Rash - child under 2 years: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if your child has a rash with:

   • Severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, or swelling of the tongue
   • Unusual sleepiness, difficulty waking, confusion, or a seizure
   • A non-blanching rash and they appear seriously unwell
   • Rapidly spreading purple or bruise-like marks
   • Widespread blistering, peeling skin, or painful sores around the eyes or mouth

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent medical assessment the same day if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher.

   Also seek prompt care if your child has a rash with breathing changes, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, fewer wet nappies, severe pain, or a fever and is becoming less responsive.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if the rash keeps returning, is worsening, lasts longer than expected, disrupts sleep, or does not improve with simple skin care.

   A clinician should also assess yellow crusting, pus, increasing warmth, swelling, or tenderness, which can suggest infection.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rash - child under 2 years. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.