Skin Rash After Rolling in Grass

Updated on October 11, 2012
J.L. asks from Antelope, CA
15 answers

Hi everybody...well, my 2-1/2 year old and I were having a simply wonderful day, chasing each other, rolling down a grassy hill and basically just being silly. But...now my poor baby has a horrible rash all over, just like Mama. You can even see where the blades of grass touched her little delicate skin :-( I wish she had inherited something other than my allergies. I don't know what to do for her. Any ideas other than calling the Dr. and being told to give her benedryl? I heard that hydrocortisone isn't good for young children. I'll give her benedryl as a last resort, but I'm really hoping to not have to give such a young child medications like that.

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So What Happened?

Thanks, Ladies! I gave my little one a bath and used a little hydrocortisone where the rash was the worst. I figured I'd give her benedryl today if she showed signs of discomfort, but it seems to be going away. Lesson learned- If you're going to roll around in grass wear long sleeves and pants :-)

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B.S.

answers from Sacramento on

My son also has a grass allergy. Benadryl is a quick way to make it go away when you can't do a bath, but washing the areas with soap and water also make his itching stop if you want to avoid medication.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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R.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Try aloe body butter from The Body Shop

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M.F.

answers from Youngstown on

This happens to my kids everytime they take their shirts off and roll in the grass wich is ofter since they love to be bare chested. I have never given them benadryl though. I just put some lotion on them and usually the itch is gone. I am not against benedryl I just never thought of it. I use a oatmeal infused lotion and that usually does it but I will probably use benedryl now that I know it works it probably will help faster. How dumb of me to not think of it...I have no allergies so maybe that's why...

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S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

Might be the grass. Might be what fertilizers or chemicals were applied to the grass.
Benedryl for a 2.5 yr old is fine---just follow dosing and all instructions. It is safer than a lot of other things! Benedryl is an antihistamine which means it reduces the body's allergic response, and if the rash goes away after benedryl, there was a grass or chemical reaction to the substance put on the grass.

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L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

My son is allergic to all grass, and will also get a hive rash if he has too much direct contact. His allergist said that anytime we've been outside in/around grass for a while, rinse him off when we come in and change his clothes. Removing any traces of the allergen from the skin should help some. Benedryl is next, if he's really itchy and the hives are persisting. Also use topical hydrocortisone, which does help with the itching before the benedryl kicks in. His hydrocortisone was prescribed by his doctor when he was about 2, so you can use it at that age, but I understand your reluctance to use more medications than necessary. You could certainly try an oatmeal bath, and some Aveeno cream and see if that helps.

1 mom found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

I suggest a bath. Grass makes most of us itch, and it's usually only temporary.

1 mom found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Aveeno has an oatmeal bath that's very soothing to the skin.
Epsom salts in a bath can be soothing, too.
Is the grass treated at all with any weed killers or fertilizers?
Although it makes the lawn look great, it's not great stuff to roll around in.
If she's really uncomfortable or having signs of a really bad reaction - get her to the doctor.

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

Our pedi actually recommends 1% hydrocortisone for my son's skin irritations, and has done so since he was an infant. He is now 18 months. But I don't know if I'd slather it all over her body... Maybe first try a lukewarm bath with a little baking soda in it. Otherwise, benedryl would work to clear up any allergic reaction, and I think they make one specifically for kids.

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M.G.

answers from Chicago on

We've used hydrocortisone on my son since he was four months old. Our pediatrician actually prescribed a stronger 2% for him to help with his cradle cap and eczema. I would use that or calamine lotion.

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H.W.

answers from Portland on

It's a grass rash. I used to get them when I was young too. Still do if I don't wear long sleeves gardening or take precautions.

I think other than the benedryl, I can't think of anything else. Maybe a visit to a naturopath, who might suggest a homeopathic remedy for the future. The worst, by the way, is newly cut grass.

So sorry your daughter and you are both sensitive. You both have my sympathies.

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S.B.

answers from Redding on

Neither my sister or I were allergic to grass, but we got grass rashes for sure.
Grass actualy has tiny little blades along the stocks and can scratch you.
If you want to enjoy rolling in the grass, make sure your skin is covered.
Put her in a tepid bath and maybe use some witch hazel on her skin. It doesn't burn.
I used to get so scratched up walking in the tules going fishing and it wasn't an allergy...it was scratches.
If she's not itching, benadryl won't help. Just try cool cotton balls.
She will likely be much better by tomorrow.
If not, consult the pediatrician.

Best wishes.

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L.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Many people don't realize it, but grass can make tiny cuts in the skin, like little paper cuts. Is it possible that is what you and your daughter have, instead of a rash? Either way, I'd recommend soaking in a bathtub with Aveeno colloidal oatmeal mixed in (get it at any drugstore), which will relieve pain and itching and then rub calamine lotion for topical relief. These over-the-counter products work great, even on itches like poison oak, and they are safe on children's skin.
Speedy recovery!

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C.K.

answers from San Antonio on

I suggest an oatmeal bath and then super comfy clothes; nothing tight and only soft fabric that won't irritate the skin.
I get a rash from the grass too. It is usually just on my legs since I prefer to wear shorts. For my legs I have an oatmeal lotion. I'm usually fine within 24 hours. If it is more than just my legs I take an oatmeal bath. The oatmeal makes the itch stop almost immediately. I am careful to pat my skin dry or just air dry if possible because rubbing with a towel makes me itch again.

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J.J.

answers from Wichita on

I can't believe that after around 20 responses, every single response followed the bandwagon and assumed "grass allergies", yet nobody came to the conclusion that this was "chiggers". It was CHIGGERS that you and your daughter had, not grass allergies. This is what happens when you roll around in grass.

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