what could this rash be?

[zingara]

http://a4.sphotos.ak....5554_1084082093_n.jpg
#I have attempted to include a picture here of a rash that my poor little grandson is suffering with, I'm sorry if it doesn't come through as the query isn't much good without it.Rather than say what has already been said, is anyone able to hazard a guess to what it might be? The doctor is puzzled and has given him antibiotics. I have advised my daughter to take my grandson to A+E as she says it is spreading to other parts of his body. She says that he doesn't seem to be unwell with it. Apparently he began with a rash about 2 wks ago but I'm unsure as to whether this is the same rash. I have my suspicion as to what it may be but my daughter says the rash was there before the incident that I am thinking of. Thank you and I hope the pic comes through ok.

[grasscarp]

Could it be scabies?

[zingara]

Thank you grasscarp, You could be right, I never thought of that. you would think the doc would recognise it tho. I guess if it's gradually become worse over the 2 wks it's worth considering. I shall suggest this to her, thank you.

[grasscarp]

I had it once and luckily my doctor recognised it. The treatment is so simple once diagnosed.

[hollie1586]

Allergy to something? Has there been a change in washing powder, facial soap, shampoo etc?

[hollie1586]

How old is he?

[zingara]

I also was unfortunate to have it when I was about 9 yrs old, and the treatment then was agony. Hopefully these days it's kinder and that it's not scabies. I have let my daughter know so that she can consider it.

[zingara]

Hi, Thank you again, He is 5 yrs old. Allergies have been considered, changes in products etc. The one thing I was thinking of was the brown tailed moth caterpillar, as he had gathered them last week and was playing with them. unbeknown to my daughter what problems they can cause. My daughter still claims the rash seemed to be developing whilst at school 2 wks ago, as she had taken him to the pharmacist and they reckoned he had chicken pox.

[hollie1586]

I really do think that it is the caterpillar that is the problem! The hairs on them break off And very often cause skin problems! On Wikipedia it says that they should always be handled using protective gloves. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown-tail

[Canary42]

"I don't know what it is so I'll prescribe antibiotics".

With doctors like that no wonder the NHS is failing.

[tinkerbell23]

I read something about caterpillars!! Id bet it was that!! Poor wee soul hope he is better soon.....definately looks like an allergy xxxx

[Sqad]

You don't mention itching in your post in which case that will rule out an allergy and particularly scabies.

I presume that he is not taking any medication which pre-dates the rash which would rule out drug sensitivity.

Sorry, I cannot come up with any better suggestion other than to monitor the situation.

A skin rash is not an A&E situation.

[ojread2]

You haven't said how he is 'suffering' which could help in suggestions
To me it looks like my arms when I get prickly heat and my prickly doesn't itch to distraction, you just know it's there

[zingara]

Hi, sorry for the lack of info'. The rash is sore and very itchy. I wouldn't usually recommend A+ E for a rash but as it is becoming worse and the docs are unsure as to what it is, we couldn't be sure that there are no underlying medical problems, not being medics ourselves. My daughter had said that it had spread to his genitals. I was convinced it was the caterpillars but it would seem the rash was developing before. Hopefully, we may find something out today. Thank you

[hollie1586]

Let us know how things go.

[nannybooby]

has your grandson had chickenpox already? if so it could be shingles. A little boy (same age) at my granddaughters school has been diagnosed with shingles. It seems that children can get this. Hope the little chap is better soon

[zingara]

Hi Thank you all so much for your replies. My grandson has been examined again today. In their opinion, he has probably had a virus, which would explain the rash that first appeared 2 wks ago. They believe that the caterpillars are responsible for the rash that he has now. (This was my gut feeling) My daughter has been advised, that if the rash doesn't improve, they will arrange a dermatology appt. Hopefully this will be the end to this but it's worth informing folk to never handle this type of hairy caterpillar, without some form of protection. click this link (hoping it has worked) to see the little terrors. Thank you once again.

[zingara]

whoops! forgot the link. http://t1.gstatic.com...GRXh_CfnRMUbNLfGvWynM

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback.