How to Soothe Infant Body Rash? - Help!

Updated on January 19, 2011
A.M. asks from Bend, OR
9 answers

I noticed that my 9 month old son developed a rash on his body last night while putting him to bed. I was racking my brain all night because I hadn't introduced any new foods in the past couple of weeks. This morning it hit me, I used some lotion on him after his bath two nights ago which I normally do not do. (I was trying to introduce baby massage as part of the bed time routine under the no-cry sleep solution). I had this problem before with lotion when he was younger only it wasn't nearly as severe; he didn't seem bothered by it at all. I simply discontinued use and it cleared up. Since it wasn't so severe I apparently didn't remember it being a problem, and this time around is much worse. I really slathered it on. He is splotchy red in places with little bumps, he keeps arching his back and seems *very* uncomfortable at times (especially at changing when forced to lie on his back). He has it predominately on his back and front, with minimal on his legs and arms (also in accordance / proportion to the amount of lotion used the other evening).

How can I help soothe my little guy? Give him bath (sans lotion following), would ibuprofen help at all? Basically, is there anything except time that can help him?

Thank You!!

PS: I will be calling our Pediatrician in an hour when they open to get their advice, but I thought you ladies might also have some thoughts to share in the mean time.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for all the help, ladies. Sensitive skin does run on his dad's side of the family so I shouldn't have been surprised. I was surprised because it was Burt's Bees buttermilk lotion, specifically for babies, though. I use a lot of their products and normally love them, but the lotion has a very strong perfume smell which is what I suspect it's from. I'm probably going to switch him off of everything now!

So, I gave him two baths, with no soap, and put some hydrocortisone on the really red areas. Later the pediatrician gave me dosing info for benadryl which helped him sleep since he was still pretty uncomfortable at bed time. It also helped with the redness which has gone down, but he's still bumpy which I suspect will just take some time.

Thanks, again!

Oh, also I thought it was funny: Aveeno is a Johnson & Johnson product. :) Despite claims of being natural I still don't trust the brand.

Featured Answers

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M.E.

answers from Spokane on

Aquafor ointment worked great for my kids. I use it for my 1 yr old still. You can find it in the baby isle w/ the lotions usually. I use it on my hand as well.

More Answers

K.V.

answers from Lansing on

I would try an oatmeal type bath, they have similiar ideas in the baby section at Walmart type stores. If not, you could ask your ped if its ok for you to use the older people stuff on him.

What kind of lotion are you using? I would suggest getting him a lotion for sensitive skin and has no smell. Aveeno works pretty well and they have an unscented.

Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Detroit on

Sounds like Eczema. I can send you a free sample of Arbonne's ABC baby care products they really help with Eczema and they are Healthy products. This is all we use on my Grandson who is now 3 I call him the Arbonne Baby he is doing great and he loves for Grandma to rub the Lotion on. PM me and I can get that sample out to you as soon as I get some information. Good Luck.

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R.B.

answers from New York on

This just happened to my 8 month old son and for weeks I was putting all kind of things on it. First I did cortosone nothing, next I did bag balm (which I use for red bottoms) didn't help, then I did baby oil still no help. Finally for 5 nights I did no soap in the bath and then slathered aquaphore all over it and it is finally gone.
I hope he feels better soon.

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N.B.

answers from Toledo on

Benadryl lotion and hydrocortisone cream will both help with the rash, unless it's something other than a reaction to the lotion. They're both OTC, and should be in everyone's medicine cabinet who has small children. They are both helpful for a variety of things, esp. the cortisone. Good luck.

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K.O.

answers from Atlanta on

What kind of lotion did you use? Johnson & johnsons has a lot of chemicals in it and causes rashes in many kids. After the rash clears up, I'd recommend switching to Aveeno.

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J.P.

answers from Denver on

Hi--
Any anti-histamine will help. I prefer to do things naturally, so I use a liquid called quercetin. It is a bioflavonoid found in onions that is a natural anti-histamine--I've found it works as well as benadryl. You'll have to get it at a natural food store. And if you do, be careful as it stains everything bright yellow!! It is very mild and totally safe for your little guy---it's what I have used for both of mine.
High doses of vitamin C also works as an anti-histamine. I know you can get baby vitamin C in liquid form.
J.

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L.A.

answers from Seattle on

I swear by baking soda baths. Actually as an adult I get hives for one reason or the other baking soda baths sooth the irritation. Now you know not to use that lotion.

Also figured I note sometime things you've used for years can cause a breakout.

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

STOP using commercial products on him. Was his clothes, bedsheets towels with Ecover. Look at hypoallergenic products. I use Weleda.
Get online and learn about skin allergies. If he out grows them they'll turn into asthma. Prevention is the cure.
Find a hypoallergenic soap to wash him with.
You live in Portland...the health food capital of America. Shop at one.

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