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Contact Dermatitis to Red Dyes (I think). Should I persue it further

Julie - posted on 02/13/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

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Hi Everyone,

I'm new and loving this group! It is excellent to chat and see so many other September 2007 Mommas having the same troubles.



My son is having a mild allergic reaction to what I think is a red dye additive to food. It is the only thing that ties these food together.



Here is what he is having the reaction to:





HP Sweet and Sour Sauce

Kraft Cheese Whiz

Ceasar Salad Dressing (Any Kind)

Ranch Salad Dressing (Any Kind)

Heinz Ketchup - very very mild

Barbecue Sauce (Any Kind)



Luckly these are really only condiments and are not foods he needs to have. My sister in laws little boy had the same reaction and grew out of it by the time he was three.

My only concern is this could get worse. My Mom is a nurse and has told me not to worry about it. I am afraid he could become very sensitive to it and end up with hives or worse swelling. My family doctor really didnt have a big concern either.

Am I being a worry wort or should I push further and ask for allegry testing to be done. Has anyone had thier child allegry tested, or do they have to be older to have it done?



Thanks



Julie - Momma of Seamus born September 26th, 2007 8lbs 10 oz

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2 Comments

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Kathi - posted on 02/21/2009

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Babies can be rashy creatures without any rhyme or reason. I know mine is (and our son was as well)! Our pedi told us that basically she has sensitive skin and there really isn't a way to pinpoint exactly whats going on. I do know that she is allergic to strawberries. So we just don't give her anything with strawberries and will try again when she is older. But that being said, she is rashy right now with rough dry patches.... so we just slather on the Aveeno lotion and wait for winter to be over (its a dry, rashy time of year).



I wouldn't get too upset over this.... there are other things in those products that could cause a skin irritation besides the red dye (he could be sensitive to a couple of things... not just one) and putting your little guy through allergy testing is an extreme measure at this point. It could also just be a skin irritation and have nothing to do with the foods.... Allergy testing is a long, uncomfortable, sometimes painful, extreme process and in the end it may actually not tell you anything since their bodies are changing so rapidly and they tend to grow out of things. Maybe just avoid the foods that you feel are an issue and keep an eye out for additional outbreaks.... it could also be a combination of the soap and lotion or laundry detergent etc.  If he is not showing additional signs of discomfort then I really wouldn't worry about it at this point. Listen to your mom.. my mom is a nurse too and one of the best sources of info. I have.

Lindsey - posted on 02/14/2009

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my little bro-in-law (hes 10) he has an allergy to all red dyes. clothes, food, drinks, everything! it may or not be that yours in allergic to red dye since he is also allergic to ranch dressing? i would maybe wait until he's two or so to have the allergy testing done. i think when they are so little their bodies arent used to all the foods that we are used to right now.

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