What is the rash on my daughter's backside?

By Anonymous April 2, 2012 - 12:44pm

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My daughter (age 6) has had a reoccurring rash on her backside since she was about 2 1/2. It is painful and is red with small, crusty bumps. It usually occurs every few months or so, with no apparent catalyst. It seems to lie dormant and then when it comes back, it appears in the same pattern as before, more or less. We've seen multiple doctors with no answer, and the creams that we've been prescribed only burn and make the problem worse. One doctor even told me to add bleach to her bath water!

Any idea what this could be? I've considered shingles, although I know that that condition is usually more common in older people. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

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Maryann Gromisch RN Guide

Hello Anonymous,

I think you are on the right track. It sounds like your daughter may have a pediatric herpes simplex virus infection.

After the initial infection, the herpes virus become latent (dormant or hidden). Reoccurence occurs when the virus travels along nerves, reproduces and produces lesions or the rash. Lifelong latency and reoccurences are hallmarks of a herpes simplex virus infection.

Most primary herpes simples virus infections occur in infancy and childhood and are transmitted primarily by contact with infected saliva. A kiss from an infected family member could have transmitted the virus to your daughter.

The diagnosis is most often made by isolating the virus in tissue cultures. Specific medical therapy of herpes simplex virus infections involves the use of antiviral medication.

I hope that this information is helpful to you in finding the cause and treatment of your daughter's recurring rash.

Maryann

April 2, 2012 - 4:52pm