Questions on Skin

Viruses can trigger an immune response that attacks the platelets in the blood. Normal platelet levels vary and can be effected by viruses. When the response is severe it is called ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura). The red dots you describe are called petechiae. They are spots of blood. You may notice them on the back side of her knees and around the ankles too. Call your doctor and get her in for a blood test. (I'd do it now). Usually diagnosis will be made based on platelet count.

Typically ITP is a self limiting episode for children resolving within 4-6 months. A wonderful resource is www.PDSA.org. Treatments standards vary from doctor to doctor and country to country. In the US treatment to bring up the platelet level is common, in the UK they take a wait and see approach. My little boy got this at 3 1/2. He is okay now, but it was a scary time for me. Take a deep breath. It will most likely be just fine. If not today, then soon. Best wishes. Please let us know how it goes.

I would phone your doctors office and ask the nurse. Those could be signs of a deficiency or a secondary infection.

ALSO Fifth Disease has been making it's rounds...flu & bronchitis like symptoms, and then as the child gets well, they get a "slapped cheek" appearance. The slapped cheek bit doesn't generally happen until after they are no longer contagious, lasts for a WHILE, and then fades into a lacy looking rash, and then fades into their normal complexion.

The pinpricks don't sound like the typical redness...unless they all of a sudden start to take over her cheeks and chest. Just wanted to give you a heads up in case they DO.

Z

My 2 1/2 yr old son just got over an illness that developed into a rash all over his body and face. The doctor said he had a viral infection and the rash (pin prick dots) was his antibodies fighting the illness. The rash developed as he started to feel better. It's been a week and he still has some of the dots on his face only but feels and acts so much better. It may be the same with your daughter. If they continue to the point that you are concerned you might want to ask the doctor about it.

I would call the doc back today. All these people are right that the red spots could be from all the coughing, but the bruising (coupled with the red spots) might indicate low platelets. Also those dots can sometimes be associated with meningitis. This is potentially medically urgent and you should talk to someone with real medical knowledge right away to find out what to do (if anything)!

Good luck. I hope she continues to get better quickly.

The pin prick red marks on her face sound like petichiae. (may be spelled wrong) The marks are caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels. They are caused by heavy coughing and/or heavy crying. They are harmless but may indicate that your toddler may need cough medicine and/or be soothed more quickly when crying heavily.

The pale skin is common when children have been ill. As they heal their skin regains color. However, pale skin can be related to anemia as can bruising more easily. When my granddaughter's pediatrician said that she was anemic she also said anemia is fairly common in babies and toddlers. You could probably have a blood test without actually seeing the doctor. Call the office and ask. Once the results are in the office would call you and make an appointment if something needs correction.

If she is having this YOU should call you md

A petechia (pronounced [pɨˈtiːkiə]), plural petechiae (pɨˈtiːkɪiː) is a small (1-2mm) red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary blood vessels) [1]. The most common cause of petechiae is through physical trauma such as a hard bout of coughing, vomiting or crying which can result in facial petechiae, especially around the eyes.

Get her back to the DR.

sometimes after a child has run a temperature they get a rash called roseola it goes away

Someone else already mentioned this but for the bruising I would think that anemia (or low iron) might be the case. My son gets that way a little too after being sick. Try to feed her things with lots of iron...iron fortified cereals and pastas, spinich, red meat. You could also talk to your doctor about iron supplements. That should help her color and her energy level.