Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Intermittent skin rash on baby's feet and to a lesser degree,hands
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Intermittent skin rash on baby's feet and to a lesser degree,hands
by evey, Jul 23, 2001 12:00AM
Since our son was about 4 months old,he has had an intermittent skin rash on his feet,which really itches him,and especially at night. At first our doctor thought it was an atypical presentation of coxsackie virus but it's not that. He is stumped and is referring him to a dermatologist. The rash seems to be exacerbated by heat,although he just had a very high fever with no rash at all. The bumps are slightly raised and can be very itchy. They do not ooze any fluid and eventually only small,round,dry patches are left,especially on the medial aspects of his feet (which is where he rubs them together the most).There appears to be a histamine wheel around each bump when they are itchy,which makes me suspect an allergy to something. He doesn't eat any of the typically allergic foods yet-the jarred food we feed him is mostly organic. I'm wondering if he could be reacting to the ascorbic acid which is added as a preservative to all jarred baby food (fruit only). His anus is also quite red which makes me think that an acidic condition exists within him. Does anyone have any insights on this? The biggest problem is that it wakes him up at night with intense itching. Occasionally,he'll have a cluster of bumps on his hands as well. I appreciate any information. Thank you. Evey
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 23, 2001 12:00AM
, Jul 23, 2001 12:00AM
The most likely diagnosis is eczema, which is not allergic in most cases. Heredity plays a role. The dermatologist may prescribe a topical cortisone cream, suitably mild for a baby. As he gets bigger, the condition may get milder or even go away. I recommend you keep the baby's skin moist and suspend judgment until you see the dermatologist. It might also help to use over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone, to see if that helps.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
