Should I take her to the doctor?

[seaheroine]

DD1 has been sick the past three days -- a 103 fever, runny nose, coughing and red eyes. She is unvaccinated. This morning her fever broke but she now has a rash all over her body, especially on her groin area and stomach. She has maybe two spots on her face, it is largely unaffected. The rash itself looks like pictures of roseola...but her eyes are still red. Is it possible this is measles? She doesn't have a real rash on her face (yet).

I'm concerned that I should take her to the doctor for confirmation but don't want to expose anyone else's young baby to something serious, yk? Obviously, my MIL and parents want her to go in asap. WWYD?

[chaoticzenmom]

I wouldn't go to the dr if the fever broke. If the fever came back, then I would probably go in.

The rash is the last step in these childhood illnesses, so it seems to me like the worst is over.

How's the cough/runny nose? How is her energy?

[seaheroine]

Her energy is good and she seems to be in good spirits - much better than a few days ago, her eyes just look terrible. There's rash starting to appear on her hairline...almost mottled looking but not teeny tiny. Wish I could get a good pic, the flash whites it out too much to be visible.

[chaoticzenmom]

Looking up symptoms, it sounds more like the measles. I'd be taking pictures for documentation of having had the disease. All of mine have had Roseola and none of them had red eyes. The rash was concentrated on the tummy area and spread from there during the day.

[coh5108]

the red eyes may indicate measles, although measles rash is mottled and blotchy in nature and usually starts on the head/face and moves down and outwards...have you looked in her mouth...does she have koplick spots?? This is a definitive sign of measles, but not everbody gets them. I would not take her to the doctor unless complications arise. Id also be giving her some Vit A. Extra doses are safe for a short period of time and if it is mealses, this will severely deplete vit a stores which can result in complications.

I would also caution not to give any fever reducer, but you said it was gone anyway so that's good

[QueeTheBean]

I am not one to run to the doctor for myself or my kids, but just curious what are the reasons not to go in this case? My rule of thumb is always to at least call if my mama gut feels worried.

[coh5108]

Originally Posted by QueeTheBean

I am not one to run to the doctor for myself or my kids, but just curious what are the reasons not to go in this case? My rule of thumb is always to at least call if my mama gut feels worried.

well if it IS measles, then they could expose other children (not good). If it isn't and is just another viral infection (which is very well might be), her immune system is lowered and doctor's offices are notorious places to pick up germs/crap. She may go in and end up with a secondary infection from being exposed to some other kid in the waiting room. OP you could certainly discuss with your doc by phone if you were concerned and see what he/she has to say.

[ameliabedelia]

Could the red eyes be from the coughing?

[claddaghmom]

What do you mean by red eyes? Bloodshot?

What does the inside of her mouth look like? Swollen nodes? Red patches anywhere? Pus? Could she have scarlet fever from a strep throat?