Concerns Over Rash Likely Linked to Illness
I have a 10-year-old son who, while having autism and human growth hormone deficiency, is generally in good health. Recently, he was prescribed a low dose of Duloxetine, which he started just about a week ago. In the early hours of the morning, he awoke complaining of a headache, nausea, neck discomfort, and an elevated temperature. We rushed him to the emergency room where his temperature read 102.9 degrees Fahrenheit. At the hospital, they administered Zofran and Acetaminophen, successfully reducing his fever to 99.6 degrees. Medical tests ruled out strep throat, RSV, COVID-19, influenza, and mononucleosis; however, I did notice that his tonsils displayed some white patches. The physician indicated that the likelihood of meningitis was low, pointing out its rarity and the fact that my son is able to move his neck reasonably well with minimal pain. After returning home, I observed a rash on his body. I'm curious if this rash warrants any concern.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 1:40:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
The appearance of a rash after your son’s recent illness and medication change can be concerning, but there are several factors to consider. Given that he recently had a fever and other symptoms, the rash could be related to his illness, a reaction to medication, or a separate skin condition.
Explanation:
-
Rash Types: The rash’s appearance (e.g., color, texture, location) can help determine its cause. Common rashes after infections include viral rashes, which often resolve without treatment, or rashes associated with allergic reactions.
-
Duloxetine Consideration: Duloxetine can cause side effects, including skin reactions in some individuals. While not very common, it's important to monitor any changes that occur after starting a new medication.
-
Tonsils with White Patches: The white patches on the tonsils might indicate a viral infection or another issue that could explain both the fever and rash, but the fact you ruled out significant infections is reassuring.
Next Steps:
-
Observe the Rash: Monitor the rash closely. Note any changes in size, color, or texture, and if there are any associated symptoms like itching, pain, or spreading.
-
Check for Other Symptoms: Continue monitoring for fever, worsening headache, neck stiffness, or any new symptoms. If your son exhibits significant pain, shows signs of distress, or if the rash increases rapidly, seek medical attention.
-
Hydration and Comfort: Ensure he stays well-hydrated and is comfortable. Continue using any medications as prescribed to manage his headache and nausea.
-
Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your child's healthcare provider to discuss the rash, especially if it doesn’t improve in a few days or if you have concerns about the reaction to Duloxetine. They can provide a thorough assessment and determine if any further testing or changes in medication are necessary.
Remember, it’s always best to reach out to a healthcare professional if you feel concerned about your son’s health or if his condition changes. You’re doing a great job caring for him.
Related Questions
Are My Symptoms Indicating an Impending Stroke?
I’m a young adult female, weighing 99 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. I do not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol, and currently, I am undergoing tests for POTS and HEDS. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in the upper region of my head, particularly in the back and temples. These aren’t typical headaches, but rather sudden twinges of pain that occur sporadically throughout the day. Additionally, over this same period, I have been dealing with bouts of vertigo—probably about 4 to 5 days where it came and went. A few days back, I also encountered a tingling sensation in my arms, which I can’t tell if it was simply due to anxiety. Given that my aunt suffered a stroke in her thirties, the prospect of having a stroke terrifies me. I find that the emergency room here primarily prescribes pain medication if you mention head discomfort, which leaves me uncertain about what steps to take next. Could these symptoms signal an impending stroke? Furthermore, I've also been experiencing pain in my left leg, though I’m unsure if that’s connected to my other symptoms.
Identifying Skin Marks on My Child
My 5-year-old daughter, who has no history of allergies, has developed peculiar skin marks over the past four to five days. Each morning, I observe these blemishes, which mysteriously disappear by the next day, only to reappear in different locations. The majority of these spots are located on her lower back, buttocks, and the back of her thighs, although I've also seen some on her upper back and a single one on her cheek. As an additional note, she began exhibiting mild cold symptoms last night, including a cough, some mucus, and a slight increase in body temperature. To provide further context: she mentioned that the marks are somewhat itchy, but she hasn’t been scratching them excessively.
Impact of Tegretol Overdose at Age 7
As a woman now in her late thirties, I reflect back on a significant event from my childhood. At just seven years old, I accidentally ingested a large quantity of Tegretol, a medication prescribed to my brother for his epilepsy. Without realizing the danger, I swallowed a handful of those pills and fell asleep on the couch next to my mother. To my surprise, I regained consciousness a week later in a hospital bed. My mother recounted that I had suffered a seizure, at which point she found herself unable to awaken me, leading to a state of coma. Once I awoke, the emotional shift was profound; I transitioned from sadness to experiencing a tumultuous range of feelings. I am now curious about how such an overdose could have impacted my brain function. I attempted to search online for insights but came up empty-handed. Any information or shared experiences related to brain effects from similar situations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Inquiry Regarding FDG-PET Scan Findings
I recently underwent an FDG-PET/CT scan for my brain to investigate some cognitive difficulties I've been experiencing. Although the report is now available on My Chart, my follow-up appointment with the doctor is scheduled for three weeks from now. I have a query regarding the standard deviation scale presented in the report, which lists values from -2 to -4.6. What does the lowest value signify? Is the scale graded on a 1-5, 1-10, or perhaps 1-100 basis? I appreciate your assistance with this! Notable regions noted for decreased metabolic activity include: - Left Inferior frontal gyrus, triangularis: SD "4.6" - Left Heschl gyrus: SD "3.8" - Left Superior temporal gyrus: SD "3.6" - Left Middle temporal gyrus: SD "3.4" - Left Supramarginal gyrus: SD "2.6" - Left Inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal area: SD "2.1" Other areas displaying low metabolism are: - Right Superior frontal gyrus, medial: SD "3.2" - Left Superior frontal gyrus, medial: SD "2.2"
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.