American Bully Dog Breed Information and Characteristics

My Grandson Has A Rash - Is This Normal?

The original throat infection which your grandson suffered with at seven months of age would most likely have been caused by a virus infection and he would have recovered without any treatment. Occasionally sore throats are caused by a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.

The commonest bacterium to produce a sore throat is the group A beta haemolytic streptococcus. Sometimes doctors take a throat swab to see this is the cause of a sore throat sore throat before starting antibiotics.

If your grandson's sore throat was due to the beta haemolytic streptococcus the same bacterium could also have been responsible for the rash on his cheeks.

Scarlet fever used to be a common childhood illness but is rarely seen these days. The rash is due to a toxin produced by the bacterium and appears two to three days after the onset of the sore throat and fever.

The rash would usually start in his armpits and groin and then spread to his trunk, limbs and face. It typically leaves a whitish area around his mouth. After a week the rash fades, although his face could appear red from time to time if he was hot.

Erysipelas is another infection caused by the same bacterium which causes redness and swelling of the skin with a clear raised irregular margin. It usually affects the area around the belly button in infants but can involve the cheeks or hands and feet.

Like scarlet fever, erysipelas is rarely seen these days, perhaps because so many infections are treated early with antibiotics and the nature of the bacterium itself has changed.

If your grandson never received antibiotics at the time of his sore throat his GP might consider giving him a course of penicillin or a similar antibiotic now to clear any possible beta haemolytic streptococcus infection.

As I mentioned earlier it is much more likely that your grandson¿s sore throat was caused by a virus. His own immunity would have fought off this infection.

Sometimes children can develop sensitive skin on their cheeks after such an infection which can react to excessive heat or cold, water or soaps (eg at bath time) by becoming red, sore or dry. Although this is not strictly eczema your grandson's skin can behave in a similar way to skin with eczema.

It responds well to treatments used for eczema such as moisturisers or emollients (eg aqueous cream or diprobase cream) and avoiding things that seem to bring it on.

Do not use steroid creams (eg hydrocortisone or betnovate) on his face. Although they might reduce the redness they can thin his skin and lead to discolouration.

Your grandson's face will almost certainly improve over the next month without any treatment. If it seems to be getting worse ask his GP to refer him to a dermatologist for a specialist opinion.

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Everything You Need To Know About Rashes

A rash is any area of irritated or swollen skin on your body. Rashes are often itchy and painful and can appear differently on different skin tones. While they are often described as red, on darker skin tones, they may be purple, gray, or white.

Rashes have a variety of causes, from bites to chickenpox to serious conditions like drug allergies. Seek medical attention if home remedies do not help or if you also have symptoms such as fever or dizziness.

There are many different causes of rashes. Here's a list of 22 potential causes with pictures.

Fleabites

usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet

itchy, small red bumps on lighter skin tones and more plum-like in color on darker skin tones

symptoms begin immediately after being bitten

Read the full article on fleabites.

Fifth disease

symptoms include headache, fatigue, low fever, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, and nausea

children are more likely than adults to experience a rash

round, bright red rash on the cheeks, but it may be less noticeable on darker skin tones

usually after the face rash, a lacy-patterned rash may appear on the arms, legs, and upper body and might be more visible after a hot shower or bath

Read the full article on fifth disease.

Rosacea

chronic (long-term) skin disease that goes through cycles of fading and relapse

relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori

the four subtypes of rosacea encompass a wide variety of symptoms

common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity

on darker skin tones, brown or yellowish-brown bumps may appear, and the rash can have a dusky coloration

Read the full article on rosacea.

Impetigo

most common in children 2-5 years old, but can happen at any age

often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose

irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust

can also appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones

Read the full article on impetigo.

Ringworm

itchy, circular scaly patches with raised borders

on lighter skin tones, the patches can appear pink or red

on darker skin tones, the patches can appear gray or brown

skin in the middle of the ring appears clearer, and the edges of the ring may spread outward

Read the full article on ringworm.

