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Pediatric Medicine
Question #12942
51 days ago
147

tomato fever rashes - #12942

Ananya

I am really worried about something that’s been going on with my son. He’s 5 and a few days ago he started running a fever, which didn’t seem too concerning at first. But then something strange happened — these weird tomato fever rashes appeared all over his body! At first, I thought they were just regular rashes, but the way they looked kinda made me think about this whole tomato fever stuff I heard about. The doctor mentioned that if it actually was tomato fever, we needed to watch out for other symptoms, but it’s just been a rollercoaster. The rashes are kind of red and blotchy, like tomato stains, and he’s been scratching like crazy. Thankfully, no other serious symptoms like breathing issues or swelling yet, but I can't help but freak out a bit. Is there a chance that this tomato fever rashes thing could get worse?? I've read a bit online and it sounds kinda scary! Some sites say it can lead to complications, while others act like it's no big deal. How can we manage these tomato fever rashes? What kinda treatment should I be looking for? Any advice would help a ton. Super anxious to hear from you all!

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Doctors’ responses

Tomato fever, often associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), is a contagious viral infection primarily affecting young children. The rashes you’re describing, especially given their appearance and your son’s age, might align with symptoms of HFMD, which is caused by enteroviruses. These rashes can indeed be concerning, but it’s crucial to understand that in most cases, HFMD resolves on its own within a week to ten days, especially if there are no severe symptoms like high fever, dehydration, or neurological issues. To manage these rashes and related discomfort, focus on supporting your son through symptomatic relief. First, ensure he stays well-hydrated by offering ample fluids; this is vital if he has a fever. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage fever and reduce pain from the rashes if needed, but always follow dosing guidelines. Avoid aspirin in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. To alleviate itching, a gentle anti-itch cream or calamine lotion can be applied sparingly, or consult with a healthcare provider about antihistamines. Encourage your son to keep his hands away from his mouth, eyes, or nose to prevent potential spreading. Be mindful about hygiene—wash hands frequently and keep him away from school or crowded places until he’s recovered and non-contagious, typically after fever subsides and rashes start healing. Although it’s rare, if you notice signs of serious complications like persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, or lethargy, seek medical attention immediately to rule out other serious concerns. Meanwhile, keeping in touch with your healthcare provider through this period can ensure any unexpected developments are promptly addressed. While this situation may sound alarming, staying vigilant and managing symptoms effectively is normally enough to see you through this viral episode.

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