Toddler dry rash mystery

[Me_dHel_pFrank]

My fourteen month old toddler has mild eczema and allergy to tree nuts + dairy; that has mainly manifested itself on his face in the form of small red patches.  

However, (not sure if the following is related at all) just a few months ago when the weather started getting colder and we turned the heat on, he started getting a dry rash-like patches on both his legs.  Sometimes some patches would last just a day, other times they stick around for a while.  Sometimes as we're putting fragrance free Eucerin on it, it probably burns and he cries.  But other than that, it doesn't bother him or seem to itch throughout the day.  About a month later, he started getting the same thing on his arms.  Recently, in the last week, he's been getting something similar on his back and front torso.   We've been using Eucerin first then Vaseline... but since Eucerin seems like it's burning, we switched to Olive Oil then Vaseline.  (Also, we use fragrance free detergent for his clothes.  He wears polyester and cotton clothes)  (No heads forms on rash.)  

Any idea what it may be?  Any suggestions for taking care of it?  Thank you very much!

[Me_dHel_pFrank]

Thank you very much Doctor!  Although the creams themselves didn't solve the problem entirely, we found that he reacts w/ certain foods.  So the combo of eliminating certain foods and applying creams are helping.  Thank you again!  (how do i select your reply as best answer? =)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be eczema or atopic dermatitis. You may try calamine lotion on the rash. You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid deodorant / cosmetics. You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizing cream applied directly to wet skin after bathing.

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.