Brown Spots on Body....

I don't know from a pediatric perspective, but somebody I knew as an adult had similar sounding spots and they were a fungus, not serious, but treatable with cream. I agree with the person who posted that it was strange for the doctor to start treating it with ointment when they didn't have any idea what it was, but that is what doctors seem to always do, at least in my experience with my 5-year-old. They pass out drug samples like candy.

Hi Cally,
My son also developed brown spots on his torso at about the same age. He is caucasian. At first I thought they were from the sun, that I had missed a spot with the sunblock. Then a few more cropped up. When I took him to the doctor, they said it was cafe au lait spots. Not to worry but keep an eye on them. Please have a dermatologist look at it. There is a neurological disease that has these spots as one of the symptoms. We took my son to a dermotologist and a neurologist to rule it out. My son is fine,no neurological diseases, still has the spots, he's now 8. Nothing to do about the spots. I'm not trying to scare you, just giving you our experience. If you have more questions or want to talk more, send me a message. I'd be glad to chat.
Good luck!
R.

There is something called neurofibromatosis (referenced in another response) that has these spots as a symptom, especially if they are under the arms or near the groin. Please consult a dermatologist. Good luck!

Hi Cally,

I went through this with my son as well. I took him to the Dermatologist and he had no idea what it could have been, but prescribed a steroid cream anyway. I was NOT happy about that. I held off on filling the prescription and took to the internet instead. I came across an article suggesting what other moms have said here - that it might be a fungus. The solution was to simpy buy Head and Shoulders shampoo, put a drop of shampoo in a dixie cup and fill the rest with warm water to dilute (stir it with your finger). A small drop will produce a good amount of lather. Rub it on your baby with a wash cloth and leave on for about 5 minutes. After doing this for TWO days the spots were gone. I would suggest trying that before taking him to another doctor since it's safe and will save you a co-pay! Let me know if it works! Good luck!

Cally,

My nephew just had the same thing - a swath of brown spots all down his torso on his right side. In spite of his vaccination against them, they were the chicken pox. My brother and sister in law are still not sure where he got them, but my 11 month old, under doctor's orders, was not allowed to be near him or his 7 year old sister for three weeks (quarentine ends tomorrow, in fact). He said they would not be like the chicken pox we had as kids because of the vaccine, meaning it is a mutation and acts differently. I know your regular doctor was stumped, but you should know that this is a possibility.

Good luck, A.

I have not had the same exact problem but have had similar situations with my son and myself. Just call a dermatologist and go right away. Don't wait. Chances are it is something simple and they will quickly get your son on the road to fixing the situation. This is a dermatologists specialty not your pediatricians. Definitely give one a call. I love Westwood Dermatology - Dr. Possick. ###-###-#### http://westwooddermatology.net/Paul_A_Possick.cfm
We have been using him for our son since he was born and had some issues with exema. Good luck.

Cally, if he has discolorations that are not improving, don't appear to be an allergy or reaction, I would get the baby into the dermatologist ASAP. I would not treat with a cream when you don't know what you are treating. Don't you think that sounds wierd? To prescribe medication when you don't know the condition you're treating? I would get him to a specialist.
Good luck

If you are reading this post because your child has similar symptoms, consult a pediatric dermatologist. One possibility is pediatric mastocytosis. Usually, this condition is accompanied by itchiness, and hives. The condition is unusual, but not unheard of, and if this is the diagnosis, creams will not do a thing. Sunlight (use sunblock) will help fade the "spots," but it is something that children either outgrow, or they don't; either way, it takes years to find out, and if someone is giving you a cream because they don't have an answer, consult another doctor.

Hey CAlly,

I would definately visit a dermatologist and not wait.

Second, I am not sure what RACE you and you child are, but
some children of mixed race can develop Mongolian spots.
Which can be triggered by the sun, so perhaps this past week your son might have been playing outside with his shirt off?

Thats the only thing I can think of,

good luck

M

No idea what it could be, but I would call a dermatologist.

Hi there!
Ya know...the only thing that came to mind is your ethnic background. I have heard of dark spots -- called Mongolian spots -- but usually on the back for a certain ethnic background. they say that they look like bruises...
I dont know if that helps...or confuses things more.

Sorry no idea but I would call the dermatologist and get him in. Better safe than sorry. A.