Contact dermatitis

appears hours to days after contact with an allergen

has visible borders and typically appears where your skin touched the irritating substance

on lighter skin tones, it can appear red

on darker skin tones, it may be less noticeable

may have blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty

typically itchy, scaly, or raw

Read the full article on contact dermatitis.

Allergic eczema

may resemble a burn

often found on hands and forearms

skin is itchy, scaly, or raw

may have blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty

on lighter skin tones, it can appear red

on darker skin tones, it can cause darker brown, purple, or gray patches

Read the full article on allergic eczema.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

usually affects children under age 5

painful, red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums

flat or raised red spots located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

on darker skin tones, it can be skin-colored or grayish-brown

spots may also appear on the buttocks or genital area

Read the full article on hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Diaper rash

located on areas that have contact with a diaper

skin looks red, wet, and slightly lighter or darker than typical skin color

may be warm to the touch

Read the full article on diaper rash.

Eczema

dry, rough, flaky, inflamed, and irritated skin

affected areas may be red and itchy

hair loss may occur in the area with the rash

on darker skin tones, it can appear as darker brown or gray patches

Read the full article on eczema.

Psoriasis

scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches

on darker skin tones, it may look darker than the surrounding skin or it might appear purple

commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back

may be itchy or asymptomatic

Read the full article on psoriasis.

Chickenpox

clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body

on darker skin tones, it can be red, the same as the natural skin tone, or a little darker; scabs can appear gray

rash is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite

remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over

Read the full article on chickenpox.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

an autoimmune disease that displays a wide variety of symptoms and affects many body systems and organs

a wide array of skin and mucous membrane symptoms that range from rashes to ulcers

classic butterfly-shaped face rash that crosses from cheek to cheek over the nose

can appear bright red on lighter skin tones

on darker skin tones, it may appear red, brown, or darker than the original skin color

rashes may appear or get worse with sun exposure

Read the full article on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

painful rash that may burn, tingle, or itch, even if there are no blisters present

clusters of fluid-filled blisters that break easily and weep fluid

rash emerges in a band-like pattern that appears most commonly on the torso, but may occur on other parts of the body, including the face

may be accompanied by low fever, chills, headache, or fatigue

Read the full article on shingles.

Cellulitis

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin

tends to be red or pink

it may appear less obvious on darker skin tones and can also look brown, gray, or purple

painful, swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly

hot and tender to the touch

might be a sign of serious infection requiring medical attention

Read the full article on cellulitis.

Drug allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

mild to severe itchy, red rash may occur days to weeks after taking a drug

severe drug allergies can be life threatening, and symptoms include rash, blisters, hives, racing heart, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing

other symptoms include fever, stomach upset, and tiny purple or red dots on the skin

Read the full article on drug allergies.

Scabies Share on PinterestScabies is an itchy skin infestation with mites. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

symptoms may take 2-5 weeks to appear

extremely itchy rash with small bumps that may be scaly

raised, white, or flesh-toned lines

Read the full article on scabies.

Measles

symptoms include fever, sore throat, red watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose

depending on skin tone, the rash may be red, skin-colored, or darker than the natural skin color

the rash spreads from the face down the body 3 to 5 days after first symptoms appear

tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background can appear inside the mouth

Read the full article on measles.

Tick bite

painless and causes only minor signs and symptoms, such as a change in skin color, swelling, or a sore on the skin

rash, burning sensation, or blisters

difficulty breathing, which requires immediate medical attention

the tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time

bites rarely appear in groups

may look like a target, circular, expanding — 70-80% of people with Lyme disease will have this rash

Read the full article on tick bites.

Seborrheic eczema

yellow or white scaly patches that flake off

affected areas may be red — though they may appear faint on darker skin tones —, itchy, greasy, yellowish or white patches

hair loss may occur in the rash area

Read the full article on seborrheic eczema.

Scarlet fever Share on PinterestChild with scarlet fever rash and rosy cheeks badobadop, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

occurs at the same time as or right after a strep throat infection

rash is made up of tiny bumps that make it feel like "sandpaper"

bright red tongue

people with lighter skin tones can have a bright red rash all over the body (but not on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet)

on people with darker skin tones, it may be more difficult to see the rash, but their skin will have a sandpaper-like texture

Read the full article on scarlet fever.

Kawasaki disease

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

usually affects children under age 5

red cracked lips, swollen tongue (strawberry tongue), high fever, swollen red palms and soles of the feet, swollen lymph nodes, bloodshot eyes

can be harder to recognize on darker skin tones

may cause severe heart problems

Read the full article on Kawasaki disease.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common causes of rashes. This type of rash occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. The resulting rash may be itchy, red, or inflamed.

Possible causes of contact dermatitis include:

Medications

Taking medications may also cause rashes. They can form as a result of:

Other causes

Other possible causes of rashes include the following:

A rash can sometimes develop in the area of a bug bite, such as a fleabite. Tick bites are of particular concern because they can transmit disease.

Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a rash that may be more common in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is often reddish, though it can be skin-colored or darker on people with darker skin tones. It can be itchy with a scaly texture.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can cause a scaly, itchy, red, or purplish rash to form along the scalp, elbows, and joints.

Seborrheic eczema is a type of eczema that most often affects the scalp and causes redness, scaly patches, and dandruff. It can also occur on the ears, brows, or nose. When babies have it, it's known as cradle cap.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can trigger a rash on the cheeks and nose. This rash is known as a "butterfly," or malar, rash.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of unknown cause. There are several types of rosacea, but all are characterized by redness and rash on the face.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a distinctive ring-shaped rash. The same fungus that causes ringworm on the body and the scalp also causes jock itch and athlete's foot.

Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in infants and toddlers. It can be associated with prolonged exposure to a wet diaper.

Scabies is an infestation by tiny mites that live on and burrow into your skin. It causes a bumpy, itchy rash.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. It usually appears as a red, swollen area that is painful and tender to the touch. If left untreated, the infection causing the cellulitis can spread and become life threatening.

Causes of rashes in children

Children are particularly prone to rashes that develop as a result of illnesses:

Chickenpox is caused by a virus, and the rash is characterized by small itchy bumps and blisters that form all over the body.

Measles is a viral respiratory infection that causes a widespread rash consisting of itchy, red bumps.

Scarlet fever is an infection due to group A Streptococcus bacteria that produces a toxin, causing a bright red or skin-tone-colored, sandpaper-like rash.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can cause red lesions on the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.

Fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a red, flat rash on the torso, arms, and legs.

Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness that triggers a rash and fever in the early stages and can lead to heart complications.

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that causes an itchy, crusty rash and yellow, fluid-filled sores on the affected area, such as the face, neck, or hands.

You can treat most contact rashes, but it depends on the cause. Follow these guidelines to help ease discomfort and speed up the healing process:

Use mild, gentle cleansers instead of scented bar soaps.

Use warm water instead of hot water for washing your skin and hair.

Pat the rash dry instead of rubbing it.

Let the rash breathe. If it's possible, avoid covering it with clothing.

Stop using new cosmetics or lotions that may have triggered the rash.

Apply unscented moisturizing lotion to areas affected by eczema.

Avoid scratching the rash because doing so can make it worse and could lead to infection.

Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort. Calamine lotion can also help relieve rashes from chickenpox, poison ivy, or poison oak.

Take an oatmeal bath. This can soothe the itchiness associated with rashes from eczema or psoriasis. Here's how to make an oatmeal bath.

Wash your hair and scalp regularly with dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff along with a rash. Medicated dandruff shampoo is commonly available at drugstores, but your doctor can prescribe stronger types if you need them.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Talk with a healthcare professional, who may recommend OTC medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat mild pain associated with the rash.

