My 5 1/2 month old has a really bad rash. His cheeks are raw and he scratches his head all the time. He has bumps covering his torso and patches on his arms and legs. Not getting answers from his doc or an allergy specialist. Told to use 2.5% hydrocortizone, but also that it shouldn't be used much or for very long. That's the best they can do for me. he doesn't sleep and is miserable. Anybody experience anything similar?

Charmaine - posted on 04/01/2009

Sarah, I don't know where you live but I would just go to your Dr and tell him you want a referral to a Dermatologist.... the rest of the Medical Professionals you have seen seem useless which is a poor reflection on the medical community. Eucerin cream has 10% urea which can burn a babies sensitive skin. Given urea is a component of urine it is easy to understand why. I used a similar cream when my baby had eczema and the rash got worse and the effected area just got bigger. Mr Dr told me that it was too harsh for her skin and I had effectively burned her by using the cream. Definitely go and see the Dermatologist

Sarah - posted on 04/01/2009

Thanks everyone. His pediatrician is the one who prescribed the 2.5% ointment. Then, i had to bring my boy in again because it was worse and his doc wasn't in. So a different doc saw him and suggested the referral to an allergy specialist. The specialist suggested soy formula, even though he did not test positive for milk allergy (did test positive to eggs and peanuts which stinks, but doesn't offer insight to current issues and we'll cross that road when we get there.) We've been doing oatmeal baths every other day and avoiding soap all together. We've been using the eucerin cream on his body and vaseline on his face. The second doc told us to use Zyrtec, which helped the welting on his scalp go down and he doesn't seem to scratch quite as much, but still does some.

We have only ever used a detergent that is free of any fragrance or dyes.

Tesa - posted on 04/01/2009

i am so glad you posted this my son who is just 1 has the same problem and they have me using userin {sp?} and hydrocortizone which helps a little but not much and it gets really bad when he is teething he has it on his face ,head, stomach , and back also but i use johnson and johnson but i will turn to something else after everyone is saying not to use it i also have tried goat soap and oatmeal soap but seen no difference

Yesenia - posted on 04/01/2009

You should consider finding another Allergy specialist and see a dermatologist as well.  You may also want to consider switching to a laundry detergent for sensitive skin.

The docs not finding anything is unacceptable.  They can't treat him properly if they don't know what he's suffering from.

Beth - posted on 04/01/2009

All of my kids had the same thing...DO NOT use Johnson and Johnson on them....It only makes it worse.  Also try using the dreft laundry soap,,it will help so much!

Beth - posted on 04/01/2009

All of my kids had the same thing...DO NOT use Johnson and Johnson on them....It only makes it worse.  Also try using the dreft laundry soap,,it will help so much!

Tiffany - posted on 04/01/2009

We had this battle with my son, and now finally have it under control... the doctors we were seeing in TX didn't seem to know what to do with him because NOTHING was working... well, when we arrived in Germany I went to the peds on base and they gave me and antibacterial cream to use with his lotions and stuff...  it has worked wonders.  the docs said that is gets red because it is infected... so you will not only need the lotions and stuff, you will need something for the infection also.  The name of the stuff they gave me is Mupirocin ointment.  They also had been giving me the hydrocortozone creams and I haven't even had to use those since they gave me this other stuff...

Charmaine - posted on 04/01/2009

It sounds like it might be eczema and the fact that his Dr and allergy specialist appear useless is a concern. I would try your Pediatrician and he may need to refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in skin rashes. My little girl had eczema once and it is easily aggravated if you use products that are perfumed so check the ingredients to see if any include Parfum. Johnson & Johnson brands are well known to aggravate babies sensitive skin therefore I would not recommend using them. Cetaphil is a great affordable brand which I have found is great in preventing and treating skin conditions and use their wash and moisturiser. Whilst yes, hydrocortizone is used to treat eczema it is not something to be used long term. You normally use it 3 x a day, moisturising skin after application to prevent skin drying out. You should also not use it for more than 5 days in a row and ensure all clothing, towels etc are changed and washed daily. Ensure your products are perfume free and maybe change your laundry powder as that can also cause eczema in children. I would say the Dermatologist will be able to assist you with a long term solution.

Gina - posted on 04/01/2009

Get Aveno baby lotion and wash. When you give him a bath was it with the aveno baby wash. Then after his bath within three minutes rub the lotion on him. Also, don't give him a bath every day. Give it to him every other day this might be drying out his skin. Rub him with lotion every morning and night even if he didn't get a bath.

Julie - posted on 04/01/2009

My Grandson has been suffering with the same thing, we bought some E45 itch relief cream and applied it thinly twice a day and put baby socks on his hands to stop him scratching his head and the rash has cleared well.

Bev - posted on 04/01/2009

Ask to see a Ped dr.....poor boy! Have you tried changing his baby soap or your laundry soap....there has to be something he's reacting to. Not sure about where you live but here we can baby soap made by aveeno which has a soothing oatmeal in it.