[36F] With fever, malaise, runny nose, and rash with blisters

Patient Description

A 36-year-old female presents with a 2-day history of fever reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit, malaise, and runny nose. The patient has been managing the fever with ibuprofen, which has provided some relief. Additionally, there is a 4-day history of a rash with blisters around the mouth, which has begun to resolve over the past 2 days. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions, allergies, or other medications. No recent travel, exposure to sick individuals, or new foods were reported. The patient has not experienced difficulty breathing, signs of dehydration, or lesions in the mouth or throat.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, the following conditions might be possible:

  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: This is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, it can sometimes occur in adults. It is characterized by fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. However, you mentioned that there is no rash on your hands or feet, which is a common symptom of this disease.

    • Treatment usually involves managing symptoms, as the disease typically goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days.

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): This is a common viral infection that can cause cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. However, it usually doesn't cause a fever unless it's a primary infection (the first time you get the virus).

    • Treatment involves antiviral medications to help speed up the healing process and reduce the frequency of recurrence.

  • Impetigo: This is a bacterial skin infection that can cause red sores or blisters. It's more common in children but can occur at any age. A fever is not a typical symptom of impetigo unless the infection is severe.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics.

What you can do

  1. Continue to monitor your symptoms closely. If your fever continues to be high, persists for more than a few days, or is not relieved by ibuprofen, seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible to help your body fight off the infection.
  3. Avoid touching or scratching the rash or blisters to prevent the spread of infection.
  4. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading the infection.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Severe headache or neck stiffness
  • Confusion or altered mental status
  • Persistent high fever not relieved by medication
  • Rapid heart rate or chest pain
  • Rash spreading rapidly or becoming more painful

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and condition in person.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in adults?

In adults, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease can present with fever, sore throat, and a rash with blisters, typically on the hands, feet, and around the mouth. However, the rash may not always appear on the hands and feet in adults.

How can I differentiate between a cold sore caused by Herpes Simplex Virus and other types of mouth blisters?

Cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex Virus usually appear as clusters of blisters around the lips or mouth. They may be preceded by a tingling or burning sensation. Unlike other mouth blisters, cold sores are often recurrent and can be triggered by stress, illness, or sun exposure.

What are the typical treatments for impetigo, and how long does it take to heal?

Impetigo is typically treated with topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity. With treatment, the infection usually clears up within a week. It's important to keep the affected area clean and avoid touching the sores to prevent spreading the infection.

When should I seek medical attention for a high fever?

You should seek medical attention for a high fever if it persists for more than a few days, is not relieved by over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, or is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, confusion, or a rapid heart rate.

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