OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Advice on a Sore on My Toddler's Neck

2/7/2026, 2:00:30 PMMale25-34

Greetings! I would appreciate your feedback regarding a sore on my two-year-old's neck. It has appeared relatively unchanged, possibly developing a bit of scabbing, for the last three to four days. She seems to be behaving just like any typical two-year-old. Also, ignore the other redness on her face; she just had some strawberries! In our home, we are quite familiar with impetigo; however, this sore appears quite distinct to me. Notably, my older child experienced impetigo and Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) about two weeks ago, and the medical professionals assured me that it wasn't a cause for concern regarding contagion. We will certainly consult a doctor if it becomes necessary. Yet, I wanted to gauge opinions here first. Due to some unexpected medical expenses for my eldest recently, I must admit I'm being a bit cautious before heading in for another visit. Nonetheless, I am feeling somewhat anxious about the recent health issues concerning my older child. Thank you very much for your assistance!

Childhood RashesChildhood InfectionsPediatrics

Answers (1)

Cony

2/7/2026, 2:00:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel concerned about a sore on your toddler’s neck, especially given the recent health issues in your family. Here's a breakdown of what you might be dealing with and some actionable steps to consider.

Summary of Key Points:

  1. The sore could be a variety of things, including a harmless skin irritation or something that needs more attention.
  2. Monitoring the sore closely for any changes is essential.
  3. Prioritize keeping the area clean and observing for any symptoms.

Explanation:

Given the description of the sore as relatively unchanged and possibly scabbing, it could be a minor skin issue, such as a small cut or reaction to something that came into contact with the skin. Skin conditions in children can often look more severe than they are. The presence of a sore after your older child had skin infections raises valid concerns, but many skin conditions are not contagious and can resolve on their own.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep the Sore Clean: Gently wash the affected area with mild soap and water daily. Pat it dry softly.
  2. Avoid Irritation: Ensure that your toddler does not scratch or pick at the sore. Consider using an adhesive bandage if that helps keep the area protected.
  3. Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the sore for any signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or if your child starts showing signs of discomfort or other symptoms (fever, fussiness).
  4. Note Other Symptoms or Developments: Even though your older child had skin issues recently, monitor if your toddler develops any related symptoms. If this sore spreads, changes, or new symptoms appear, plan to consult a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Further Care:

If at any point the sore exhibits significant worsening or your child's behavior changes (e.g., increased fussiness, fever), it would be best to consult a medical professional to rule out any serious conditions.

Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out for further questions or concerns!

Related Questions

Inquiry Regarding Use of Metronidazole for Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis

Age: 32 years Height: 5 feet 5 inches, Weight: 248 pounds. Current Medications: I am on Vyvanse (40 mg) for focus issues, Singulair for asthma management, a vitamin D supplement, and an iron supplement of 325 mg. At present, I am also taking amoxicillin due to a strep throat infection. I am about to commence treatment with Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total quantity of 70g. The usage instructions specify that I should apply 5 grams of the gel vaginally twice a day for a period of 7 days, followed by twice weekly for two months. While I anticipate not being sexually active during the initial treatment phase, I would like to confirm if it would be permissible to engage in sexual activity while continuing with the gel twice a week afterward. I intended to consult with my doctor regarding this, but unfortunately, both she and the nurse are unavailable at the moment, which is quite frustrating.

PediatricsChild PsychologyDevelopmental Medicine
Male25-34
2 minutes ago

Semen Analysis Results: Assessing Low Motility and Vitality — Are They Temporary due to Stress?

