There are a variety of causes that could produce a rash with vomiting. Possible issues could indicate allergic reactions or food poisoning. Other possibilities include meningitis, scarlet fever, and fifth disease, as well as Reyes syndrome, porphyria, or an acute adrenal crisis. Skin infections like erysipelas may cause vomiting accompanied by a rash, as can Ebola hemorrhagic fever and hookworm. Always consult a doctor to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Food allergies can cause vomiting after meals, plus a rash around the mouth, the knees, or elbows, or on the back of the neck. Children often suffer from undiagnosed allergies to common foods. This kind of allergic reaction sometimes includes throat swelling and difficulty breathing.
Scombroid poisoning, a type of bacterial food poisoning from improperly preserved fish, may cause a rash with vomiting. Patients may also experience abdominal cramps and headache. Treatment for this condition includes induced vomiting, diphenhydramine, and ranitidine, as prescribed by a doctor.
Meningitis, or inflammation of the tissue around the spinal cord and brain, may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It affects people of all ages, but is particularly dangerous to babies and toddlers. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, and headache, accompanied by a pinprick or blister-like rash that does not fade when pressed. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment, but can be prevented by vaccines.
Scarlet fever produces a scarlet rash on the neck, face, and torso, spreading over time. Accompanied by fever and symptoms similar to those of strep throat, this condition occurs most often in children. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy, humid air, and rest.
Fifth disease is a condition caused by human parvovirus B19 and often affects children. Symptoms include a bright red facial rash with vomiting, fever, and joint paint. The disease is not serious and requires little treatment in children, but can harm the fetus when contracted by a pregnant woman.
Reyes syndrome describes sudden damage to the brain and liver, often with no discernible cause. It can be triggered by aspirin in young children. Symptoms include vomiting for hours at a time, confusion, and lethargy, and a chicken pox-like rash. This condition is serious and irreversible, and there is no standard treatment.
In patients with porphyria, the body does not produce blood hemoglobin correctly. This results in neurological and muscular problems, light sensitivity resulting in rashes and scarring, and abdominal paint with cramps and vomiting. This disease must be treated by a doctor and often recurs later in life.
An acute adrenal crisis occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortizol. This can cause skin lesions or a rash with vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue. This serious condition requires immediate injection with hydrocortisone and can be life-threatening.
Erysipelas is a skin infection that produces painful lesions and sores, accompanied by fever and vomiting. Doctors treat this condition with antibiotics, administered intravenously in severe cases. Untreated erysipelas can cause death.
Ebola hemorrhagic fever produces severe, life-threatening symptoms in humans and other primates. Originally from Africa, this disease starts with vomiting, aches, and malaise, escalating to a bloody rash, seizures, and possible coma. This condition kills about 90% of affected patients, but is relatively rare.
Hookworms are tiny roundworms that live in the lungs and small intestine. They cause intestinal problems, vomiting, and fever, and may produce an itchy rash. Untreated hookworm can cause death, but treatment with anti-parasitic drugs usually produces a full recovery.
As always, it is extremely important to contact your primary care physician if you have a rash with vomiting that does not go away. There are a variety of causes for these symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening. Emergency care may be warranted if these two indications are accompanied by any other severe symptoms.
