"Spots"

What started out this morning as a spot or two on Michaela's neck quickly became a rash that spread over her cheeks and arms. As I mentioned, she's had a cold for a couple of weeks but she developed a low grade fever two days ago and has not been her usual happy self. My first thought was "Oh no, what does poor Boo have now?" immediately followed by: "Yikes! is this contagious and will Emma come down with it too?"

A quick trip to the pediatrician suggests that this rash may be a reaction to the antibiotics Michaela has been taking for an ear infection. It is the first time she's ever been prescribed penicillin and she may be allergic to it. We were referred to a pediatric allergist, but unfortunately won't be able to have Michaela tested for a year or so. Apparently the product used to test for penicillin allergies was recalled by Health Canada some time ago and a new testing agent won't be available for a year (?!?). In the meantime, Michaela won't be given penicillin and we'll watch her closely for any other reactions. She's on Benadryl now and seems mostly unfazed by everything. As Michaela explained it, "I have to take special medicine 'cause I have spots." :)

Our doc. said there is also a slight possibility the rash is due to a viral illness, in which case Emma may also be affected. Ugh. Let's not even go there yet. :(