[BelCanto]

I need help! My dd recently broke out in a rash on her right butt cheek/hip area. It started out as larger bumps but recently resolved into one large pink patch. Went to doc last night who said, "contact dermatitis," and asked if we have used anything new? The answer is no, nothing new. So, she suggested changing diapers (yes, I use pampers, but have used them since she was born). Is it really the diapers? What else could it be.

But, here is my main concern…she suggested hydrocortisone cream 2x per day. My guess is that it isn't a healthy choice, am I right? If so, what else can I do for it? HELP!

Thanks!!

--Jennifer

 

[InfoisPower]

You are right, it's not a healthy choice. I'm not trying to scare you, but the doctors around here hand out hydrocortisone creams like candy for rashes, and don't inform you of the side effects or risks, and seeing that creams with a low percentage of hydrocortizone can be had over the counter, you won't get a drug profile from the pharmacist either.
Topological steroids are touted as the safe alternative to systemic steroids, but there is little to back this belief up. Makes sense as your skin is the largest organ, and they're now marketing birth control patches that administer the drugs through the skin rather than orally. Reports suggest that they can cause an eczema like allergic reaction. Antihistamines too can create a similar problem akin to the one you are attempting to cure.
The side effects of steroids (hydrocortisone is one) are: skin problems, organ damage, permanent adrenal suppression, stunted growth, adrenal disease. They are implicated in Cushing's syndrome, may impair pitutitary-adrenal responses, thinning of skin, stretch marks, delayed healing, ulcertaion of wounds, eye damage (glaucoma and cataracts). Suppression of the immune system is also a side effect. Osteoporosis isone of the more serious side effects from long term steroid use.
Topical steroids are not a panacea. You'd do better to try to find the cause of the reaction. Has you child been introduced to new foods? Or are you ingesting something new that's in your breastmilk? The breakdown products could be causing her distress.
Hope this helps you.

 

[BelCanto]

Thank you for the info. I had a feeling it was not good. Could it be food related? The reason I ask is because I think she may have had a reaction to Tahini (she is 15 mo). A day or two after she tried it (but only had a very little bit b/c she didn't like it) she got a really bad rash on her face. I thought it was just dry skin, but I think it may have been from something she ate.

Two-three weeks prior I introduced egg, but she was ok with it, at least I thought until then. Maybe it was egg?

Can a food allergy produce a random rash like that? It doesn't look like ezema.

I haven't fed her egg or tahini since.

I'm confused. Is there anything I should put on the rash to make it better? (besides trying to get to the bottom of the rash?)

--jennifer

 

[L.J.]

I agree with avoiding hydrocortisone.

Yes, allergies can show up in so many different ways. A rash could certainly be caused by that.

If the rash doesn't bother her, I'd leave it alone.

 

[RidentMama]

I just picked up some Ssssting Stop a couple of days ago and the flyer on the inside of the box said that the company (B&T--Boericke & Tafel Topical Creams & Gels) has a natural alternative to Cortisone...it's called Florasone Cardiospermum Cream.

Our local organic shop sells this brand. You might be able to purchase it online too.