Toddler with allergies?

[lyriclaughton]

I think my 14 month old son may have allergies. He has had acne on his cheeks since he was a newborn. Our pediatrician referred his to a dermatologist (seen him twice) who prescribed Klaron(R) and we haven't seen any improvement. I have done everything I can think of (changed detergents, wash his face constantly, etc). There are some allergies on my side of the family and we do own a dog. No other symptons at all. At this point I don't know if he should see an allergist or a different dermatologist. Any advice is appreciated.

[drewil]

my son has always had lots of saliva and excema on his cheeks. being young it is written off as teething and a topical ointment was prescribed because no over the counter ointments were helping. ironically my son has a twin with digestive disorders causing the pediatric gasteroenterologist to be more concerned with the twin with excema and saliva. in the end. my son with bad looking cheeks has esoghogitis caused by an allergy and needs to see an allergist. he is now only 20 months old. i have been told that particular symtom is more likely caused by allergies, but  not always. i agree with other writers who wrote in. you need to see an allergist and possibly a pediatric gasteroenterologist to be sure there is no digestive complications. my son now has esoghogeal damage that needs to be treated with meds that i am not happy to have to do when this could have been avoided by the doctor. your pediatrician should know most times these are allergy related.

[joann1975]

I would go w/that route of cutting out the dairy for a bit. It may take some time for it to clear up. I think...in my own opinion if it was my son I would see an allergist. Are you on a PPO? If so you should just be able to call up and schedule your own appointments. The milk allergy seems to sound like it...but it's hard to say.

[lyriclaughton]

Our pediatrician has been very noncommittal....not that he isn't good, but he wanted us to see a specialist. He referred us to a dermatologist who I am pretty unimpressed with. So I am just trying to figure out what the next step is....allergist or dermatologist?
I started cut his out dairy today and switched him to soy Silk Milk (the vitamin enriched kids version) just because it seems to be getting worse and I am starting to get concerned....

[joann1975]

You know....I'm kind of thinking it could possibly be milk since you have tried everything else. What have the dr's said about that?

[lyriclaughton]

He had had it since he was a newborn and it has had it chronically ever since. Now he is 14 months old and if seems to be getting worse...
We have seen a peditrician and a dermatologist. I am now at a loss. Could this be a sympton of a milk protein allergy? That is the only constant I can think of (I consumed dairy while I breastfed > stopped breastfeeding and gave him Enfamil Lipid exclusively until he started solids > now that he is on solids he drinks organic whole milk and eats cheese, yogurt, etc.) He doesn;t have any other allergy symptons other than the acne though...

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

Acne in babies is a common newborn condition. It can be present at birth but typically appears at 3 to 4 weeks of age. The acne is present over the cheeks and forehead.

Normally during delivery, some maternal hormones enter into the baby’s body. These hormones sometimes stimulate the oil glands on the skin of the baby, giving rise to the baby acne.

This is usually a self-limiting condition and resolves till the baby is between 4-6 months old.

Usually, no treatment is necessary. The only thing you should do is to keep the skin clean with water, and perhaps mild baby soap. If the acne is severe or lasts beyond 6 months, you should visit a pediatrician for consultation.

Hope it helps.
Regards

[lyriclaughton]

I am using Johnson's Baby Wash to bathe him. I have tried using only water (for months at a time) as well as the baby wash and there hasn't been any change.

As far as detergents I have tried everything there as well. Using the "free" stuff without dyes and perfumes and Dreft.

He doesn't drool excessively and I try to keep his face dry and clean (after eating). I am totally stumped.

I am wondering if maybe he is allergic to dairy or something...but he has no other allergy symptons other than the acne on his face.

[joann1975]

What products are you using as far as soap, shampoo & detergent? Was he born with it? Could it be a lactose allergy?

My son gets little patches of excezma and I use the WalMart version of Aveeno for body wash, shampoo & lotion..but I NEVER use anything on his face but water...wet wash cloth.

I know it wasn't advice and I'm sure you have thought of everything..but sometimes when you talk it out w/someone you figure it out!