Allergies and Keratosis Pilaris? Is My Son's Ped. Right?

Updated on January 05, 2010
E.S. asks from Laguna Niguel, CA
5 answers

Hi folks,

My son has a rash on his legs that he's had for several months. The doctor back then diagnosed it as Keratosis Pilaris, a genetic skin condition (I don't have it, but I think my husband does). It is starting to spread to his butt and arms now. I know it isn't something to worry about, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any products that help? I lotion him up really well, but it doesn't do much.

Also, he has had a constant runny/itchy nose and eyes for about a month and a half. He caught an ear infection as well which was recently treated. The runny/itchy nose and eyes are still there, but I just recently bought a HEPA air purifier for his room and it seems to help a lot already, especially with his sleep. His doctor said he probably just has a lingering cold. I asked her about allergies and she agreed that he may be prone to allergies because I have them and it also runs in my husband's family, but she said it is unlikely at this age (13 months) that he would have developed the air-borne type of allergy to dust mites and what not. She said most babies his age only have food/skin allergies. I asked her if we could get an allergy test, preferably skin, just to make sure, and she didn't agree to it (I think I would have had to be referred to an allergist for that). Instead, she said if I wanted I could give him small doses of Claritin. At 13 months? I don't feel comfortable with that, especially since I myself have bad side effects with Claritin (makes my heart skip and race). I feel really wary of her advice now and am hoping there are moms out there who've been through something similar and can give me suggestions. Should I try to get a second opinion or is she right and should I just not worry about it?

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D.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

My whole family has allergies. My son has asthma and my daughter has had constant sinus infections because of the drianage turning into infection. Our house is full of air filters, one in every room. Plus an ozone one in the main room which we use at really bad times of year. We use a hepa vaccuum and well, you get the picture. The truth is you are probably right in your gut that your son has allergies. It really depends on what type of insurance you have that will determine your future, to tell you the truth. If you have a PPO you can go to an allergist yourself, and I say go. If you have an HMO then you have to follow the procedures. Your son's doctor will not send him to an allergist until there is sufficient evidence on paper which will back up a referral. So, instead of taking him when he is sick only, you have to take him more often and complain of his symptoms when he is not sick. Just be honest with your doctor about how you feel about the clairitin. Eventually your doctor will get sick of seeing you and hearing you ask to be sent and he will send you. Both my kids have been to an allergist, and the great thing is that I now know what they are allergic to, but all they could do for them was give them prescription meds to control the symptoms and offer me weekly shots to help build up their resistance to the allergens. After some research, I refused the shots and decided to just use the prescription meds. I know your baby is very young and I would feel the same as you as far as the meds go, but sometimes to keep the constant snot from becoming an infection, you have to clear it out. I suggest using vicks vapor rub, or the vicks plug ins, they really help clean out the stuffy nose, so it doesn't get plugged and start growing bacteria and turn into an sinus or ear infection. There are also some things you can do naturally to help, go to a health food store or see a naturalist. If you can afford it definetly buy an air purifier with an ionizer for the rest of your house. Stay away from any products that have fragrance listed on the label. Check out his website: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and click on the link on the right that says "what is fragrance", you will learn a lot. Use fragrance free lotions, like Aveeno and laundry detergent and fabric softener, downey makes one, also fabric softener sheets. For the skin, we deal off and on with eczema, but not the same thing. A great product that really helps is called surgeon's secret. There's nothing like it when you are dealing with a major skin problem. Hope this helps.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

I have Keratosis Pilaris and my sons will probably too. Try lotions with Urea in it or AHA (or see if your dr. can perscribe you the lotion for it). However, if you use these lotions, use a high SPF sun screen because it can make you more sensitive to the sun (easier sun burns) It's common to get it on the back of your arms (tir-cept area) and buttocks, upper thighs and lower back of your legs. For the research I've done it commonly goes away in one's 30's, but I'm 29 and it's only getting worse.

One the other topic, if your not comfortable with your doctor change him/her. Get a second opition. Do whatever makes YOU feel at ease. Do not ignore your mommy intution. It's there for a reason. Good Luck!!

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D.P.

answers from San Diego on

I have keratosis pilaris too. It showed up after my second pregnancy. My son also has it on the backs of his arms. Dermatologist recommended lotions high in lactic acid. Am-lacitin is one. It's spendy, but Costo carries it at an affordable price. I don't think it made a whole lot of difference and it stinks and is sticky. Keratosis pilaris is cosmetic and not curable. It may or may not go away on it's own.

As for the allergies, I understand, too, that airborne allergies don't happen until a later age. The rule of thumb, as I have heard it, is that the child has to at least live thru a season, probably two, of the suspected allergy. Allergy tests are not reliable until around the age of four. If his eyes/nose are not bothering him, I wouldn't give the medication. Runny noses/eyes can last for days-weeks after a cold. He could have two colds, one on top of the other. Ear infections also go hand in hand with eye infections/irratations.

J.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi. I'm just reading some of the blogs about nutrition and offering some advice. I am a mom of a 4 yr old boy and head nutritionist/owner at a holistic wellness center in Redondo Beach. We 'cure' kids of eczema, allergies, ADD,ADHD etc - all the time. The 'root' of the problems are often overload of toxins (combination of any of the following: from in utreo, vaccinations, moisturizers/lotions/shampoos, and environmental) but within the past month I have treated a 7 mo old, 2 yr old and two 5 yr olds with eczema and allergies - all of which had a parasite. One mom said her son's symptoms of (what looked to me as heartbreaking levels of eczema) that he was 40% better in 1 day.

We use all natural methods and non-invasive QRA to diagnose and devise a custom nutrient plan that balances the body and detoxifies and balances things out. We also look at injury sites of the body as these are often the culprits.

for more info you may call our office with questions on exactly how we work or you can checkout our website at www.CreativeNutrition.com
- our brochure is visible on the site.

good luck and hopefully you are out of the place needing immediate attention - but know that with 2-3 months of a program, you can permanently rid your child's allergies.

Namaste,

J. Eltman, MPH, RD

Preventive & Therapeutic Holistic Healthcare

Precise Customized Programs that work!

www.CreativeNutrition.com

1.877.5.EATWELL

Author: The NO DIET Diet: Healthy Meals in 5 Minutes

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K.F.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi, In reading what you wrote, I would be concerned about toxins in the air inside your home, as far as allergies are concerned. I was amazed when I began to research what was in the products in my home that I use on a regular bases. These things can also make his rash worse. I would love to share with you what I use. Also, as a stay at home mom of 7, I would love to share how I "connect" to the outside worlk and still am able to care for my children at home. It also allows me to make a little income on the side.

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