Allergies/rash

Updated on July 07, 2009
M.S. asks from Sonoma, CA
11 answers

Hi,
I’m the mother of three children, ranging from fourth grade to high school. My youngest son constantly gets a rash on his face, near the corner of her nose, and it spreads and itches. Some people have said its eczema and others say food allergies. I have taken him to the doctor and he suggested taking him off dairy, seeing if it goes away, then slowly putting him back on dairy to see if it returns. Then doing this to other foods. Nothing really changes it. Any ideas or suggestions?

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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Did you try eliminating wheat and gluten (the protein in wheat that is also present in other grains)? It is the food allergy/intolerance that most commonly causes skin issues. It is really hard to eliminate, but it can be done. You want to do it for at least 3-4 weeks. I suggest you read about foods that contain gluten and wheat online. Good luck!

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P.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi M.. Sounds like it's time to see a Dermatologist. Since it does not seem to be a food allergy it could be contact dermatitis. Might try changing your clothes detergent.
But I still think seeing a dermatologist is the best idea. Good luck !

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P.V.

answers from San Francisco on

It might be a phenol allergy. Phenols are a naturally occuring chemical thst make red foods red (like tomatoes and strawberries). My son is allergic to them so I give him "No-Fenol" a dietary suppliment from Houston Nutraceuticals (www.houstonni.com) and it takes care of his allergy. No more rashes!

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J.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi! Your son may have more than one food allergy, in which case, removing one food at a time doesn't do anything. Find a doctor that can do a blood test to test for food allergies - ALCAT or ELISA. That way, you can zero in on the offending food/foods.

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N.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi M.,

It could be from allergies to food, chemicals your child is exposed to it is hard to say.

I can give you some ideas on how to get your child healthier and stay that way if that interest you.

Let me know.

Have a great week.

N. Marie

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S.E.

answers from San Francisco on

If you've done the allergy thing, ask to treat him for eczema. We used Elidel on our daughter and it was AMAZING. Cleared it right up in a day (two at the most). We applied early. We were experts at knowing the signs, so as soon as the area turned red, we applied. It NEVER went full blown...dry, scaly, etc.

Follow up with doc.
Stephanie

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G.K.

answers from San Francisco on

Ditto on the suggestions to get referrals to an allergist and a dermatologist. It sounds like it could be eczema--and eczema and food allergies often go hand-in-hand. My own 2-year-old son has eczema plus allergies to eggs and peanuts. The food-elimination method your doctor suggested is a little time-consuming and not perfect (it's easy to miss hidden ingredients.) The allergist can do a skin-prick test (my son didn't even flinch) in the office and give you instant feedback. The dermatologist can advise you on skin care for your son as well (the allergist may also be able to as well.)

Good luck!

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D.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi M.,

How often does he get this rash? Sounds like it comes and goes? If so, I doubt he's allergic to milk. He probably eats some diary every day, so the rash would be there all the time.

One of my sons got this type of rash on his face when he was little. It was a milk allergy. He didn't react to the formula he had been drinking, but did react when we switched him to whole milk. It did not come and go though. It got progressively worse for two months until I switched him back to formula. Then it went away... and came back when I tried giving him whole milk again.

If your son's rash comes and goes, then (if it is a food allergy) it is probably something he only eats occasionally. Something like eggs or shrimp perhaps? I get eczema from egg. For me, the rash flares up (gets redder and itchier) the day after I eat eggs. Then it takes several days (4-5) of not eating it for the rash to go away.

The 8 most common food allergy triggers are: peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, egg, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Any time his rash flares up, try to think back to what he ate that day and the day before and watch for a pattern.

Food allergies are a bear to identify through trial and error. I would recommend allergy testing instead. Your son is old enough that he should be able to deal with it. (Our son was a toddler when he was tested. Both the skin-prick and blood draw were really tough on him.)

Good luck!!
-D.

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K.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I have used an herbal product called Protandim. It’s pretty amazing and has alleviated aches, pains, reduced cholesterol, and so many other things in friends and acquaintances. One of my friends said she has lived with a major skin condition her whole life, and only now is it under control, after taking Protandim. After hearing this, and taking it myself for some of the other benefits, I gave half a pill to my daughter and it cleared up a reoccurring rash. Even though I was told it is safe for children (as a matter of fact, an investigation was done into young boys with DMD, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, and the parents reported significant improvements in symptoms), I would still double check with your child’s pediatrician. The ingredients are all natural – turmeric, milk thistle, greet tea, bacopa and ashwaganda. You can even order it online. Check out the website: www.lifevantage.com/teamblue4.

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G.B.

answers from San Francisco on

If it is near the nostril opening I would suggest it could be bacterial, and try tea tree oil. Also take garlic tablet pills internally, 3 times a day. Garlic has a broad spectrum capability for bacteria, fungus, and the like. The skin is a detox organ so sometimes a skin rash is due to something internal.
you can also try enzymes in pill form.

Chlorine in pools/tap water (SHOWERS) can cause dermatitis.
So can some sunscreens.

Keep his fingernails cut way low and have him wash his hands a lot to keep from infecting it. If all else fails, get it checked for cancer at a dermatologist. Any skin sore that fails to heal and itches should be cultured.

Ps...Vit B deficiencies can show as peeling skin around nose or scrotum, crusted skin on forehead, ears, or eyelids (and excema).Vitamin A is also a skin vitamin. You can try vit b-complex drops 2-3 times daily (walmart carries them)and also vit A in the form of Cod Liver Oil (walmart has an orange flavored one)Don't chase it with water or the fishy taste comes up.

Lastly it might even be a mineral deficiency. I would try to supplement with Fulvic acid (look for it online) which has the 60 trace minerals.

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L.P.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi M.,
By any chance, does your son take any type of anti-biotic? The reason I ask is, I recently broke out in a rash and had no idea why....there were no warnings on the label, and funny thing as many times as I have taken an anti-biotic I have NEVER been warned about going out in the sun!
I was out in the sunshine ALL weekend, on the Truckee river and come Monday I had a rash ALL over my face & neck. Turns out it was from the Amoxicillian???
I had no idea.....just thought I would pass it along. I am just getting over the rash, it spread to my arms & legs. I was told to stay out of the sun. Amoxicillian is photo sensitive??? uv light will affect it...It hasn't gone away completely yet, still dealing with it on my legs......doc said it should be gone soon, I hope....
It's funny, here I am a grandma( i should already know these things....LOL) & I had NO clue about anti-biotics.....several people have since told me that???
Good Luck, I will also mention, I have excema also, my skin is VERY sensitive to EVERYTHING.Try using Eucerin for your son's skin, it REALLY helps......

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