High Fever, Redness All Over Body, Whiteness In Tongue, Mild Cough

Posted on Mon, 26 Mar 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 Answered on

Wed, 4 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My 4 year son has a fever starting two days ago it started at 104* up and down since then & is now at 100* and his body is red all over, my wife suggested that is was from the sun we live in Florida but when I had him at the pool he wears a tee shirt, hat with sunscreen. The redness is evenly spread all over his body with no bumps or blotches, his tongue is slightly white, slighy cough and no other symptoms .

Answered by Dr. Ketan Vagholkar (3 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
A high fever with a reddish discoloration given the circumstances is suggestive of a heat stroke. Please take him to an ER immediately so that prompt measures can be instituted. Till then, sponge him with cold water and give him plenty of fluids.
However, such a picture can also be produced by a viral infection. In this case also, he would need sponging and plenty of fluids. I would suggest you speak with your child's paediatrician so that the discoloration can be examined and appropriate treatment can be started.
I hope I have addressed your concerns.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli