Rash & other skin problems in children: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services now if your child has a rash along with trouble breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, collapse, severe weakness, or difficulty waking.
These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction or serious illness.
Seek emergency medical care for a rash that does not fade when firmly pressed, especially if your child has a fever or appears very unwell.
You can check by pressing the side of a clear drinking glass against the spots.
Non-fading spots may look red, purple, or bruise-like.
On darker skin, check paler areas such as the palms, soles, or inside the eyelids.
Do not delay care to keep repeating this test.
And for anyone, someone who:
has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange urgent, same-day medical assessment if:
The skin is blistering, peeling, very painful, or rapidly worsening
The rash affects the eyes, lips, mouth, or genitals
A warm, swollen area is spreading or occurs with fever
Your child has a stiff neck, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or severe headache
A baby under 3 months has a temperature of 38°C or higher
The rash began after a new medicine and your child feels unwell
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine care, book an appointment if the rash lasts longer than expected, keeps returning, becomes infected, or interferes with sleep or daily activities.
Signs of infection include increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or yellow crusts.
And for anyone, someone who:
has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rash & other skin problems in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.