NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil surged higher and showed no signs of halting its rapid climb a week after the U.S. and Israel launched major attacks on Iran that escalated into a war in the Middle East.
The conflict, in which nearly every country in the Middle East has sustained damage from missiles or drone strikes, has left ships that carry roughly 20 million barrels of oil a day stranded in the Persian Gulf, unable to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Gulf that is bordered on its north side by Iran.
The disruption and damage to key oil and gas facilities in the Middle East has led to an interruption in the supply of oil and gas.
Oil prices surpassed $90 a barrel Friday, with American crude settling at $90.90, up 36% from a week ago, and Brent, the international standard, climbing 27% over the course of the week to land at $92.69.
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The fallout is ratcheting up what consumers and business will pay for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, with some drivers already feeling it at the pump.
“It’s crazy. It’s not needed, especially at a time when people are already struggling, but not unexpected from all this turmoil that’s going on,” said Mark Doran, who was pumping gas in Middlebury, Vermont Friday. “I don’t think there’s been an end in sight to any Middle East conflict that’s been started by us, so the fact that they say that there’s going to be an end that quickly is not believable, and the Middle East is, you know, a place that the U.S. is not going to solve.”
On Monday, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. expected its military operations against Iran to last four to five weeks but has “ the capability to go far longer.” And on Friday, Trump appeared to rule out talks with Iran absent its “unconditional surrender.”
“The more news we get, the more it seems like this is going to last a really long time,” said Al Salazar, head of macro oil and gas research at Enverus.
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In the U.S., a gallon of regular gasoline rose to $3.41 on Saturday, up about 43 cents from a week ago, according to AAA motor club. Diesel was selling for $4.51 a gallon Saturday, up about 75 cents from last week.
The price shocks were felt even more heavily in Europe and Asia, markets that rely more heavily on energy supplies from the Middle East. Diesel prices doubled in Europe, and jet fuel prices rose by close to 200% in Asia, according to Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy.
Energy prices climbed throughout the week as Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks, including a drone strike on the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the conflict widened. Iran also hit a major refinery in Saudi Arabia and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Qatar, halting flows of refined products and taking about 20% of the world’s LNG supply offline.
“We keep seeing news of vessels being hit or refineries or pipelines, so the list is very long,” Galimberti said. As a result, roughly 9 million barrels of oil per day are off the market because of facilities being hit or producers taking precautionary measures, he said. “Right now, with all of this shut in, we are in a situation of extreme deficit.”
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The U.S. is a net exporter of oil, but that does not mean it is immune to increases in the price of oil or gasoline, or that its producers can just make up the difference.
Oil is traded on global markets, so even the oil produced in the U.S. has risen in price based on what’s happening in the Middle East. And for many American oil producers, “if you put more wells in the ground, there’s about a six-month lag before you get that production uplift,” Salazar said.
In addition, the U.S. can’t simply turn all of its crude oil into gasoline. That’s because most of the oil produced in the U.S. is light, sweet crude, and refineries on the East and West coasts are primarily designed to process heavier, sour crude. As a result, the U.S. exports some of its crude oil and imports some refined products such as gasoline.
Jerry Dalpiaz of Covington, Louisiana, said he started filling up his cars and gas cans on “the day that they announced that the United States has started military operations against Iran” because he assumed gas prices would climb.
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“I can weather the storm because I’m in good financial position, but I feel sorry for my fellow citizens who are living paycheck to paycheck because they have to drive to get to work and they have to change their oil and all those things,” Dalpiaz said. “And they need some relief and it doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon.”
Trump issued a plan Friday to insure losses up to approximately $20 billion in the Gulf region, aiming to restore confidence in maritime trade, help stabilize international commerce and support American and allied businesses operating in the Middle East.
But some energy experts said extra insurance won’t solve the problem.
“The problem is that in the oil trading, oil shipping world, people are worried about counterterrorism,” said Amy Jaffe, director of the Energy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University, adding that they’re worried about automated drone speedboats, weapon-carrying, flying drones and mines or other devices. “In order for the United States to create the atmosphere that undoes the current bottleneck at the Strait of Hormuz, there has to be some credible demonstration of solutions to the counter-terrorism problem.”
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Salazar wondered what the “new normal” would look like if the Strait of Hormuz was effectively re-opened, and what effective security would look like.
“All it takes is one individual with a RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) to stand on the shore and take out a tanker, right?” Salazar said. “And this is forever, do you know what I mean?”
