Ery-what????

Yes, Erythema Multiforme Minor. Oh, as if 'hand, foot, mouth disease' wasn't weird enough, our son had to have his illness transform into the above mentioned Erythema Multiforme Minor. It is a hypersensitivity rash. Whatever that means?!?!? As best I can recall from what I was able to understand of the doctor's explanation, it is a viral infection, much like hand, foot, mouth for which there is no treatment....simply treat the symptoms...LOTS of itching. The rash (as you can see from the pics) is fairly severe and can last up to two weeks. Upon asking the doctor how long we needed to keep K locked up, he said only until the end of the weekend. Oh, good, just three more days. AAAAUUGHGHGH!!!! And of course, there is the possibility that we can get this viral infection although he did say that the dad and I are less likely to get the rash. Ours would come in some type of stomach virus. Just what we need when we are about to embark on our cross-country road trip.

Oh yeah! And one more thing. It CAN be Erythema Multiforme MAJOR which is also sometimes called Stephen Johnson Syndrome. Great! If THIS is minor, I can't wait to see what the MAJOR might be. Actually, I will just read about it. According to the doc, it can involve severe complications including stomach problems, breathing issues, and worse.

Just wanted to keep anyone interested informed of the latest development. Strangely enough, the medications prescribed are Benadryl (no surprise) AND ZANTAC. Now that is weird. Something about even though Zantac is an antacid, it also treats H2 (I am not exactly certain what that is, but something to do with the antihistamine portion). Benadryl only treats H1. Okay, now that you are completely confused, as am I, just pray that the little boy gets well soon. I looked it up online and actually found the explanations even more confusing. Overall, K seems to feel well except for the itching.
The good news is that J went on a date with daddy tonight to a recital. She got all dressed up and looks gorgeous. Here's the proof that not all is lost at our home. Isn't she lovely? The boy and I are just hanging out doing non-itchy things. hehehehe