OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Increased Rash on My Toddler's Skin

6/16/2025, 7:40:28 AMMale25-34

Good morning, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my two-year-old who has a long history of eczema. We've tried numerous treatments as suggested by various doctors, including a wide range of steroid creams. Initially, the rash was confined to his back, but it has now evolved into a different appearance. Presently, he has raised white bumps spread across his back, chest, and the inner part of his upper arms. The recent physician we consulted identified it as Keratosis Pilaris and recommended an aqueous cream with 2% salicylic acid. Unfortunately, since using this cream, he's begun to experience itching, prompting me to discontinue its use. He displays no other symptoms—no fever, headaches, or fatigue—and continues to eat and drink normally. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for treatment. Our household routine remains unchanged, including laundry detergents, and there has been no alteration in his diet. Should I consider requesting a blood test to check for underlying issues? Would it be beneficial? Thank you for your assistance; your input means a lot to me.

ArthritisLupusRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

6/16/2025, 7:40:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your concern about your toddler's skin condition. It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with his eczema and the recent changes in his rash, which you've described as raised white bumps.

Main Points:

  • The combination of eczema with raised bumps may suggest an exacerbation of his existing skin condition.
  • Discontinuing the salicylic acid cream was a wise decision if it caused itching.
  • Pursuing a directional approach for managing the condition through hydration and gentle care is essential.

Explanation:

Eczema can sometimes lead to the development of Keratosis Pilaris, which often appears as small, raised bumps on the skin. The areas you're describing—his back, chest, and upper arms—are common sites. If the recommended treatment caused discomfort, it’s important to listen to your toddler’s response and seek alternatives. It’s understandable to feel concerned about whether additional tests, like blood tests, are necessary; however, in the absence of systemic symptoms (such as fever or fatigue) and with a consistent eating/drinking pattern, these may not be immediately required.

Next Steps:

  1. Moisturize Regularly: Use a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day. Brands designed for sensitive skin are best, as they can help soothe and hydrate without irritating the skin. Look for options like petroleum jelly or thicker creams.

  2. Gentle Cleansing: When bathing, use lukewarm water and consider adding oatmeal or a hypoallergenic bath product. Make sure to avoid harsh soaps and limit baths to every other day to prevent skin drying.

  3. Monitor and Note Changes: Keep a record of any changes in the rash, including when the itching occurs and any new areas of concern. This information will be helpful for your next healthcare visit.

  4. Clothing and Environment: Ensure that your toddler's clothing is made from soft, breathable fabrics (like cotton), and try to keep the environment humid if possible, especially in dry conditions.

  5. Consult with a Dermatologist: If the rash persists or worsens despite these measures, consider scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist. They can provide specialized insights and determine if other treatments, potentially non-steroidal options, may be beneficial.

If you’re still considering the blood test option, discuss it with the doctor you are comfortable with, especially if you observe any new symptoms or if the rash significantly impacts your child's quality of life.

Your child's comfort and relief from itching are invaluable, and I hope these suggestions assist in managing his condition effectively. Please reach out for any further questions or guidance.

Related Questions

Concerns About a Lump on My Inner Thigh

Greetings, I'm a 20-year-old woman, and I recently discovered a small, firm lump—about the size of a dime—on the upper section of my inner thigh, close to my genital area. This lump emerged just a few days ago and was quite painful at first, making it uncomfortable to touch. While the discomfort has lessened, it is still somewhat tender. The lump remains the same size and is located entirely beneath the skin, lacking a visible head. When I press it between my fingers, it feels like a small ball underneath my skin. Although the lump seems to be movable, I’m not entirely certain since I don’t frequently deal with such lumps. I have experienced cysts before, primarily on my face, ears, neck, and back, as well as occasionally in the genital region, but those were not usually located this deep. The pain associated with this lump has followed a familiar pattern, initially being the most intense during the first few days after its appearance before gradually subsiding. Additionally, I regularly shave this area and tend to sweat quite a bit during the hot summer months. Could this possibly be a cyst?

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

CVM IgG Positive with IgM Negative: What Should I Do?

