My husband already took our 7 year old daughter to the pediatrician for this because per the description over the phone they thought there was a chance it was ringworm. It's not. It's not contagious, just eczema.
On her neck, there are 3 small rings of eczema. When they first started they were weeping, burning, and itching. Then they dried out and were just itchy. Nothing seems to have been on her neck to have caused it. She's still wearing lower-cut shirts since the weather has allowed it. No changes in laundry detergents.
She's bathing in the same bath gels as always... no dyes or harsh perfumes. Same shampoo and conditioner. No major changes in diet.
Just these three circles, these little actual O's on her neck and two little speckles of eczema. We're treating it and it's improving, but it's still bright red. It just seems so WEIRD for the patches to be perfect letter O's. Any ideas what could cause that?
Sorry it took so long to update. Thank you to everyone who responded. We already do the Feingold Diet, so food dyes and HFCS are "out" as allergens.
I did some research thanks to Semolina, and it does seem to be that specific type of eczema so allergies wouldn't be a likely cause anyway. It also explains the treatment that our pediatrician is having us use (a special topical cream and moisturizer, non-steroidal). It's working.
It DOES matter how eczema presents, by the way, because it's an indicator of the type of eczema and how to treat it. This particular type of eczema can be genetic, which makes sense because I have eczema although it's not the same type. It's also a clue that when she's older we may have to keep an eye out for an underlying condition such as my own (I'm immune compromised and have a musculo-skeletal disorder). My own eczema can be triggered by contact allergies, such as copper and nickel and other cheap metals AS WELL AS internal allergies/triggers. This type that my daughter has that Semolina mentioned, well, not so much.
I really do appreciate ALL of the responses and I'll be coming back to this thread frequently to reread. Thank you.
There is a kind of eczema called nummular, or discoid eczema, they look just like what you describe, actually it is mistaken for ringworm a lot, because it looks so similar. Just little circles!
I'm sure it has to do also with colder and drier weather. Just keep putting cream on it and continue to lotion her whole body in good, dye/scent free cream every day or at least after a bath.
Eczema is caused by INTERNAL issues, not external contaminants. Eczema can be worsened by things like detergents or soaps, but the condition is the result of something inside - toxins, allergens, etc. These things only have 3 ways to come out: the pores (skin problems), the mucus membranes (nasal, bronchial, etc.), or elimination (urine and more often feces).
Why it's in 3 little O's is unclear but it's a random thing and I don't think that's as relevant as the cause. I've got a number of friends who got rid of their own eczema and their children's by using supplementation to help get rid of the offending source.
I never got anywhere with our Pediatrician for my daughter's eczema. Even 3 dermatologists.
The allergist finally helped us.
It would take me half the day to tell you all the stuff they told us to use, and it didnt work.
After seeing an allergist, she was put on Zrytec as needed and we used a lotion called Dermarest, you can find at Walgreens or CVS.
Worked wonders.
Food Allergies!! My son had horrible eczema that is now gone after we found out all his food allergies. He avoids thise foods and his skin is perfect. Dairy/milk, eggs, nuts are among the 8 common allergens.
I'll second the internal causes. Take a good look at her food. As a first step, eliminate anything with food coloring and artificial flavors.
Supplementing with a multi-b vitamin will help the body better handle with whatever stress it's dealing with. Coconut oil would be very nourishing for the skin too.
Allergies frequently occur after having used a certain product without having a reaction. Our system develops the allergy over time. I would stop using all scented products. Switch to an unscented detergent, shampoo and conditioner. And only use unscented, hypoallergenic lotions/creams. Stop using a bath gel. Use unscented, hypoallergenic soap.
