Viral rash?

vindaloo

Has anyone had experience with their child having a viral rash?

DS is 23 months old. A week and a half ago he started to get a blotchy red rash on his abdomen and back. He was scratching his scalp a lot and a few days later we noticed hard bumps on his neck and the back of his head. Called the doctor and they thought they were just spider bites. Then the rash turned into itchy, tiny bumps all over his chest and back. Took DS in to the doctor Saturday but the doctor blew it off, said it was not spider bites but swollen lymph nodes and a viral rash, nothing to do about it. We've seen this pedi once before, he's arrogant and dismissive and we plan to avoid him in the future!. The bumpy rash has since spread to DS's face, scalp, arms and legs, and he is scratching furiously, to the point of drawing blood. Took him back to a different doctor Monday, she was much better and told us to give Benadryl and apply hydrocortisone but that we'd ultimately just have to ride it out. The Benadryl at night definitely helps. But we don't see much improvement otherwise.

Anyone else's LO's experience this? If so, how long did it last? Any other ideas for soothing his skin? We've tried Aveeno oatmeal baths and they seem to help but only while he's in the bath. I just feel do bad for him, he's scratching so much and keeps saying "hurts,hurts".

Any advice or opinions would be much appreciated!

oliversmommy32912

Oh man! That sounds horrible! I've never heard of a viral rash being itchy...it sounds more like some sort of allergic reaction to me, but I'm no expert obviously.

I had really bad eczema as a child and I remember cold rags applied to the it

vindaloo

Thanks, we've pretty much ruled out allergies. Doc said its def. not hives, and he hasn't had any dietary changes recently. We also haven't changed any detergents, soaps or lotions. I'm really at a loss here. :

RachelLily

Vindaloo-YGPM. Let me know your thoughts. 

jmyanko

My son is just getting over a similar rash. Not as sever as you are describing. But yes, benadryl or even children's zyrtec 2x a day will help. I used aquaphor (or a store brand equivalent) and that worked well also. My sis is a pediatric nurse so I kn

tbmadeamistake

Did he have any cold symptoms before he got the rash?  Could be fifth disease.

vindaloo

Thanks for the responses. The symptoms don't match the progression of fifth disease, it looks like it is a nasty viral rash. And it appears to be slowly clearing up over time. It's just taking a lot longer than I'd like!