Is this from immunizations, viral infection, or something else?!?!

Sarh - posted on 12/22/2010

Thanks SOO much Jodi! I have to deal with the worries of this rash for a month?! Oh goodness! I don't think the rash bothers him, but he is very laid back and only fusses when hungry or has a dirty diaper!! He has a few little bumps on his face, but mainly neck to toe. lol.
I was thinking the food was unrelated, but was really unsure. Last night he ate a bit of food. He is loving the biscuits and pinwheel things... he is teething and does great with the crawlers foods (plus he is there already). i know he doesn't NEED food, but I didn't know if he had a stomach bug or something and the food really helps with the reflux. I had thought he grew out of the reflux, but I guess not. I'd rather him not be spitting up because he is barely gaining weight, but because he is a bigger baby dr hasn't said anything about it. It took about a month for him to gain about 8oz! That is concerning to me, I have been told and read they are supposed to gain about 1-1.5lbs a month...?
Thanks again! I felt that it was from the immunizations, but then dr kind of confused me as he said it wasn't from his immunizations, but a rash is a rare reaction. lol.

Jodi - posted on 12/22/2010

My daughter had a viral reaction (I was told they are reactions, NOT infections) to her 6 month shots. It is rare and really isn't dangerous as long as their breathing is fine and no fevers. Hers itched like crazy though, so maybe you're lucky that it just doesn't bother him.
Based off of my own experience with it, I'd say that it's possible that the food and the reaction are unrelated. There are just too many variables, taking him off the medication, putting him back on, a 6 month growth spurt is normal so it could jsut *seem* like he's eating less. There is a saying, "food before one is just for fun." so he doesn't NEED solid foods to be healthy, as long as he's still nursing and producing wet diapers I wouldn't be too concerned. If all else fails, call the children's hospital and ask to speak to a nurse instead of just going in, I'm sure they can give you better information and soothe your worries. Best of luck!

(btw, it took my daughter nearly a month to get over her viral reaction...it was head to toe.)

Sarh - posted on 12/22/2010

His pediatrician said I could give him benadryl, but I don't feel comfortable doing so, he is a bigger 6 month old (20lbs), but he is still so young. Plus, the rash doesn't seem to bother him, however doing nothing it has not gone away on its own. Her got the pertussis, tetanus, and one other one. His breathing is fine and I have not notice a fever.
The rash is not my main concern as it is not getting worse, but also it is not getting better. My main concern is the sudden refusal of food other then nursing and even his breast feedings have gone down, but he might have just went through a growth spurt and I got so used to that. IDK! lol.

Christy - posted on 12/22/2010

My daughter got a rash shortly after getting her 2 yr shots. I gave her benadryl (although the bottle says ONLY 6 and over) I cut the dose down. It might be viral, however it also may be due to the shots. If her breathing is labored that's when you go to the ER ASAP. The benadryl should help the rash out.....her body may be producing an immunity to the vaccine (I can't remember what vaccines they get for what at that age) and causing a small reaction in the meantime.