Allergic Reaction Rash

Updated on September 16, 2009
A.D. asks from Romulus, MI
17 answers

Please help! My daughter has had a rash on her thighs near her underwear line. It's little red bumps all over where her underwear touches. I tool her to the dr and she said it's an allergic reaction. She has had thus for two weeks now and she itches like crazy if I don't give her benadryl. I don't what she could be allergic too, I haven't change her soap or detergent. She has been swimming in a public pool but she hasn't been in one for 2 weeks now. Also why is the rash only where her underwear is??? I've called my dr 3 times now and they keep saying the same thing and having me put calmoseptine ointment on it. I'm freaking out cause we leave on vacation next week and she will be in a bathing suit the whole time on the beach and I don't want her to be miserable. Any suggestions?? How do I figure what she's allergic to? Also is it ok to give benadryl everday since that is the only thing that helps? The dr says use it only when she itches which usually happens every morning when she wakes up. I give her benadryl and she's a little better the whole day. The bumps are still there but mo red and irritated from scratching. Help my two year old!!

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T.S.

answers from Detroit on

Try Arbonne's Diaper Rash Cream and scent free cleansing gel. Sensitive skin is a problem that a lot of products can make worse. I can send you a sample...what area do you live. I'm a Arbonne consultant and I learn about all kinds of rashes and skin conditions. e-mail me ____@____.com

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S.C.

answers from Detroit on

Hi A.,

You didn't mention how long she's been in underwear. She might just be allergic to the elastic in the legs. Have you tried switching brands of underwear or maybe getting a size bigger so they aren't so tight on the legs? You might want to try some boys boxer underwear for a little while to see if you can rule out the elastic as a cause. Letting her run around in pj's without underwear might help, too. Giving Benedryl everyday is fine if she needs it. I had my son on it for years to help him fall asleep (per doctor instruction). You don't want to go too long if you can help it or she may develop an immunity to it (my son never did, though). Also, if the ointment isn't working try an oatmeal bath and some corn starch baby powder. That should help, too.

Good luck - S.

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K.A.

answers from Saginaw on

Had the SAME THING!!! Put monostat cream on it 3-4 times a day! It might be a yeast infection-if it itches! It took it right away in 2 days!! Try it! It can`t hurt!
The underwear could be just irritating it -it can be caused by not drying off very good.

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R.C.

answers from Detroit on

My guess is Latex allergy. There could be latex in the elastic around the leg holes. I would try some that don't have any exposed elastic, like those comfort waistband type styles by hanes and see if that is it. The only thing you can really do without extensive testing (needles/poking) is eliminate stuff and see what works. Or, let her sleep without panties for a bit and see what happens. Just a thought from someone who has had many allergies in the past.

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G.B.

answers from Detroit on

You can get those boy short style panties these days that are loose at the legs. I'd try monistat and see if it works too. No harm done.

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K.G.

answers from Detroit on

Sometimes there is a latex band in the legs and/or waist of underware. She may be allergic to that.

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N.W.

answers from Detroit on

My ped told me the following... if the rash goes AWAY with benadryl (not just itching away...whole rash goes away) it is an allergic reaction....if it DOES NOT GO AWAY...it is bacterial.

Your daughter probably has a yeast or other bacterial infection and needs an antiobiodic. I would take her to an urgent care you trust if your pediatrician won't see you/diagnose this... and change pediatricians.

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K.V.

answers from Detroit on

I totally agree with Katrina, check for latex in the legs, also make sure that you check the toilet paper, clothes soap, fabric softener, body wash, shampoo, lotion's, bubble bath. Sounds like latex is a likely cuprit though.

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D.C.

answers from Detroit on

OK...try buying/finding some 100% cotton undies for her. There is obviously something in the fabric of what she's wearing now...be it laundry soap, nylon or other synthetic material in the undies. Giving her the meds help but treats only the symptoms NOT the cause. I would experiment with the kinds of material in the brands of what she wears.

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S.M.

answers from Saginaw on

Hello A., Allergies come on slowly most times. I could be the soap or detergent, as she has been exposed to both. Doesn't sound like soap, as that would not be just around the pantie line. Go with a dye and fragrance free detergent. Use white vinegar in place of fabric softener. Another possibility is latex. Elastic is made of it, and it is becoming a common allergen. Good luck.

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F.W.

answers from Detroit on

Take her to a dermatologist, they will be able to better diagnose it. It could be a bacterial infection from the swimming pool.

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D.S.

answers from Grand Rapids on

A.; yourdaughter may have an allergic reaction to rubber, from the elastic, some panies are made with a rubber band type of elastic, leave maybe her panies off and put in just some cotton pants, and roll the waistband down a bit, so the elastic does not touch her see if thats whats causing the reaction, any way not sure if it helps but have a good day, and keep smiling, D. s

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P.R.

answers from Detroit on

I had eczema where you describe and was told for decades that it was NOT food related. As a 40 something adult, I now know that it IS food related -- for me, wheat, milk and the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tobacco). Those were foods I craved.

Has she had a recent vaccination or antibiotics that could have triggered an immune reaction?

You can try removing any food that she craves for four or five days. Ask the doctor about essential fatty acids (fish oil) (get dosage info from the doc, too). That helps me, but I am just a mom, not a doc, and this is not medical advice.

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B.A.

answers from Detroit on

I would switch your laundry detergent to one that is 'Free and Clear' ie free of artificial colors and fragrances. I like Purex but there are several on the market. I would also ensure that you are using body care products which are also free of artificial colors and fragrances. This are the most common culprits causing skin irritation. I would recommend Arbonne's ABC products for this. Their products are all Swiss formulated, herbally and botanically based and free of irritating chemicals. They also have awesome sunscreens. For under $30 you could likely solve her problem. If you are interested in samples of the Arbonne ABC products, I would be happy to pop some in the mail for you (or drop them off - depending on where you live) as I am a consultant.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation.
Barb

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M.B.

answers from Detroit on

Check with another pediatrician or doctor...
my daughter is 2.5 and she had this about 4 months ago?...
she had strep in her privates! We had to get a prescription lotion and oral medicine!
Trust your instinct.

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T.B.

answers from Detroit on

It sounds like it could be an allergy to the elastic in her underpants. I would try switching to an underpant that has cloth leg and waist openings, where the elastic is covered up. I know they make cloth waist-band underwear for boys but since my girl is only 2, I haven't explored that arena yet. Good luck!

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L.C.

answers from Lansing on

I agree with the above posters, it is most likely the band of her underpants.
Keep in mind however, an allergy can crop up at any time, for no apparent reason, to something you've eaten or touched all your life!
For her rash, a hydrocortizone cream should help relieve her!

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