J.K. asks from Brea, CA on March 26, 2008
4.5 Month Old Has Bumpy Rash- Dr Doesn't Know What's Wrong...
On Saturday I noticed that my son's elbows were very bumpy- and they had these dry, small (like the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen), pimple-like pink spots clustered around his elbows. On Sunday night I noticed the bumps were on the backs of his calves too. Yesterday morning the spots were all over his tummy and lower back. He is not running a fever. He is exclusively breastfed as he has been from birth. I have not changed detergents, my diet, etc. The Dr. ruled out most/all childhood diseases because he does not act "sick" nor does he have a fever. Basically the Dr. said he suspected a virus or allergy caused this, and gave me some hydrocortosone lotion- and told me to wait and watch. Could this be heat rash?? (even though the Dr. said no to that one)....exzema? please help. Thank you
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S.K. answers from San Diego on March 26, 2008
A good friend of mine has an adopted daughter who arrived with a very similar rash - even the same areas on her body. My friend's husband is a family physician who focuses on pediatrics. It finally came down to eczema without a known allergen. So their solution is to slather Eucerin or Aquaphor on their daughter a couple of times daily and it keeps the skin problems at bay and the baby (now 18 months) has healthy, glowing skin. Originally they wanted to avoid using too many medicated ointments, etc., because they didn't know their baby's genetic history or possible allergies. The simplest response ended up being the best for the long-haul. Just a thought.
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C.M. answers from Los Angeles on March 26, 2008
My son had the same thing when he was around that age, and he eventually got it on his face also - the outcome was exzema and they game me cream for his "rash" eventually it did go away without applying to much of the cream.
S.K. answers from San Diego on March 26, 2008
A good friend of mine has an adopted daughter who arrived with a very similar rash - even the same areas on her body. My friend's husband is a family physician who focuses on pediatrics. It finally came down to eczema without a known allergen. So their solution is to slather Eucerin or Aquaphor on their daughter a couple of times daily and it keeps the skin problems at bay and the baby (now 18 months) has healthy, glowing skin. Originally they wanted to avoid using too many medicated ointments, etc., because they didn't know their baby's genetic history or possible allergies. The simplest response ended up being the best for the long-haul. Just a thought.
Z.S. answers from Los Angeles on March 27, 2008
Hi J.,
It sounds like eczema. My son has had this since he was about 8 months (now he's 5 yo). The description of the bumps is similar to what my son started with. He could be allergic to certain foods or other things. Have you changed your laundry detergent? What have you been eating? See if the foods you're eating is causing it. We found out later my son was allergic to eggs and wheat. Also, I would stay away from having to use hydrocortisone creams or lotions. It thins the skin and prolonged use of it isn't good for babies. Try using oatmeal (Aveeno brand) to relieve his bumps.
Hope you'll be able to figure out what's causing him to break out!
A.C. answers from Santa Barbara on March 26, 2008
It could be exzema, but strange for the doctor not to diagnoze it. If possible, I would get a second opinion if the hydrocortosone lotion doesn't work. My baby's skin was crusty and bumpy too with a bit of cradle cap, after every bath I always lotioned him up, even though the doctor said not too. Be careful to use gentle products for sensitive skin on your baby too.
W.E. answers from Los Angeles on March 28, 2008
My daughter is 6 years old and has exzema. It's pretty severe. She has it on her knees, elbows, back of her calves and forearms. I have tried everything possible cortizone cream, all different kinds of lotions. I just resently changed doctors and when she went in for a check-up the doctor told me to buy Aquaphore. It is a very thick ointment and it has worked wonders. You can buy it at any store,but I found it the cheapest at Wal-Mart. I hope this will help!!! W. E.
W.S. answers from Los Angeles on March 27, 2008
It does sound like Eczema. A great thing for skin conditions is Fish Oils / DHA and the brand that I use is Carlson for Kids Chewable DHA. You can get it at Henry's Market or order it directly at www.carlsonlabs.com Fish oils are great for so many other things too, brain development, eye development, etc.
The directions say 4 years and older, that is for choking hazards. You can break it open and put it in a bottle or cup when your child drinks from one. Be careful of the Hydro-Cortisone lotions, they can scar the skin.
Good luck!!
L.H. answers from Los Angeles on March 27, 2008
Have you been eating peanut butter or peanut products? I went to high school with a girl that suffered from excema like you described until she was in her 20s. It was a peanut allergy!
I recommend going to a natural doctor, not a western medicine allergist that will want to poke and skin test. I have a great "natural" doctor in South Orange County if you are local.
T.A. answers from Los Angeles on March 27, 2008
It sounds like eczema to me. My daughter had this when she was 6 or 7 months but it didn't look like anything I saw in books or pamphlets. I went to another pediatrician (at the time I had a PPO insurance so I had that luxury) but they showed me a picture of exactly what she had and it was eczema. I would put the hydrocortisone cream and then another natural homeopathic cream I picked up at a natural store that is specifically for eczema and kids. She still gets eczema and she is 3 1/2 and it usually takes 2-3 weeks for it to go away.
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