Follow-up to Rash on Inner Thighs - Taking Zyrtec??

We use it for my son who is a couple of months older than your daughter and have had no problems. My ENT strongly suggested against benedryl because it can effect cognitive function. Have you considered that the rash might be fungal or bacterial. It also may be an allergy to something she is eating or drinking. I am intolerant of fruit and as a kid would have really terrible diaper rash as well as ulcers in my mouth. Look her over and see if there are any other clues. If your doc isn't able to figure out what's going on go to another one!

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Are you sure it is not a yeast infection? They are commonly mistaken for diaper rash. I would give her some type of probiotic and see if it clears up. It can't hurt her. I like one called Jarro-dophilus that I get at Henry's. The good ones must be refrigerated and are sold at health food stores. Good luck, I am sure it is frustrating for you.

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Hi L.,

I wanted to add in one more vote for heading to the dermatologist before using Zyrtec or any other antihistamine, unless your doctor has really good reason to suspect an allergy. Are there other symptoms of allergy, such as runny nose, light cough, red, itchy eyes, or gastrointestinal upset, flatulence, etc?

The suggestions about changing laundry soap and wipes are also good ones to try. Make sure that you're using the least amount of detergent possible when doing laundry, so that it there's no residue left in the clothing. As for wipes, all you really need is a clean wash cloth and water -- wipes didn't even exist 30 years ago and we did just fine without them! One last thought -- I used to use Bag Balm for my kids'diaper rashes or on chaffing-type rashes. It comes in a green, square can and I think you can still get it at some pharmacies. It's a very gentle lanolin and vaseline based product, if I recall correctly.

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I have heard... that Zrtec has side effects?
Try looking it up online...
this is what my Mom said... .per her Doctor.
I dont' know, but try researching it online.
Here is a link for example:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=19835&...
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/zyrtec-side-effects.html
http://pediatrics.about.com/od/allergymedicines/p/05_zyrt...

You might also try doing a Google search on "rashes in children". That way perhaps, if there are pictures of 'rashes' you can see what your daughter has?
Here is a link for example:
http://askdrsears.com/html/8/T082900.asp
http://www.skinsight.com/searchResults/child_Female_Leg.htm
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/toddler/toddlerproblems/ra...

I am also assuming your Doctor has ruled out "thrush" or a yeast infection? These can also create a "rash" or redness in that area.

Maybe ask your Doctor for another OTC recommendation?

All the best,
Susan

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Time to head to a dermatologist...

They should be able to culture the rash and see if it's bacterial, viral, fungal...easy as running a swab over it, and expressing any pus if it's that type of rash. If non of those, then there are friction rashes, heat rashes, contact dermatitis, and atypical allergic reactions, or even a typical allergic reaction...if it's in response to the latex in the panies, etc.. All of which have treatments...but it would seem best to find out which TYPE of rash this is.

While the timing is so perfect to tie it to potty training, it COULD also be unrelated, or related in an odd way (like picking up an infection from a public toilet).

So since you just checked with the ped, I'd head to the next indicated specialist.

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Are you using baby wipes or any diaper creams? Some of those have fragrances in them that could cause an allergic reaction. Also, have you tried changing out your laundry detergent? Those also may contain dyes and fragrances that can cause a reaction.
Also, you may want to watch your bathroom soap and bubble bath. Those can also cause reactions.
Finally, you may want to eliminate certain foods from your daughter's diet one at a time and see if there is a change (wait approximately 4 days for each food elimination). Some foods can create cause external reactions on the body.

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This mousse is very good for rash. We use this for a two- month old girl for the rash on her face. After a few times her mom put this cream on her her skin cleared up and no more rash again. My other adult friend also had rash on his inner thighs, he used this mousse too, also the rash cleared up after just using the mousse twice. You can get information about this mousse by clicking the following link.

http://www.marketamerica.com/zaiminghu/product-2201/clear...

Yes I've given Zyrtec syrup. Great allergy med. Causes drowsiness.

Is the rash bothering your daughter or does it just look bad? If she isn't crying about it and it isn't spreading, I wouldn't worry about it. If it was so itchy she was scratching herself, I'd use the Zyrtec, otherwise see if it goes away on its own first.

I agree with Riley. My son takes Singulair for allergies and has sonce he was 2.5, BUT that was only after I exhausted every option. Zyrtec is something I take in adult form because I have terrible pollen and dust allergies. The side effects vary by person and can be different in kids.

Also, a dermatologist should be able to offer something topical or suggest OTC less harsh options. My son has eczema and we were advised to stop using cortisone and try several OTC things like Aveeno and California Baby. So much better than meds or steroid cream.

Good Luck.

my 2.5 yr old son has really bad allergies. he was taking claritin every day from 1 yr to 2 yrs. when he hit the 2 yr mark, his pediatrician had me switch to zyrtec. he is much happier now that there isn't a tissue permanently attached to the front of his face. for the first few days, maybe even the first week, he was a little drowsy for about an hour or two after i gave him the medicine. so i broke up the dose into morning and night for a couple of weeks (1/2 tsp. each time), and the problem went away. he now takes 1 tsp. each morning with his vitamin and is a very happy camper.

Both of my kids have been on Zyrtec from an early age due to allergies. Have you tried Benadryl to see if that clears it up?

Have you tried changing her diet?? If you can determine when it started, you might be able to determine what she is allergic to, if that is indeed the problem. I think it is better to remove the allergen from the child's system than to try to control her bodies immune system response to something that she may be allergic to. Google the big allergenic items and try removing them from her diet and see if it clears up. Then try adding back one item per week and see if you can find out what is causing the trouble. Then, avoid that item!

Hi L.,

When my son was 2, his pediatrician prescribed Zyrtec (it has since become on OTC medication)after months of my poor guy suffering horrid allergies. I would give him the syrup right before bedtime and it worked like a miracle! He hasn't been to the ER for croup or bronchitis one time since.

It didn't seem to effect him at all in the morning either. He woke up the same as he did without the medication. Good luck with your little one!

I give my 2.5 yr old Childrens Zyrtec daily for his allergies. This was prescribed by his allergist and I haven't seen any side effects. He has been taking it for a year. Good Luck!

Taking Zyrtec at the age of two is fine. I used to give it to my girls when they were that old. Have the doctor check for any nasal (parasital) infections. I know that sounds weird, but their is a parasite that lives in the nose and the symptoms show as a diaper rash or genital rash (even as far down as the legs).

D. T.

You might want to consult with an "NAET" physician (NAET = Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Techniques) before giving her chemicals. The rash may be a symptom of an allergic sensitivity and this could be determined and taken care of painlessly. My naet doctor is Dr. David Karaba at East West Medical Group in Fullerton; ###-###-####. Best wishes.

Does she wet herself often? I used to have a problem with that when I was a child and I developed a permanent marking from it on my inner thighs... just a thought. Before drugging, if she isn't wetting herself often, then get her tested with the Elisa Act allergy test. It's a blood test and very comprehensive.

I have given my 3 year old daughter Children's Zyrtec for about a year when she experiences allergies/ hay fever type symptoms with no complications.

we use to give my son zyrtec to help with his eczema... it seem to help... it also helped with itchy nose and eyes and just itching of the skin... i would try it for awhile and if it doesnt work then take her off and ask her dr for something else.. good luck

Arbonne makes an herbal diaper rash cream which is amazing. I bought some on eBay after someone suggested it for use with Eczema.

My daughter has used Zyrtec since she was 2 years old off and on and I have seen no problems. Congratulations on those babies. I am 39 with a 4 year old and a 2 year old and I understand the fun times ahead.