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Associated Press journalists Amanda Swinhart in Middlebury, Vermont, Stephen Smith in Covington, Louisiana and Stan Choe in New York contributed to this report.
The property is entered via a porch that leads into the flagstone-floored hallway, off which is the sitting room with an open cast-iron fireplace with timber surround and granite hearth, plus an understairs cupboard.
Open cast-iron fireplace with timber surround and granite hearth (Image: GSC Grays)
Glazed double doors open from the sitting room into the breakfast kitchen, which is home to a comprehensive range of fitted units with granite worktops, integrated appliances, including a wine chiller, a Belfast sink, a central butcher-block-topped island which incorporates a motorised pop-up socket with wireless and USB charging, and tiled floors with underfloor heating.
Patio doors open from the dining area adjoining the kitchen into the rear garden.
Kitchen: Granite-topped units, butcher-block island, wine chiller, and patio doors to garden. (Image: GSC Grays)
Off the kitchen is a utility room and cloakroom, as well as the living room (also accessed from the hall) with exposed floorboards and a brick fireplace with inset solid fuel stove.
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Upstairs are a stylish family bathroom with a freestanding bath, a large walk-in shower and built-in units with a granite worktop, plus four bedrooms, which include the master with an en-suite shower room.
Dining room (Image: GSC Grays)
The second bedroom features a door leading to a staircase up to the loft, which offers an ideal space for additional storage or could be used as a hobby room or home office.
Rose Cottage sits in gardens laid mainly to lawn, with a patio to the rear, a gravelled area providing off-street parking, and a garage and workshop with a 7kW EV charger.
A planning application has been submitted for 1 Pembroke Terrace to convert the first floor and roof space into a five-person house in multiple occupation (HMO).
The plan includes internal and external works only affecting the upper unit of the building, as well as installation of five rooflights.
An example of the proposed bedrooms. (Image: Maine Blueprints/South Tyneside Council)
The ground floor unit, with separate access from Armstrong Terrace, will remain unchanged.
The proposal is intended to deliver high-quality shared accommodation aimed at working professionals and key workers.
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The internal reconfiguration plans of the first floor and roof space have been carefully designed to deliver a high-quality shared living environment aimed at working professionals, rather than traditional low-grade HMO accommodation,with each of the five bedrooms equipped with a private en-suite bathroom.
An example of the proposed en-suite bathrooms. (Image: Maine Blueprints/South Tyneside Council)
Residents will share a kitchen and dining space.
The roof space will be reconfigured to maximise existing space without increasing the building’s overall scale.
The proposed changes also include the installation of five low-profile rooflights, which aim to improve natural light and ventilation to the roof space.
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The proposal, aiming to enhance housing options within the area, assures no harm to the existing residential character or appearance of Pembroke Terrace.
Cllr Jack Symon, who represents Wheatlands ward in Redcar for the Tories, said he had paid a membership fee to join the “movement”.
The party was launched last month by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe, a former chairman of Southampton FC, and is understood to be in the process of being ratified by the Electoral Commission.
Cllr Symon said that because of this he could only sit as an independent for the moment on the council, although he expected this would change in a matter of weeks.
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The 24-year-old, who is an estate agent and was elected in 2023, claimed the reaction had been “quite positive” with residents who he had spoken to having been supportive of the move.
Cllr Symon said he had received some messages from Mr Lowe, the Great Yarmouth MP, who had a well-publicised falling out with Reform UK before leaving Nigel Farage’s party.
Asked why he did not join Reform UK – as many Conservatives have done – he said he “did not think they had what it takes to be unpopular”.
He said: “There is a bit of a daytime TV vibe to them, they are not quite serious enough and seem very showbiz.
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“Restore policy is member-led and they are very clear there will be ups and down.
“It’s very much a team effort.
“With Reform it is very personality-driven, very sort of glitz and glamour.”
Cllr Symon said he was unsure at the moment whether he would seek re-election in planned local elections in 2027, “but if he was it would be with Restore Britain”.
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He said: “There is lots to think about, I have a young family, and it’s whether I have the time commitments.”
In an open letter explaining events he said he resigned the Conservative whip after “careful thought and reflection”, but bore no ill will towards the party, members or fellow councillors.
He wrote: “I have reflected deeply on the future of our country and the kind of leadership and politics required to restore confidence, opportunity and national pride.
“I have come to believe that Restore Britain represents the clearest and most determined vision for a truly national restoration, rooted in sovereignty, fairness, accountability and support for our people.”
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Cllr Symon said “many decent, hardworking people across our communities feel increasingly unheard” and, regardless of political label, he would continue to work tirelessly on local issues.
Conservative group leader, Councillor Carolyn Curr said: “We thank Jack for what he has done with us and wish him well.”
Ian Huntley has died in hospital after he was attacked in prison on Thursday, February 26. The Soham Killer was attacked by an inmate with a metal bar in the workshop of HMP Frankland.
It was reported that Huntley’s life-support machine was switched off last night (Friday, March 7) after the 52-year-old suffered severe brain trauma during the attack. The former school caretaker was given a life sentence, which recommended he serve at least 40 years in prison for the murder of 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman on August 4 2002.
It is believed Anthony Russell, 43, had allegedly shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after Huntley was attacked. Russell is currently serving a whole-life sentence after murdering Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor. Russell had also raped Ms McGregor.
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Durham Constabulary has not named the suspect but has confirmed that a man in his mid-40s had been detained after the attack. An investigation is currently ongoing and a file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning.
“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26. A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”
Derry’s own SOAK will return to where it all began
An exciting new chapter for music in Derry will unfold this Easter with the launch of All Kinds of Everything, a brand-new festival which will celebrate the best new and essential music across all genres emerging locally, nationally and internationally.
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From April 2nd – 5th, events including concerts, film screenings, studio collaborations and discussions will take place at venues across Derry city centre including The Guildhall, The Nerve Centre, The Playhouse, Sandinos, The Guildhall Taphouse and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin.
All Kinds of Everything aims to build a new platform for music and culture in the city following the long-running success of Celtronic, and to bring fresh energy to Derry’s nightlife.
Among the artists confirmed for the 2026 programme includes Belfast DJ, composer and producer David Holmes, Welsh electronic artist Kelly Lee Owens, Belfast trio CHALK, internationally respected selector Gerd Janson, and Derry’s own SOAK, alongside a wide range of established and emerging artists from Ireland and beyond.
Among the artists confirmed is David Holmes, the Belfast DJ, producer and film composer whose career spans club culture, cinema and television.
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With five solo albums and more than 30 film and television scores to his name, Holmes has worked with artists including Noel Gallagher, Primal Scream and Manic Street Preachers, while his screen work includes Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven trilogy and dramas such as The Fall and Kin.
Spearheaded by Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard, CHALK have seen a rapid rise in recent years.
Between sold-out UK and European headline tours and support slots with the likes of IDLES and Fontaines D.C., they have built a devoted following through intense live performances with their debut album Crystalpunk due to be released this month.
Also joining the line-up is Gerd Janson, one of electronic music’s most respected DJs and producers.
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A familiar name to Derry audiences, Janson has spent decades playing clubs and festivals across the world, known for sets that move between house, techno, disco and rare grooves.
A resident at Frankfurt’s Robert Johnson and Berlin’s Panorama Bar, he previously featured on Celtronic line-ups that helped define the festival’s reputation for adventurous dance music.
SOAK will return to perform in the city where they first began writing and performing.
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One of Derry’s most celebrated musical exports, SOAK’s deeply personal songwriting and atmospheric sound have earned international recognition, including a Mercury Prize nomination, as well as winning the Choice Music Prize and NI Music Prize.
The wider line-up reflects the festival’s broad musical outlook, bringing together artists working across folk, hip-hop, rock, indie and experimental music.
Further Irish artists on the bill include singer-songwriters Sorcha Richardson and Niamh Regan. Derry trio PORTS will perform material from their recent album The Eyes of the Moon, while local band The Marra – praised by Noel Gallagher and championed by Paul Weller – continue to build a reputation as one of the most promising young acts to emerge from the city.
Also confirmed are Derry duo Tessio, experimental post-punk artist Autumns, and Americana-folk group DUG, whose debut album Have At It! was released last year on Claddagh Records.
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The festival will also welcome acclaimed author Irvine Welsh for a special appearance as part of the programme of conversations and screenings.
Welsh, whose debut novel Trainspotting became one of the defining books of the 1990s and later an iconic film adaptation by Danny Boyle, is the author of fourteen novels and remains one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British and Irish literature.
Tickets are now on sale for the events, including an all-access festival pass which grants entry to every event across the four-day programme. Tickets available at www.allkindsfest.com or via Eventbrite.
Former Manchester United star Juan Mata scored a stunning free-kick for Melbourne Victory in their 2-2 draw with Sydney FC in the A-League
Juan Mata has urged his ex-Manchester United colleague Bruno Fernandes to emulate his spectacular free-kick from his recent A-League match.
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Mata contributed to Melbourne Victory securing a draw in a 2-2 stalemate with Sydney FC on Saturday in Australia, scoring with a free-kick in the 34th minute.
Charles Nduka also found the back of the net for Victory, providing the visitors with a 2-0 advantage in Sydney.
The hosts responded with goals from Apostolos Stamatelopoulos and Ahmet Arslan, resulting in the points being shared at the Allianz Stadium.
Fernandes shared a video on his Instagram story of himself watching Mata score for Victory, joined by United teammate Harry Maguire, who participated in the celebrations.
The caption on Fernandes’ video read: “We just knew it that from right there he doesn’t miss right [Harry Maguire]?”
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Post-match, Mata was quizzed about Fernandes’ post following the final whistle in Victory’s draw with Sydney, and the former United star went on to issue a challenge to his old teammate.
“Yeah, well, I love them and I’m happy they follow the A-League, they follow our games,” Mata told the A-League official account. “And I hope that in the next game Bruno can score a similar goal.”
Fernandes and Mata were colleagues at United before the Spanish player departed Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer, subsequently signing with Galatasaray.
Following a stint in Japan with Vissel Kobe, Mata moved to Australia to join Western Sydney Wanderers in 2024 and then transferred to Melbourne last year.
The draw leaves Victory sitting fifth in the A-League standings, trailing third-placed Sydney FC by four points, whilst Newcastle Jets currently top the table, 11 points clear of Melbourne.
“When you are winning 2-0 away at Sydney FC, you feel that you are very close to winning a very important game,” Mata said.
“Unfortunately, we had five or 10 minutes of madness where they scored two and probably were on top and could have scored one or two more goals.
“But at least we took a point, but it’s bittersweet because when you’re winning 2-0 and not so long to go, you feel that you are close to winning.”
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Seven tries for Scotland in total on this most remarkable of days – here was the last of those from Tom Jordan
Luke Baker7 March 2026 16:21
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France still top of the table – but only just…
It is going to be some Super Saturday… France stay top of the table on points difference thanks to snatching a four-try bonus point but Scotland are now level on points with Les Bleus!
France, Scotland and Ireland are all in the title hunt heading into the final round of fixtures. Buckle up!
(Screenshot / BBC)
Luke Baker7 March 2026 16:10
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Sublime Scotland shatter France’s grand slam dreams on greatest Six Nations day
Scotland enjoyed perhaps their greatest Six Nations day as they shattered France’s grand slam dreams to throw the championship wide open.
The hosts were simply sublime in a remarkable 50-40 victory at Murrayfield, and will go to Dublin to face Ireland on the final day with a shot at the title.
There were seven tries in all from Gregor Townsend’s side, putting a previously unbeaten team most definitively to the sword with a scintillating display of attacking rugby.
Wings Darcy Graham and Kyle Steyn helped themselves to two tries apiece, with Finn Russell orchestrating matters superbly from fly half as the Scots crossed 50 against France for the first time.
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While Les Bleus did manage to secure a potentially vital four-try bonus point in defeat late on, the prospect of a grand slam-securing coronation in the tournament’s final fixture against England on “Super Saturday” was swept away.
Luke Baker7 March 2026 16:05
FULL-TIME! Scotland 50-40 France
Wow! Just wow! The most incredible game you’ll ever see.
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It ends with Scotland winning a 90-point thriller and bang in the title hunt. France’s late surge at least keeps them top of the table on points difference but Ireland, France and Scotland will all head to the final day dreaming of Six Nations glory
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker7 March 2026 16:01
TRY! Scotland 50-40 FRANCE (Thomas Ramos, 80 minutes)
Of course there’s time for another try and it takes the combined total to 90 points! The greatest match in Six Nations history?
Jalibert with the line break, bursting through a gap and he offloads to Thomas Ramos insupport for one final score under the sticks. Phew! Easy conversion to round things off
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Luke Baker7 March 2026 15:58
Scotland 50-33 France, 80 minutes
What a ludicrous game this has been. Final knockings now though
Luke Baker7 March 2026 15:57
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TRY! Scotland 50-33 FRANCE (Oscar Jegou, 79 minutes)
Still time for another French try from the claimed kick-off! Gorgeous hands in the 22, Bielle-Biarrey flipping the ball out of the tackle to Oscar Jegou on the left flank who gets round the outside and dots down for the score.
Josh Bayliss sent to the sin-bin for a foul in the build-up for good measure.
Luke Baker7 March 2026 15:56
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Scotland 50-26 France, 79 minutes
No scot claims the kick-off, it bounces loose and Jegou jumps on the ball
Luke Baker7 March 2026 15:54
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PENALTY! SCOTLAND 50-26 France (Finn Russell, 78 minutes)
It takes a minute off the clock AND brings up the half-century of points for Scotland against France for the very first time. So Finn Russell slots the three. He’s seven from eight from the tee.
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker7 March 2026 15:54
Scotland 47-26 France, 76 minutes
Scotland swarm forward and Nouchi is caught offside, so a penalty is coming. Sutherland carries but back for the penalty. Discussion between Russell and captain Tuipulotu over what to do – eventually they decide to go for the posts.
A ministry spokesperson said: “We have been bolstering our UK military presence in the Middle East since January, and we have already deployed capabilities to protect British people and our allies in the region, including Typhoons, F-35 jets, air defence systems and an extra 400 personnel into Cyprus.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden has made no secret of her feelings towards Phillip Schofield in recent years, following a reported fallout
Samantha Masters Content Editor
16:00, 07 Mar 2026
Amanda Holden humorously hit back at a Heart Radio listener this week after he mentioned Phillip Schofield. As part of the show’s celebrity name game, two players compete to name as many stars as possible, using a given pair of letters as the prompt.
During the game, a player named Ollie left Amanda squirming over his mention of her former co-star Phillip, from the letters P and S. After immediately hearing his name, the 55-year-old replied, laughing: “Oh, Ollie my favourite. Of all the names you could’ve come up with, Patrick Swayze, Ollie, at least!”.
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Amanda’s reaction comes just days after Phillip was mentioned live on-air again by her co-host Jamie Theakston. Ahead of The Brit Awards last weekend, the Britain’s Got Talent judge and Jamie were joined by host Jack Whitehall.
During their chat, she asked him whether he’d be sporting a “snappy pair of socks” like his father, to which he joked: “I’m not going to go too jazzy with the socks, you never want to be upstaged by a sock.”
Following his answer, she remarked: “Well, Jamie, I rest my case.” Confused by her statement, her fellow presenter replied: “What are you talking about? Children’s television? That wasn’t me, that was Phillip Schofield.”
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In response, she chuckled: “Oh god, please, let’s not mention that name on air, it’s a family show!”.
Amanda and Phillip’s apparent feud dates back to 2018 – four years after they presented This Morning together. When the opportunity arose to fill in for Holly Willoughby again, reports claimed he “actively campaigned” for Rochelle Humes to fill in for his co-star, instead of Amanda.
However, an ITV spokesperson subsequently refuted the reports, confirming that presenter decisions rest solely with producers. Phillip also tackled the rumours on social media, describing them as “hurtful and wildly untrue”.
While the Heart Radio host didn’t address the reports directly at the time, she has been open about her feelings towards him over the years. During a light-hearted game on Heart Radio in 2019 about three unwanted items in her home, she joked: “Spiders, flies and Phillip Schofield.”
Subsequently, she claimed that she’d attempted to arrange a face-to-face meeting with him over coffee but said he failed to respond. When questioned about her former colleague on the show, Amanda admitted: “I did offer to meet him for a coffee months ago, he didn’t reply to my text. What can I say?”.
Jamie remarked: “The olive branch had been extended,” to which she confirmed: “Oh, yes.”
‘That’s what you thought last time, but you were wrong,’ I insisted.
It was December 2025 and I’d brought my five-year-old son, Mylo, to hospital after discovering blisters around and inside his mouth.
I was terrified; I knew it was serious.
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But despite me sharing my fears that Mylo was seriously ill, the doctors wouldn’t believe me.
I broke down in tears of frustration. I knew my son, and I knewthere was something very wrong.
But they sent us home.
It started in November 2024 when Mylo woke up with blisters on his hands and mouth. The doctor thought it looked like Hand, Foot and Mouth disease – a common childhood illness – and advised paracetamol, Ibuprofen, and fluids.
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The following day, though, Mylo’s eyes were swollen and the blisters in his mouth were so sore he wouldn’t drink, so I took him to hospital.
Mylo was admittedfor three nights (they thought it was Hand, Foot and Mouth with a ‘super infection’ known as Gingivostomatitis), and given IV fluids and antiviral medication.
He seemed to improve; but as soon as we got home,his lips and eyes swelled back up, so he was re-admitted.
It started when Mylo woke up with blisters on his hands and mouth (Picture: Elaine Adams)
It’s a serious skin disorder; and that one cause for children can be cold- or flu-like infections.
Doctors said the best they could do was make Mylo comfortable and let the condition run its course.
He was seen by the eye doctors every day because, they said,the severe inflammation could lead to scarring, corneal damage, inward-turning eyelashes – and, at worst, even blindness.
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It didn’t bear thinking about.
I knew my son, and I knewthere was something very wrong (Picture: Elaine Adams)
It was horrific. I was so scared but tried to keep upbeat when I was with Mylo and only broke down in tears when I left the room. I didn’t want to show him how worried I was.
After five days, the swelling went down and we could take him home.
Fast forward 13 months – and in December 2025, Mylo was off school with a cough and cold.
Five days later, I noticed a blister on his lip. ‘I don’t like the look of that,’ I said to my partner, Chris, who reminded me that the doctors had suggested a recurrence was very unlikely. But within an hour, I noticed another blister inside Mylo’s mouth.
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That was it. A horrible sense of déjà vu hit me.
I wasn’t taking no for an answer, says Elaine (Picture: Elaine Adams)
We took Mylo to hospital; and that’s when I broke down in tears of frustration when the doctors insisted we go home.
‘This just isn’t right,’ I thought, desperately, as we drove away. Sure enough, Mylo’s temperature spiked that night; so, yet again, back to the hospital we went.
This time, I wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Luckily, doctors finally saw how unwell Mylo was and he was admitted.
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This time was much worse than the last. It was all utterly terrifying and my head was spinning.
Mylo tested positive for chickenpox, which doctors thought might have triggered the recurrence. His lips swelled and blistered so much that he couldn’t even drink water through a straw.
He couldn’t speak because of the blisters in his mouth, so our interactions were limited to nods or thumbs-up
The swelling and blisters covered his eyes and genitals.
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Chris and I stayed with him, as he was on morphine and with a nasal NG tube, which went through his nose and into his stomach to give him liquid food, and I held a bowl under his mouth to catch the drool that was pouring out. He couldn’t speak because of the blisters in his mouth, so our interactions were limited to nods or thumbs-up.
This time he was diagnosed with RIME, Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption, which closely mimics Stevens-Johnson syndrome and is usually triggered by an infection. These doctors couldn’t be sure, but they suspected Mylo had probably had RIME the year before, too.
Doctors were talking about putting him to sleep and cutting away the dead skin tissue because he had so much of it in his mouth and he didn’t seem to be improving. I was terrified.
This time he was diagnosed with RIME, Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption (Picture: Elaine Adams)
They didn’t need to do this in the end, though, because after six days, we started to notice a small improvement at last. Mylo started drinking liquids through a straw.
A few days later, Mylocame home.
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He was still covered in lesions and we had to use a little sponge to clean the debris from his lips, as well as give him steroids for his eyes until January; and we’ve had to go back to the hospital for monitoring every week.
We’re due to see a Paediatric Consultant in April for genetic testing, whichcould show if Mylo carries certain genes potentially making him more susceptible to this condition.
For now, Mylo’s back to normal – obsessed with playing football, and back at school with his mates. He hasn’t had any lasting damage.
But we have no clear answers about if or when this reaction might return. We’re giving him vitamins to support his immune system, tohopefully help to protect him against future viruses and infections, but we’re left living in a world of uncertainty, unsure if even a minor cold could trigger it again – which, for the average five-year-old, is very hard to avoid!
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But, while I’m nervous about Mylo being ill again, he needs to live his life. I would love to keep him at home and protect him but it’s not possible or practical – and we’re grateful to have our happy, healthy boy back.
When I look back at the pictures, it’s hard to believe how poorly Mylowas; but he was incredibly unwell, and I’m so thankful I kept pushing, taking him to the hospital again and again.
Now, I’m urging other parents to know they should always trust their instincts – because no one knows your child better than you.
I was sent home repeatedly, but I knew there was something wrong; and, as much as I wish it wasn’t the case, I was right.
