Suggest Treatment For Rashes On The Abdomen Of An Infant

Posted on Sun, 30 Oct 2016

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

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 Answered on

Thu, 17 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
I have a 10 month old boy baby. Yesterday morning I found tiny rashes on his skin ( on the top right corner of the abdomen. Today morning when I checked, it has spread further to the back and the ones that were there yesterday have got extremely small black heads now. I am very worried as no doctor is currently available in the locality due to weekend and Diwali. Please suggest what needs to be done.
I have attached images of the rash.
Thanks & Regards,
Tiasha

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. I have checked the attached image and the rash clearly seems to be due to Herpes. You will have to be patient and wait for it to crust off. He should be fine thereafter. You may give paracetamol for pain.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (58 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor. I also want to know the following:
1. What's the treatment for it?
2. How long can it take to cure?
3. What side effects it can cause and What precautions I should take to prevent him from catching any other infection
4. Food wise what can I give him and what should be avoided

Please reply. Thanks a lot in advance.
Regards,
Tiasha

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Questions answered one by one

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

1. As I mentioned, it is a self limiting infection and does not need to be treated (even though antivirals can be given). Management is supportive and consists of managing the symptoms.
2. It usually takes about a week for recovery. Please note that the virus remains in the nerve endings for the rest of life. So, in case of depression of immunity due to any reason, subsequent flare ups in the same region can occur.
3. No specific precautions. Just maintain overall hygiene and eat wholesome food
4. Nothing specific to be avoided. Cold temperatures however needs to be avoided.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (25 hours later)

Thanks a lot doctor. I took my baby to a dermatologist and informed her about your advice. She has asked me to give Zovirax Suspension 400 mg 2.5 ml 4 times a day for 5 days and calpol suspension 1 ml twice a day for 3 days and Fucidin cream to be applied in the rashes morning and night. In this regard, I have a last question which I request you to kindly answer. Is the medication ok and safe for the age of my infant? He will complete 10 months on 7th November.
Best Regards,
Tiasha

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Safe

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Given in appropriate dose the medicine is safe. You can feel free to give it although I hardly expect a difference. In case of such an infection, if antivirals are given, they should actually be given intravenously (which is not being done here). Anyway, you need not worry. At least no harm is expected.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar