Severe Rashes on 8-Month Old Boy

If you want another Pedi Dermatologist opinion.-- we use Dr. K Robin Carder. She is great. She is near Presby (Walnut Hill & 75.) ###-###-####

My son has Eczema and other "sensitive skin" issues. She has been wonderful at helping to educate me and making my son more comfortable while we treat the issues.

best of luck, Susan

Try Nutramagin....it is hypo-allergenic. It cost about the same as liquid gold, but when my son was younger and couldn't handle milk at all, this was the answer. The good thing is, at one year of age, you take them off of formula, so you only have 4 months to pay the extra cost.

It sounds like he has atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema. What derm have you been seeing? I can tell you if you are in good hands or not. Feel free to let me know what rx's you have tried, I will try to help there as well. I would also be happy to see him. I am at North Dallas Dermatology, you can look me up on the web. My direct email is
____@____.com

I would be happy to help!

S.

Hi L.,

All I can say is Arbonne! From what you have described it sounds like eczema. I know this sounds crazy but a Pediatrician in Oklahoma took all of her patients off of the perscription Elidel and starting using the Arbonne Baby Products on them and their symptoms went away. All of Arbonnes products are herb and botanically based so they safe. I was introduced to Arbonne when I was pregnant with my daughter and what I have learned about the products sitting on the selves....it's no wonder our kids are sick! Let me know if you would like some more information or a sample. You will be amazed at the relief your son will get.

If this is in fact eczema, then food allergies may absolutely be the culprit. My son went through very similar experience. Not once did the dermatologist even suggest food allergies. The second pediatrician I went to (and still use now) suggested allergy testing. My son is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soy. Avoiding these foods has made a world of difference for him.

They can prescribe a topical ointment that is a mix of steroids with an antibiotic. This helps when they have scratched to the point of bleeding.

Nutramigen is an allergen free formula that you can try. It is expensive, but so worth it!

Best of luck to you! If you need an allergist referral, let me know.

C.

Hello L.,

I feel for your little boy and hope that he can get some relief soon and you can get some answers. I know how frustrating things like this can be when your child is suffering.

I think the best advice would be what you already know...and that would be to seek another opinion, or possibly an alergist. From what you have described, it sounds like it may possibly be Eczema or Psoriasis. I myself have Eczema and your description is very similar. Another option would be to see an Alergist and have a full skin allergy test done. I ended up going this route and was finally diagnosed with Eczema, after suffering for 12 years, running to every dermatologist in the state, trying every creme, jelly, and goop out there with no relief... My allergist was able to pinpoint exactly what I was allergic to and prescribe the right medications. I am now able to control my skin condition.

I hope that you find out soon what is causing these rashes. I wish you luck! Your son will be in my prayers.

God Bless,
H.

My daughter had the rash on the backs of her legs and front of her elbows and it was diagnosed as eczema, she was given elidel cream and it cleared it right up. Although Elidel is for kids 2 and up, the doctor might have something that is comprable or younger babies. I know how you feel, it is hard to watch your baby in pain. I hope you find something that works for you.

Sounds like what my nephew went through. He is now two and for the first year of his life he would get terrible rashes. My sister-in-law took him to a dermatologist, etc. also. Nothing worked. Finally, she had him tested for allergies and it was found that he is allergic to peanuts (although he had never actually eaten peanuts), milk and dogs. Since they gave their dog away and avoided his food allergies, he hasn't had the terrible rash. It may be a good idea to get your son's allergies tested. Good luck!

Hello,
Your son's rash sounds like my daughters' we found out that she did have a milk and soy allergy. We use Nutramigen by Enfamil and her doctor wants her on only non dairy and soy free foods when we start baby food, she is not 6 months yet. As soon as we changed formula her skin cleared up and by three days the rash as completely gone,by the end of the week all the dry patches were gone. I hope this helps.
V. Landeros

Hi there it sounds like your little guy might have eczema, my son has eczema and it was itchy patches that bleed and scabed over, I suggest arbonne products. They are pure safe and beneficial and their products are botanically based. If yah want to know more let me know, or if you'd like a baby sample.

Have they treated him for excema yet. My daughter has the same thing happen with her. We use hydrocortizon which you can get in any drug store, grocery store, or your local Wal Mart.

I went thru something similar with my son. There is a prescription lotion called Desowen that worked with the dry itchy spots. And helped some with the rash. My son just has very sensitive skin. We went thru several dermatalogist too. We finally figured out washing him in bottled water helped. We were even able to give him a bath in other family members houses. As long as they didn't get there water from the same water supply as our home. You might even try changing laundry detergents. There are dermatatoligist at children's hospital. They seem better with kids.

Hi there,

I don't know how you feel about alternative healthcare, but I know a great lady who has really helped my son with food allergies and rashes. She is an acupuncturist by trade. She is trained in NAET (you can look up online). Her name is Kim, and she is at the Center for the Healing Arts in Ft. Worth on Leuda. You can just tell her that T. and Griffin sent you. It takes a little bit of open-mindedness to her methods of evaluation and treatment; however, at this point, I would imagine anything would be better than more medications for him.

Very best of luck!

T.

Hi L.,

I am a chiropractor and I work with infants. We can do muscle testing through you to determine your child's allergies. I have test kits that have the most common food allergens. We can also test his digestive tract to see if it is out of balance and causing his problems. If you are interested in more information, please call me at- ###-###-#### or ###-###-####. Thanks!

Dr. Sandra S.

Hi L.,

What is your concern about long-term effects of Soy formula? I've personally never heard any reports of problems, which is not to say they don't exist but I haven't heard of them. The only problems I've heard about regarding soy are with the genetically modified variety so avoid that. I have, however, heard MANY nutritionists speak on the ill effects of cow's milk on humans. I found out recently that about 90% of the world's population does not produce the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down and digest the lactose that is produced in cow's milk. So they suffer with gas, colic, etc., all the while pouring in more of the substance that's causing them problems! Soy comes from a plant so it is less likely to be problematic. Just make sure you go with a high-quality formula. We as a nation founded by white europeans (who are in the small percentage of races who do produce lactase), have been led to believe that cow's milk is very good for us. An extremely powerful dairy industry helps to perpetuate this belief. However, more and more studies appear to contradict this "fact". Long story short, try the soy milk formula. Also, to ensure enough calcium intake when your baby is eating vegetables, spinach and broccoli are loaded with it. Of course, follow your doctor's feeding guidelines regarding the introduction of new foods.

Good luck!

M.
www.GoodHealthMadeSimple.com

My son has just come up with the same thing this week! He is 3 years (so he's older) and has never had a rash before! It is mainly in the creases of his legs, elbows, back of his neck, and on his head (in his hair). The pediatrian said it was a form of eczema that gets worse with heat. I have noticed that it's much worse at night right before bed. His are also itchy and he'll even scratch them in his sleep!

He told us to use an over-the-counter hydrocortizone cream but so far I haven't seen much of an improvement. In fact, after his bath last night I think it was worse than ever. I did use a Melaleuca cream on it and he says it feels better - but it's just a short term relief and he'll be itching agin in an hour.

That being said....I'm not sure it's a food alergy. My little guy is very picky and eats the same things almost every day. We have been spending a lot more time outside with this great weather, so I'm thinking maybe it's from pollen or something???

He goes back to the Dr tomorrow so I'll keep you updated. There has to be some quick cure! S.

Hi L.,

Bless you and your baby boy's hearts. It sounds like eczema to me, too. I know exactly what you both are going through--it's awful to see your child in pain and feel helpless. Both of my children have eczema. I tried everything under the sun to make it go away, but nothing seemed to touch it. I didn't want my children to be on a prescription to clear it up, but I didn't know what else to do. Finally, my neighbor introduced me to the Arbonne baby products and they worked! Within 4-5 days, the baby products totally cleared up their rash! I was amazed! All their products are botanically based, hypoallergenic (which is great because they're made for the most sensitive skin), dermatologist-tested, do not contain mineral oil, dyes, chemical fragrances, or animal products, and are Vegan certified. As a fellow Mama, I'd be happy to share them with you to try them on your precious baby boy for a couple of weeks, no obligation. It's worth a try! If you're like me, I got to the point where I was ready to try anything--I hated to see my children in pain. I truly know what you are going through and am very thankful to my neighbor for introducing me to the Arbonne products. If you'd like to read more about the products, here is their website: www.arbonne.com

Also, I noticed that for some reason, both of my children have more allergies than my husband or I do, so I wash their clothes in All Free and Clear detergent and don't use any fabric softener or fabric sheets in the dryer. I researched skin conditions and found that all the dyes and chemical fragrances in products (laundry products, bath products, lotions, etc.) are a lot of what people are allergic to. Hope this helps!

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like some samples: ###-###-####. Good luck to you in finding the best solution for your baby.

Best wishes,
Jacqueline Lipe

It sounds so much like what a friend of mine went through with her son. She was nursing and they finally discovered that he was allergic to milk, even hers. They put him on a allergenic formula (sorry, don't know what) and he got better almost instantly. If it's been going on 5 months and he's been on the formula for about 5 months, that seems a likely culprit to me. Good luck, I hope he feels better soon!

If its not a food allergy, then it may just be really bad excema. My 4month old has similar symptoms. The dermatologist gave us Desonide to heal/clear it up and then Mimyx to moisturize. She also suggested just using Vaseline or Aquaphor to moisturize. Its helped alot. For my 3yo who had excema on his legs mostly I began putting capfuls of Olive Oil in his bath water (or at least baby oil) to help with his dryness and seemed to really work too. Along with either Cetaphil cream or Aveeno cream moisturizer (not the lotion). These things should give him some relief. I'm curious though to what your third opinion will be,especially if its from a Dermatologist. Oh, and make sure you're using Dreft or a Free & Clear detergent for the whole family.

Good morning L.. I was wondering if your little one might have eczema. Have you tried switching the soap you are using to bath your baby? My little boy is 18 months old and has the same symptoms since he was 3 months old. I finally took him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with eczema. I do not use baby soap to bath him. Instead I use Dove unscented. And I have a prescription lotion. You may try changing the soap.

THIS WORKS, my son has the same exact thing and it turned out to be eczema. What I did was every night I would bath him in Cetaphil soap then lotion him in the cetaphil lotion and put petroleum jelly on the areas that were scabbed or open. The petroleum would coat it over night and heal at the same time. I also changed all our laundry degergent to ALL- free and clear.
In order for this to clear up and stay away you HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY NIGHT. It will come back if you wait more then a couple of days.
ALSO, Trim his nails so he can't tear up his skin!!

Good luck!!
Please, Let us know what methods you took and if they worked.
Let us know what happens!

V.

It does sound a lot like excema, and the most likely culprit would be a milk allergy. I know you said you're concerned about a soy-based formula, but it really may help. I've found that with my kids and I, it takes about two-weeks to a month of a diet change to see really good results. My personal opinion would be to talk to the dermatologist/your doctor and try cutting out all milk products (formula included) for a month. I bet you see good results. However, If that *doesn't* work, talk to your derm./doctor about an elimination diet for other food allergies. (Another common excema trigger is wheat, but I don't know if you've got him on solids yet.)

As for temporary releif, try oatmeal baths, Eucerin cream, and hot/cold packs.

Hi there,
When my daughter was 1 she started with a rash turned out she had exema. She has had it all her life. Also have you tried any new clothing detergent? soap? your perfume? anything like that can cause irritation. you need to use allergent clothing soap and nothing purfumed for your son. My daughter is 27 now and has delt with sever exema and asthma her whole life. I know how you feel
Mel

This happened to my son when he was a baby is was a yeast infection in his blood system from penicillin poisoning. After 3 doctors and 2 ER's I took him to Baylor Hospital and they figured it out.

