What Is the Best Ointments or Gels to Use for Our Son Rashy Cheeks?

Updated on December 11, 2016
M.S. asks from Alpharetta, GA
9 answers

He has two small rashes around his cheeks and he rubs his face in the pillows or couches in our house and we're afraid that he may suffocate. We already went to the pediatrics and he prescribed him with Cortizone 10 for kids. But that has seem to make it worse. Next step is that we might go to the ER?!?! Advice? P.S. He's only 2 months old. So I don't want to give him anything that may irritate even more than it already is.

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Don't go to the emergency room for this. It is not an emergency but also there are some really sick people in emergency rooms and you really don't want to expose him to their illnesses.

TRy a pediatric dermatologist if his physician is unable to help.

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

first things first. cortizone 10 was a good first step, but since it's worsened the condition did you take your baby back to the pediatrician? he's probably got 2nd, 3rd and 4th things to try, but you don't rule him out because he didn't nail it on the first try.
it's natural to be anxious about a tiny new baby, but if you trust your pediatrician, keep working with him.
and for the love of all the gods, don't take internet advice over that of your actual doctor.
no, you don't need to take the baby to the ER. this is a valid concern, not an emergency. if you genuinely feel your pediatrician isn't qualified to treat this condition, go to a pediatric dermatologist.
and then find a pediatrician you DO trust.
hope your little one finds relief soon. my 2nd son had skin flare-ups all through his babyhood. he just has sensitive skin and lots of allergies. it's a cause for concern, but not panic.
khairete
S.

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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I suggest you think about possible causes of the rash. Rashes in babies this age are often caused by food intolerances.

No need for the ER. Follow up with your ped. If you are breastfeeding, there are ways you can change your diet to determine if there is a food intolerance. You can also do it with formula, but you should always consult your ped before changing formulas.

Although I do wonder how a 2 month old could possibly be rubbing his face on things since a 2 month old infant isn't mobile.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

We only went to ER for one rash in our baby - and that was because it was an allergic looking reaction. He looked like a lobster. Contact dermatitis - the new clothing detergent.

Otherwise, I would not take a child to the hospital.

If the pediatrician has already prescribed cortisone (determined not an allergic reaction) then I would continue to use it (sometimes it does take a while to work - up to 2 weeks for us) - and make a follow up appointment.

What did the pediatrician say it was?

Baby acne (as some have mentioned) is very common. I never used anything (just washed with gentle baby soap - tiny quantity).

Did the pediatrician say it was eczema? My kids have been prescribed cortisone for eczema. It takes a while to work and then you have to change what you are doing also - from creams to detergents, etc.

I would call the pediatrician's office, and ask. Tell them what's happened.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

I know it's so hard with an infant when you are learning your way around parenting. It's not easy and there are many worries.

You don't go to the ER for a rash. That will cost a fortune and will have you sitting and waiting while really sick kids get seen first. You'll sit with a bunch of sick kids and wind up with bigger problems! You see the pediatrician, or you see a dermatologist. The ER is for a major injury or a very high fever, and only when directed by the pediatrician - always start with the doctor first.

Babies often get "baby acne" - is that what it is? It goes away after a month or so - normal. Baby drool can be a problem, so can baby washes and lotions. I'd be surprised at Cortisone 10 for a kid who could put his hands in it and then put his fingers in his mouth.

And how does a 2 month old rub his cheeks on furniture? He's not that mobile. If you put him down on the floor on a blanket, on his back, none of this will happen. If you put him on his stomach on the coach and he tries to lift his head, yes, his cheeks will rub. So just don't do that. And a 2 month old should not be anywhere near a pillow - yes, suffocation is a risk. So, no pillows!

Is he breast fed or formula fed? That can make a difference. But if they are 2 small patches, I'd think you could let it go for now or look into the other causes mentioned.

I'd suggest that you get a good baby medical book - as the pediatrician for recommendations or ask the librarian at your public library.

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V.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

1) He's 2 months old. Why is he ON the couch with the pillows? You *should* be concerned he'll suffocate. Stop placing him in unsafe spaces. He doesn't have control over it, YOU do. He's 2 MONTHS old.

2) This is the prime age (between month 1 and 3) for hormones to cause face breakouts in infants. It may look like a rash. What did your pediatrician say when you took him in? If he/she isn't concerned, it probably is hormonal and will clear up on its own soon. Applying cortisone might not help, might not hurt. But if you don't see any difference, then I wouldn't continue it. Talk to your pediatrician about whether or not it is ok to discontinue if you aren't seeing improvement.

3) The only symptom is rash, I wouldn't go to the ER. If you are concerned, call your ped's nurse/on-call line. If it isn't urgent enough for you to feel like that is necessary, then it most certainly is NOT necessary for an ER visit.

WE are not doctors and cannot give you medical advice or advise you to ignore your doctor's advice. But if the treatment isn't helping, TALK to your doctor. It sounds very much like it could be hormonal, but I can't see it, or know what else is going on in your household, or have you or your child's medical history...

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Pillows and couches aren't safe for him at this age.
You either hold him, or have him in a bouncy seat or infant swing, or he's in his crib or on a play mat on the floor.
Baby acne generally clears up on its own.
If your child has a high fever that won't come down or is unconscious - that's what the ER is for.
The ER is not for chapped cheeks.
A small amount of coconut oil (it melts at skin temp) might soothe his cheeks.

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J.S.

answers from Kansas City on

My daughter had the same thing. Get this stuff called Baby Kisses. It's available on Amazon, at Wal-Mart, Babies or Toys R Us. It works miracles. Those spots will start healing within a couple hours. Next would be Aquaphor.

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W.W.

answers from Washington DC on

M.,

Stop. Breathe. No ER visit is necessary at this point.

Your son might have rosacea. https://www.rosacea.org/ that might be why the cortizone cream is making it worse. Please stop trying too many things.

Make an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist to see what is going on. He might be allergic to something as well. If he's rubbing his face in pillows and couches? He might have a problem with the material. His skin is new. He's only been out of his mama's womb for 8 weeks. He's adjusting. BREATHE!!!

In the mean time? Oatmeal based creams work best. Aveeno has a great product!!
http://www.aveeno.com/product/aveeno+daily+moisturizing+l...

Breathe papa! Breathe. DO NOT rush to the ER.

1 mom found this helpful
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