5 1/2 Month Old Developed Rash on Neck

I would take her in to see her pediatrician. It's always hard to say what kind of rash it may be without seeing it. If it is hives, you should still see some red around the bumps, and I would assume that your baby would show some itching discomfort (rubbing, etc). But that's not always the case. I know when I started my son on rice cereal, he broke out in a rash too - all around his mouth and neck. Part of it was just his skin coming into contact with something new, and it cleared up in a couple of days - he was fine after that. It might be a kind of moisture rash as well. But if it is really all over her neck, shows no signs of going away, and is obviously uncomfortable for your baby, you should take her to see her pediatrician.

If it is hives, you can give her benedril to help it go away. My son got hives when we introduced solids -- rice cereal mixed with cow's milk formula. I primarily breastfed and thought mixing his cereal with formula was a good way to save the breastmilk for his bottles. It turns out he was reacting to the cow's milk and is allergic to it. It's probably not a bad idea let your pediatrician know what happened.

Hi M.,
That definitley sounds like a food allergy. There is an excellent nutritionist in Northbrook who works with kids, babies too on helping to pinpoint which foods to stay away from. If you are interested, her name is Bonnie Minsky and her website is www.nutritionalconcepts.com
L.

this may well be an allergic reaction,but,as a mom and a pediatric nurse you really should see your pediatrician about this,meanwhile try to keep the area clean and dry,I would not apply any type or ointments or anything to it without your doctors advise
H.

M. -
I started my son on the same foods at around 6-7 months (he's 19 mos. now) so I don't remember the exact time, but it was the first food that was recommended and that I tried. He also broke out in a rash on his cheeks and neck. I was surprised because rice cereal is the mildest of all the cereals. I discontinued it for the week and waited until the rash went away. Then tried banana alone for a week - no rash. I waited until the 2nd week and tried cereal alone 1 tx. day and what do you know - within two days his rash was back. Although it's rare to be allergic to rice cereal since that's what the Dr.s all say to start with - it's possible. So I waited until it all went away and tried oatmeal cereal and he never reacted to that. He also had and has ezcema so the reaction could have exasterbated it - but either way I pitched the rice cereal, gave baths everyother day if needed in cool water and quickly (pat dry not rub!), lathered him in Eucerin cream, and humidified his room. He recovered completely and even though his eczema creeps up during changes in weather (especially now with the heat on so much) he's doing well. Also he can tolerate regular rice! For sure though for peace of mind let her pediatrician take a peek at it especially if it spreads. Hope this helps. J.

take her to the ped. Don't take chances. She could have a food allergy or soap allergy. Dr. knows best. Jeanne Elk Grove Village