Hi L.,

I would love to share with you a company that I found that I really think will help. E-mail me at ____@____.com and I'll get you more info. I don't sell anything, but this company has made such a difference in our family's health. All the products have a money back guarantee, so if you don't like them you can send the empty bottle back and get your money back. Definitely worth a try.

Have a great one!
A.

Hi L.,

I agree with many of the other Moms. Your son's symptoms are remarkably similar to those of severe atopic dermatitis, aka eczema. My son had very similar symtoms, and required a regimen of steroids and systemic antihistamines to manage his condition. I really empathize with your son's condition, and hope that you find a manageable solution for his condition very soon.

God Bless,

Moya

One of my boys had the same symptoms that you've described, and he was diagnosed with excema. I noticed that he only broke out where he was in contact with the carseat - the backs of his legs, back of his head, and on his cheeks where his head rested on the strap pads. Nobody believed me that he could be allergic to the polyester car seat material, his pediatrician thought I was crazy. He even had a straight-line rash on his back where his shirt had pulled up and exposed his skin to the carseat. Once I covered his seat with cotton blankets, the rash cleared up. Our stroller what made out of the same material, and the same thing happened when his skin came in to contact with it. My suggestion would be to cover his seat with some receiving blankets and make sure when he's on the carpet, but a blanket under him - it's worth a try! I hope this helps!

Try taking everything out of your son's diet that contains wheat and gluten. Give it a couple of weeks and see if it clears up. It sounds like Dermatisis Hepetaformis (bad spelling) which is associated with Celiac Sprue.

"Eczema most commonly causes dry, reddened skin that itches or burns, although the appearance of eczema varies from person to person and varies according to the specific type of eczema. Intense itching is generally the first symptom in most persons with eczema. Sometimes, eczema may lead to blisters and oozing lesions, but eczema can also result in dry and scaly skin. Repeated scratching may lead to thickened, crusty skin.

While any region of the body may be affected by eczema, in children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck."

I got that off the below website. Hope it helps.

http://www.medicinenet.com/eczema/article.htm

It sounds like eczema to me... my son has it due to his allergies and peanut allergy. His eczema is really inflammed right now because of all the allergens in the air... I use Aquaphor and a prescribed steroid cream. I SLATHER him with the Aquaphor right after his bath... lightly patted dry. Then put on his PJs and it looks a little better in the morning. Right now, it's a constant battle with the dry air and all the pollen...

I know cold wet towels will help to relieve some of the itching...

Good luck!

Perhaps it is something chemical in his environment. These symptoms sound a whole lot like my boys' eczema. They have had a very severe case. We thought it was a food or environmental allergy. Nothing came up on their allergy tests. Then we started to think about the chemicals in our cleaners, laundry supplies, bath & body products, etc. Through research I found out that many, many products contain preservatives that cause all kinds of allergic reactions, including skin reactions. Once we eliminated products with formaldehyde, their skin cleared up! It was amazing. I'd be happy to give you all of the information about the products we use in our home. Just let me know!

D.
http://deanaorear.themomteam.com

WOW! I thought we were the only ones. My son has had the same problem since about the same age. He is 21 months. He is milk intolerant. Milk, strawberries, and citrus all give him the rash. His was so badly blistered at one point, we had to use Silvadene cream (the stuff for burn victims). It worked eventually. I put it first, then vasolene on top as a barrier 4x/day. He developed a phobia of his changer. Ugh! He STILL hates changing.

Oh, we do almond milk since he wouldn't do rice. I too refused soy (for the reasons regarding boy hormones), although he's allergic to it too.

My son occationally gets a rash on his face , stomach, and back that kinda sounds like what your son's, however, not a severe as your son's. Using Aveeno Baby lotion, found on the baby isle, clears my son's rash very quickly. We usually see it taming within minutes of applying the lotion.

Good Luck!