Rash on 1-Year-old's Face

Updated on June 11, 2009
C.S. asks from Falls Church, VA
7 answers

My daughter has had a rash around her nose and mouth -- mostly the upper lip and around her nostrils -- for a few weeks. It consists of small red bumps and dry skin. At times it looks as if it's almost gone, but then it flares up again and the tiny bumps appear more red. It seems to bother her, because she swipes at it with the back of her hand. One of her doctors said it was excema, but her usual doctor said it was not excema and it appeared to be some kind of contact irritation possibly caused by a food. Both advised me to keep it moisturized, so I've been using Aquaphor and occasionally a mild hydrocortisone cream. Has anyone seen anything like this or does anyone have ideas for a product that is safe and that could help? The rash appears nowhere else on her body, so I'm inclined to think it may be some kind of food irritation, but I haven't figured out what the culprit is yet. Thanks in advance for your help.

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

It sounds like impetigo.

"Impetigo contagiosa
The most common is impetigo contagiosa, which usually starts as a red sore on your child's face, most often around the nose and mouth. The sore ruptures quickly, oozing either fluid or pus that forms a honey-colored crust. Eventually the crust disappears, leaving a red mark that heals without scarring. The sores may be itchy, but they aren't painful.

Your child isn't likely to have a fever with this type of impetigo, but may have swollen lymph nodes in the affected area. And because the infection is extremely contagious, just touching or scratching the sores can cause it to spread to other parts of your child's body. "

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L.G.

answers from Washington DC on

Take her to an allergist. There's a better chance that a specialist can get to the root cause.

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K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Perhaps the paper towels or wipes you use to clean her after she eats? Sunscreen?

It could be a fungal infection - not uncommon since they touch everything and then touch their face including feet. floors, etc. Maybe try lotrimin cream.

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E.V.

answers from Roanoke on

Renew lotion by Melaleuca. Started using for my son when he was 7 months for his eczema and he cleared up in 2 weeks...he was head to toe and severe, but you could see a difference in the first day! None of the other stuff worked...cetaphil, aquaphor, steroid cream RX, aveeno eczema for baby...nothing! www.melaleuca.com I have before and after pictures of my little guy...if you want to see, email me at ____@____.com

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J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

While reading your description I automatically thought it may be excema as well but it also makes sense that it may be some sort of an allergic reaction.
My daughter had one small spot of excema on her check from about 4 months until 12 months. It would come and go and I refused to use the Cortizone cream because of the steriods. Then in early May she developed excema all over her legs and butt. When she turned 1 I gave in and, following the Dr.'s directions, applied the 1% cortizone cream 2x a day for one week. Within 4 days her skin was all better and her excema has not yet returned.
So, although I know you really don't want to use the hydrocorizone cream, get application directions from your dr and follow them until the rash clears up. Whether it is an allergic reaction or excema, the cortizone cream should resolve it. Once it is clear you can be more vigilent of what is going near her mouth and nose and hopefully be able to determine what, if anything, triggers the rash to return. Good luck!

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N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, C. - My advice would be to remove all chemicals from the home. There are a lot of harsh, harmful ingredients in everyday cleaning, laundry, and personal care products. Long term use of steroids is not healthy either. Many folks have been helped with their dry skin issues by Renew, which passed Eucerin in 2 double blind studies. Happy to share more info on the company that my family and friends all shop with. Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I had this problem with both my daughters when they were little. It was caused for my girls by acidic foods like ketchup and orange juice and tomato sauce from spaghetti and pizza. I tried to limit those things and it helped. They eventually grew out of it when the food started going in their mouth and not all over their face :-) Good luck!

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