.

If you have anything else to ask I will be very happy to answer that. We wish you a best health at healthcare magic.
Thank you,
Dr. Arun Tank
If you are satisfied with my answer rate me as five star and close the answer
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2434 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Rash On Arms And Chest

Brief Answer: Dengue is suspected;laboratory must confirm it. Detailed Answer: Hello , I understand your concern. I am Dr. Arun Tank & I am infectious disease specialist. I am going to answer your concern. -I think the cozumel is the island. If its island proabably the mosquitoes have been more in number there. I suspect Dengue or Malaria in your son. More of I think it is a dengue than malaria, the reason is the red tiny spot you have described. Such a feature is common in hemorrhagic fevers, so in case of dengue. If you can upload a photo of the lesions it will be helpful in confirming the nature of the lesions. -The rash started from the cast the reason being the area is highly vascularised so hemorrhages are more common on that part. -I think you should think of getting tested for Dengue NS1 or Dengue IgM in order to get properly diagnose. Also carry out the platelet count and monitor the count during the flluid therapy. Also undergo malaria rapid test. You should discuss it with your family physician. If you have undergone Laboratory investigation kindly attach the report in the reply of this answer. -Please give plenty of fluids to your child as fluid therapy is the most important to get cured from the disease. As such there is no treatment for dengue fever only fluid therapy and monitoring of the platelet is important. -It is good that he had been vaccinated. But vaccination has no such role in this disease. If you have anything else to ask I will be very happy to answer that. We wish you a best health at healthcare magic. Thank you, Dr. Arun Tank If you are satisfied with my answer rate me as five star and close the answer