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Rashes, Widespread, Cause Unknown

TEMPORARY CARE - Pending Talking with Your Doctor

For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes which respond to cool baths.
For Itchy Rashes:
- Wash the skin once with soap to remove irritants.
- Then give your child cool baths without any soap 4 times per day for 10 minutes whenever the itch is uncomfortable. (Caution: Avoid any chill.)
- Follow with calamine lotion or a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water).
Contagiousness:
- Avoid contact with other children and especially pregnant women until a diagnosis is made.
- Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present).
- Your child can return to day care or school after the rash is gone or your doctor says it's safe to return with the rash.
Expected Course: Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.