What Do Boils On Body Along With High Fever In A Child Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 11 Nov 2014

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

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 5 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My son 4+ years have boils on his body, head and mouth with high fever he say his head is aching
yesterday they were just 10 to 15 boils on body but today they have spread across.
we assumed it as chickenpox and took him to doctor yesterday morning , dosctor said its not chicken pox as fever was not there he gave allera, ATM 100 and CYP-L and for boils Lincal lotion(Calimine lotion)
But he has been having 102 to 103 fever consistantly, its been 48 hours now.
Kindly suggest

Answered by Dr. Arun (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
looks like viral infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.

From your description it looks like chickenpox or hand foot mouth or viral infection. Please describe the boils and send me some pictures if possible. It could be a viral infection like hand foot mouth disease which is very common nowadays.

You can continue the same treatment your doctor prescribed.
Fever will take one or two more days.
Dont worry.
Continue paracetamol for fever.
Ensure he drinks plenty of liquid s to keep him hydrated.
If rashes increase or fever doesn't settle im next 48 hours consult with your doctor again.

Wishing him speedy recovery.
Upload some pictures to confirm diagnosis.
Regards Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Arun (34 minutes later)

The Boils are almost round with water in it, They are spread across the body with many of them on Chest, Stomach, Back and Neck
there are few on face, legs and hands
some are small and some are as big as 1mm to 3mm few looks like just a mosquito bite, then they burst they are turning into a black spot.

Kids is well hydrated but less than the noraml time, he is active...prefering to eat cheese and Milk avoiding rice and dal, chapati.

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
could be chicken pox

Detailed Answer:
The lesions you described ( couldnt see any pictures though )
could be chickenpox.
Ask your doctor to confirm it by doing a Tzanck smear if needed.

Acyclovir can be used for 5 days if chickenpox is confirmed as it could reduce the duration of symptoms. This is a prescription medication and you will need a prescription for it.

Continue present diet and hydration.

Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj