Allergy or infection?

Scarlett appears to not be in any immediate danger, but has 2 potentially significant things going on:

• An allergic reaction
• An infection

In both cases there is the potential for rapid deterioration.

If it is an allergic reaction this is not anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is better termed anaphylactic shock and this term gives you a bit of a clue as to how a child with this condition will present. They will often complain of abdominal pain, they may vomit, the rash may be accompanied by swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and they may have problems breathing due to bronchospasm. The shock bit is manifest by a fast heart rate and potentially low blood pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires intramuscular adrenaline.