Fever and bumps: what to check

Bumps under the jaw or in the neck, armpit or groin may be lymph nodes responding to infection. Bumps on the skin may be insect bites, inflamed follicles, hives, chickenpox spots or a local skin infection. Cellulitis commonly presents with red, warm, swollen, tender skin rather than a single isolated lump. A cough, sore throat, runny nose or mouth sores can point towards a respiratory or viral illness.

Do not squeeze, puncture or repeatedly press the bumps. Note whether they are itchy, painful, soft, firm, clustered, blistered or surrounded by redness, and whether they appeared before or after the fever.

Measure the temperature, offer regular fluids and use light clothing. Wash the area gently and keep broken skin clean. Avoid sharing towels if the bumps are blistering or oozing. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable fever relief after checking age, pregnancy, allergies and other medicines.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for rapidly enlarging redness, severe pain, pus, red streaks, swelling near an eye, or fever that continues or returns. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, confusion, collapse, a stiff neck, or a purple rash that does not fade when pressed. Children who are difficult to wake or are drinking very little need urgent attention.

Ask what the bumps represent, whether the skin needs treatment, how to monitor them, and which changes mean you should return urgently.