Avoid taking these medications for an extended period because they can have side effects. Ask a healthcare professional how long it's safe for you to take them. You may not be able to take them if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of stomach ulcers.

Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn't go away with home remedies. You should also contact them if you're experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.

If you don't already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience a rash along with any of the following symptoms:

increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area

tightness or itchiness in the throat

difficulty breathing

swelling of the face or limbs

fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

confusion

dizziness

severe head or neck pain

repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Contact a healthcare professional if you have a rash as well as other systemic symptoms, including:

joint pain

a sore throat

red streaks or tender areas near the rash

a recent tick bite or animal bite

Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and inspect your rash. Expect to answer questions about your:

rash

medical history

diet

recent use of products or medications

hygiene

Your healthcare professional may also:

take your temperature

order tests, such as an allergy test or complete blood count

perform a skin biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue for analysis

refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, for further evaluation

Your healthcare professional may also prescribe medication or medicated lotion to relieve your rash. Most people can treat their rashes effectively with medical treatments and home care.

Follow these tips if you have a rash:

Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.

Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.

Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn't go away with home treatments. You should also contact them if you're experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.

Carefully follow any treatments your doctor prescribes. Speak with a healthcare professional if your rash persists or worsens despite treatment.

How can I identify my rash?

It's not so easy to identify a rash. Rashes can present as splotches, bumps, or blisters. They can be itchy, scaly, and red, and some may look different on different skin tones. They may develop in one specific area of the skin or all over the body. They may disappear and reappear randomly, or stay indefinitely. A board-certified dermatologist can help you identify your rash and recommend the right treatment.

What are the 5 types of rashes?

There are many types of rashes, many of which have sub-types. Broadly speaking, rashes can be split into those caused by infection, allergic reactions, environmental irritation, irritation from plants, and those caused by autoimmune conditions.

What is the fastest way to get rid of a rash?

There are several home remedies you can try that might help you relieve discomfort from a rash. That said, the treatment and timing of healing depends on the cause. Consult with a dermatologist to determine what rash you have and what treatment you need.

Rashes are areas of irritated or swollen skin. These areas may become itchy, painful, or dry out.

Skin discoloration is a common rash symptom, which can present differently on different skin tones. Rashes may appear red or pink on lighter skin tones, while on darker skin tones they may be purple, gray, or white.

Read the article in Spanish.

Why Does My Dog Nibble On Me? Vets Reveal What Those Little Love Bites Mean

Dogs are constantly keeping us entertained. Whether they're chasing their own tails, barking at their own reflection or twitching in their sleep, they always seem to keep us confused and laughing at the same time. Another common but odd dog behavior is when they use their front teeth to gently bite you. And if you've ever wondered "Why does my dog nibble on me?", you're not alone. That's why we went to the animal experts to get the answer. Keep scrolling to find out what your pup is trying to tell you.

Why does my dog nibble on me?

Just like humans, dogs are complex creatures, and their behaviors might have different meanings behind them. Here's what they may be saying with those nibbles, according to vets:

1. "You're my favorite!"

Tour dog's little bites might actually just be love nibbles. This behavior is also called "cobbing" because it visually resembles humans nibbling corn off of a corn cob. "Dogs often nibble on their loved ones as a way to show affection," says Dr. Alex Crow MRCVS from Pet Health Guru. "This is a natural behavior that they learn from their mothers as puppies."

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But why do they nibble as puppies? It's a form of communication between mothers, puppies and their puppy siblings. "As puppies, they would gently nibble on each other during play," explains Dr. Mollie Newton, DVM and founder of PetMe Twice. "It's a sign of affection and bonding." So if your dog is nibbling on you, she views you as one of her pack and wants to express that she trusts you. Aww!

2. "Pay attention to me!"