Hello everyone, I’m a 36-year-old male and I recently received the results of my first semen analysis. I’m seeking to determine if the findings indicate a significant medical issue or if they are possibly linked to situational factors. Here’s some context that could be relevant: - I experienced considerable stress during the week the test was conducted. - My sleep quality was particularly poor the night before the test. - Since the collection took place at a clinic, I felt high levels of anxiety and minimal arousal. - Additionally, the sensation during ejaculation seemed weaker than what I normally experience. Here are the key results from the analysis: - Volume: 2.3 ml - Concentration: 30.9 million/ml - Total sperm count: approximately 71 million - Morphology: 9% (WHO reference is ≥4%) - Progressive motility: 18% (considered low) - Total motility: 36.7% (on the lower side of normal) - Vitality: 39% (low range) - No infections detected, no agglutination, and low white blood cell count The lab remarked on the presence of asthenozoospermia and necrozoospermia, indicating issues with motility and vitality. I also have some pertinent medical background: - I underwent orchidopexy as a child, resulting in one testicle being somewhat smaller while the other appears normal. - A recent urine analysis yielded normal results. - I am experiencing no pain and have shown no indications of infection. Here are my inquiries: - Is it plausible that acute stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety during the clinic visit could lead to significant reductions in motility and vitality in just one analysis? - Considering the normal sperm count and morphology, does this situation imply that the issues might be more functional or temporary rather than permanent? - Should repeating the semen analysis under more favorable conditions be the next logical step?

Growth & DevelopmentPediatricsChild Psychology
Male25-34
17 hours ago

Is it Safe to Apply a Separated Ointment?

I have a one-month-old daughter who has been dealing with a yeast infection, for which her pediatrician recommended Miconazole cream. After finishing the first tube, I noticed some persistent red spots, prompting the doctor to prescribe another tube. However, I've noticed something concerning with this second tube; it appears to have separated. On squeezing the tube, a white cream and a clear, oily liquid resembling olive oil emerge. Should I attempt to mix the contents of the tube, or is this separation an indication of a problem? I’m unsure whether it is safe to apply this ointment. Unfortunately, my pediatrician’s office is closed for the weekend, and I've already observed that my daughter's rash is beginning to reappear after just half a day without the ointment.

Childhood InfectionsPediatricsDevelopmental Medicine
Male25-34
20 hours ago

Concerns Regarding My Father's Prostate MRI Results

Greetings, I'm reaching out because my father, who is 71 years old, recently underwent an ultrasound that revealed a nodule. His physician suggested an MRI for further examination, assuring us that there was no immediate cause for alarm. However, the findings indicated a PI-RADS score of 4, with a nodule measuring about 0.5 by 0.6 cm. This nodule, located in the transition zone, is non-encapsulated and poorly defined, though there are no indications of it extending beyond the prostate. His PSA level is 0.96 ng/mL and the PSA density is measured at 0.03, with the prostate’s total volume being 34cc. I find myself anxious over the PI-RADS 4 classification, as it suggests a relatively high risk for cancer, even though the PSA levels appear to be more reassuring. Thankfully, my father is asymptomatic and appears to be in good health. A follow-up appointment has already been arranged, but I’m curious—should I be concerned about any urgent implications or potential serious outcomes from this situation?

Childhood InfectionsPediatricsDevelopmental Medicine
Male25-34
1 day ago

Concern Over Cystic Lesions: Seeking Clarification

Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female recently diagnosed with adenomyosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome following an MRI examination. While I have a scheduled consultation with my doctor in a week, I find myself anxious for clarity on certain findings from the MRI report, which I am sharing below. The report indicates the presence of: - A thicc-walled cystic lesion exhibiting peripheral wall enhancement, approximately 2 by 1.6 cm in size, located in the right ovary, with noted thin internal septation and irregularities in the internal mucosal structure. - A smaller cyst, measuring about 2 cm in diameter, also in the right ovary, displaying thin internal septation. My primary concern regards the thick-walled cystic lesion: could it be benign, or should I be alarmed, indicating a need for further evaluation by my gynecologist? I understand that smaller cysts are generally not a cause for concern, but I wonder if this applies only to those that are uniformly shaped and possess thinner walls. The MRI was performed to evaluate potential endometriosis. A previous transvaginal ultrasound ruled out deep infiltrating endometriosis, prompting the MRI to ensure no abnormalities were overlooked, especially given that my calprotectin level was significantly elevated at over 1000, despite a colonoscopy revealing no signs of inflammation, along with reports of resistance detected externally from the colon suggesting the possibility of endometriosis. While I await my appointment, I would greatly appreciate any insights into these findings. Moreover, the MRI results also highlighted mild pelvic congestion and a small amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas (POD). --- Background Health Issues: I experience postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs) and chronic hypotension.

Growth & DevelopmentLearning DisabilitiesPediatrics
Male25-34
1 day ago