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A 27-year-old female asked about a female:
My daughter has a rash on her chest. sandpaper feel, itchy, with cough and chest congestion, no fever associated. although vague, what could this be?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Annie Mirandaanswered
Pediatrics 27 years experience
Scarlet fever ?: Sandpapery texture suggests scarlet fever - which is strep throat with a rash. But the cough and chest congestion make a viral rash more likely. Scarlet fever usually goes with a red sore throat and red lips and tongue, headache, stomach ache and fever. It's diagnosed with a throat culture. Otherwise, if it's a viral rash, there is not so much you can do.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Dariush Saghafi commented
Neurology 35 years experience
While on my pediatrics rotation as a resident in training I recall the attending telling us-- if it looks like the child got into mommy's purse, pulled out the lipstick, and maybe even swallowed it....it's scarlet fever...until proven otherwise! LOL....I've never forgotten that visual and have used it on many occasions to make a diagnosis and impress many of my pediatric colleagues! HAHA!
Feb 16, 2015

Dr. Carla L. Kinganswered
Pediatrics 25 years experience
Viral Exanthem: Most likely symptoms are related to viral illness but if she starts having a fever and sore throat then it could be scarlet fever related to Streptococcal infection. Finally the two symptoms could be unrelated with a common cold and dry winter skin or skin irritation from an agent contacting her skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 7, 2018
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