What do you do when your dog nibbles on you? You probably turn to them and give them attention — which is exactly what they're looking for. They know a gentle nibble will get some interaction from their favorite human. Observe the context of the situation and their body language to determine the reason they want your attention. "If your dog is nibbling on you while wagging her tail and jumping around, she's probably trying to get you to play," says Dr. Crow. If you have food in your hand, she may be ever so politely asking you to share.

3. "I'm feeling anxious"

Another reason your dog might be nibbling on you is because they're feeling nervous or unsettled. "Nibbling is a way for dogs to relieve stress and self-soothe," explains Dr. Crow. Because it's a comforting behavior from their puppyhood, your dog may be trying to calm themselves down.

Observe her body language — are they relaxed? Are the nibbles slow and gentle, or are they persistent? If your dog is rigid, has their ears pinned back, is nibbling persistently, shaking or showing the whites of her eyes, they may be trying to tell you they'r anxious or uncomfortable. Try to see what is causing her pain or fear and remove them from the situation. (Think it might be a tummyache? Click through to see the foods that are good for dogs with an upset stomach.)

Do some dogs nibble more than others?

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While all dogs may potentially nibble, the behavior is more common in puppies and young dogs than adults. "Most adult dogs will not nibble; instead, they've learned that humans tolerate licking much better," says Dr. Linda Simon, MVB, MRCVS and on the veterinary consult team for Try Fetched. (Click through to learn more about why dogs lick your feet.)

When nibbling is a concern

Gentle nibbling typically isn't a sign of a problem. If there's a change in your dog's nibbling habits, however, it's worth consulting a professional. "If the behavior is becoming obsessive, where your dog does it nonstop, it may be time to speak to a veterinary behaviorist," says Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover.

And if the behavior is becoming more aggressive or painful, take your dog to a veterinarian or behaviorist. You might assume they're trying to play, but without intervention, unwarranted aggression can become dangerous for you and your dog.

How to make your dog stop nibbling on you

As cute as love nibbles are, you might prefer your dog express their affection in other ways and want them to stop. Don't get angry at them, though. "Remember, they do not know what we expect from them and may think we are happy for them to nibble on our clothes and skin," says Dr. Simon.

To gently get your dog to stop nibbling on you, first get to the root cause of their nibbling. If they're anxious, see if there's something in the environment or on their body that's making them feel uncomfortable. If they're seeking attention, they might be bored — redirect their behavior and distract her. "Try to give your dog a soft toy and see if she will transfer the nibbling behavior to the toy," suggests Ellis. "Get your dog focusing on something else — do some training together, or offer an interactive toy."

Once you've successfully redirected them from nibbling, show them you approve. "Reward your dog with a 'yes!' Immediately after, give her a high value treat. Something like chicken or sausage works well," says Dr. Simon. "The key here is that we need to do this every time they stop nibbling and do something we'd rather they do instead. Make sure everyone in the home is on board and training in the same manner." Repetition and consistency are key in training your pup.

Videos of dogs giving 'love nibbles' to make you smile

Keep scrolling for some adorable videos of dogs giving affectionate love nibbles to their humans.

1. German shepherd love nibbles

This sweet pup is cobbing and singing at the same time to express her love!

2. Golden retriever nibbles

This precious pooch is going to town nibbling her human's foot! We hope the owner knows by now how flattered they should be…

3. Pitbull nibbles, also known as 'pibble nibbles'

"Pibble nibbles," or the Internet's way of saying "pitbull nibbles," are super cute. Look at this sweet bully nibble her favorite blanket.

4. Best friends nibbling

This pup is giving love nibbles to her best friend — a patient ginger kitty! We love how much the cat seems to understand the sweet intentions behind it.

5. Shoulder nibbles

This dog has chosen to nibble her owner in the car. A little random, but a lot cute.

Click through to learn more fun facts about dogs:

Dog Zoomies: Vets Explain What Makes Your Pup Go Absolutely Bonkers

Do Dogs Dream? Vets Reveal What All That Twitching in Their Sleep Really Means

Why Dogs Chatter Their Teeth — Vets Reveal the Reasons And They're Totally Relatable

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