J.L. asks from Willard, MO on May 19, 2008
Sun/heat Skin Discoloration in 14 Month Old ...
My 14 mo. old has a strange reaction to the sun and I wondered if anyone else had experienced this with their children. She's very fair skinned and I keep her slathered with sunscreen. But, when she's out in the heat or in the sun for even a small period of time, she gets red blotches on her forehead and face. It's not raised or bumpy - so I don't think it's a reaction to the sunscreen. Her skin just turns really red and blochy and only on her face/forehead and it goes away within minutes of going back indoors. Is this something I should be concerned about or should I just chalk it up to another strange childhood anomaly? I appreciate your thoughts.
So What Happened?™
Thank you all for your responses! I called her pediatrician and was told that since she has horrible seasonal allergies, it's likely a symptom of those and that as long as the "spots" disappear when she's out of the sun, I shouldn't worry too much. She told me to watch out for hives, but otherwise, just love her and let her play. (And for Lisa B. - I appreciate and respect your comment. My wee one is always protected by sunscreen and a hat. I feel in this day and time children are kept inside too much - like flowers, they need sunshine and fresh air to grow! *smiles* When you were a child, I bet your mom and dad let you play outside and catch bugs, pick flowers, explore your environment and get dirty. Those were some of my own best childhood memories.)
More Answers
M.F. answers from Kansas City on May 19, 2008
i am a very white girl, too. as a matter of fact, i have a friend, who's black, always tells poeple i'm so white i'm glow-in-the-dark green, like those little crucifixes people put on their dash boards!!! so anyway, i get blotchy, when i go in the sun, too. i'm pretty sure it's just the skin's reaction to the direct heat. if you're concerned just take her on in! God bless
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M.W. answers from Joplin on May 19, 2008
J., hi my oldest did something similar when he was around age 4 but it was all over where the skin was exposed, and you know he did this just for a very short period in the fall mth. I took him by the doc office after he broke out so they could see it, they sent us to childrens mercy and they related it back to allergies and we never seen the rash again and he dont take his allergey med any more 4 yrs later. Some times I just wonder if there was some crazy new allergy in the air that did not agree to him. Which could be your daughters case.
But I would just talk to your doc. may need a antihistamine (spelling so wrong) or something. I dont think anything to serious but I would talk. And is this the first or did she do this during the winter and fall mths. Good luck and keep us posted on how she is doing..
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R.H. answers from St. Louis on May 20, 2008
She may have a slight sensitivity to the sun, I don't like to say that she may be allergic, but sensitive. My mom is slightly sensitive to direct sun light. When she was younger, she would have to be under an umbrella constantly if she was outside. She said that it got significantly better when she hit her "teen" years. She can now go into the sun light with only sunblock and not break out anymore, and she also told me that it was worse in the summer. So, if she is sensitive to sun light, it should hopefully go away or at least subside. Good luck!
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S.P. answers from Kansas City on May 20, 2008
The red/blotchy thing is normal. I have two kids who sweat and one who turns red. My oldest turns red when she gets hot and doesn't sweat as much; my middle daughter doesn't turn red, but when she gets hot, she sweats like a faucet. My youngest is also a sweaty kid. Make sure she is getting enough hydration when she's out.
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D.S. answers from St. Louis on May 20, 2008
J.,
Two of my 16 month old triplets are also having this reaction on their face when we are outside. I asked the Doctor and was told it is fifth disease. I was told by the Doctor that they do not treat it and that it goes away on its own over time. I was a little freaked out when she said "disease". But, she reassured me it is nothing to be concerned about. The only thing is they shouldn't be arround pregnant women while they still have it.
Hope that helps,
D.
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