6 year old with red circle on cheek

[kiminoah]

It started last summer when we moved to Colorado from Ohio. When summer hit my son got a red patch on his cheek. I thought it was sunburn and it would go away and come right back. I put tons of sunscreen on his cheek but it would always come back in the same spot.
This summer, it's back in the exact same spot. It's a red patch with a white ring around it about the size of a quarter. can a 6 year old get excema? I've been putting hydrocortizone on it and heavy duty moisturizer. Will it spread all over his face? How do I stop this from happening?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Yes, however, fungal infection is still a differential here. They may present as reddish rash with a well defined border and there may be a central clearing or scaling in the center. Eczema and dermatitis are also other conditions we need to look into considering a history of hives. As these are just differentials, it is essential to have these assessed by your physician to differentiate these conditions.

Just refrain from touching the area . Avoid extreme sun exposure and try to wash the area with a mild cleanser only. Wash your child's hands with a gentle cleanser frequently as children frequently touch their faces.

[kiminoah]

No asthma, he did have unexplained hives on his chest one summer 2 years back. No allergies to speak of. I heard fungus on the face is very uncommon.
Thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

You have noted that the rash usually recurs at a certain time of the year and also on the exact same location. This may be a case of fungal infection or tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor may appear as a whitish patch which may not be noticeable in fair skinned individuals. Given the right conditions like humidity , sweating, and weather changes the rash may be reddish with a well defined ring. They may also itch.

I suggest that you have this assessed by a pediatric dermatologist. Yes, eczema may occur in young children.

Is there any history of asthma or allergies in the family?