I am a 22-year-old female grappling with significant anxiety regarding my recent health diagnosis. I tested positive for IgG, which indicates a previous infection, while my IgM levels were negative. This situation makes me feel compelled to inform anyone I’ve shared items like drinks or lip products with about my status. Should I reach out to all these individuals? The weight of guilt is overwhelming, and I find myself in constant tension over the potential impact on others. It deeply concerns me that I might unintentionally transmit this infection to vulnerable groups, such as infants or those with compromised immune systems. A healthcare professional has informed me that I carry a virus requiring treatment, but my understanding is that the negative IgM test suggests that the virus is not currently active in my system. I am seeking guidance on how to handle this situation responsibly and with care. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

LupusInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
6 minutes ago

Unusual Tick Bite Appearance

My mother, who is 47, recently suffered a tick bite, and the site of the bite appears quite unusual. She's been vigilant about monitoring for the characteristic bullseye appearance commonly associated with tick bites. However, what she sees instead is an elongated mark that resembles two protruding rays. She has a history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease, and has received inconclusive test results for lupus on two occasions. It’s been tough for her, but I’m unsure if her existing conditions may influence the appearance of the bite. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

ArthritisLupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
16 minutes ago

Seeking Insight on Persistent Leg Pain

Greetings! I'm in my late twenties and generally enjoy good health. Although I experience frequent bouts of illness, particularly with flu-like symptoms, I usually have no serious health concerns interfering with daily life. However, I do face a significant challenge: persistent pain in my legs. This discomfort tends to surface after extended periods of walking or standing, yet it can also occur on days when I've been seated all day long. The pain may affect either leg individually or radiate through both. Throughout my life, healthcare providers have attributed this issue to muscle soreness or growth pains, offering little in terms of solutions. Having previously been a swimmer, I am familiar with muscle soreness, and I can confidently say that what I'm experiencing is distinctly different from that. The sensation is best described as a profound ache that envelops my legs, with the most intense discomfort centered around my ankles and knees. At times, the pain escalates to the point where standing becomes nearly impossible, leaving my legs feeling weak. The only relief I find comes from soaking them in hot water, applying ice, massaging, or elevating my legs. Again, the discomfort does not resemble a burning, tingling, or soreness; it is rather a deep, bone-aching feeling. The pain predominantly strikes at night, though there have been moments when it has woken me from sleep. I have no visible injuries, and my legs and feet show no signs of swelling. My profession entails sitting at a desk, so my physical activity is limited to the short walk to and from work, which totals about thirty minutes. Despite my ongoing visits to various doctors, they continue to dismiss my complaints as mere muscle soreness. My family has started to attribute my discomfort to a lack of exercise, branding me as lazy and unfit. However, this issue has persisted throughout my life, regardless of my levels of fitness—during my high school swimming years, for example. For context, I am not overweight; in fact, I am considered to be underweight for my height. Exercising is challenging for me, not only due to my job but also because I fear that it might exacerbate the pain. At this point, I am in desperate need of assistance to obtain a diagnosis or at least some potential solutions. It would also be reassuring to find out if others share similar experiences with leg pain and if it can be considered something common. Since no one in my family deals with this problem, I lack the ability to compare experiences to gauge normalcy. Doctors tend to brush off my concerns, and without physical indicators and with the pain often striking unexpectedly—typically at night—it's difficult to convey the true nature of my suffering. Additionally, I suffer from restless leg syndrome, which may or may not be connected to this pain. My grandmother has the same syndrome, yet she does not experience the discomfort I do.

ArthritisFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
16 minutes ago

Is Wet Cupping Effective for Post-Accutane Symptoms?

Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old woman, measuring approximately 152 cm tall (around 5 feet) and weighing about 40 kg (88 lbs). Earlier this year, I underwent treatment with Accutane (Isotretinoin) for several months to address moderate acne. My initial dose was set at 20mg, which was later raised to 40mg. I completed my course about four months prior. While my skin condition has seen significant improvement and my blood work indicates normal levels, I continue to experience a few persistent side effects: - Discomfort in my muscles and bones - Daily fatigue - Fluctuations in mood or emotional instability Recently, I came across the concept of Hijama, or wet cupping therapy, and I became intrigued. I've heard that this treatment might assist in "detoxifying" the body and enhancing blood flow, which could potentially alleviate some of the residual effects from medications like Accutane. Thus, I have a couple of questions: - Has anyone here attempted Hijama after completing their Accutane treatment? - Did you find it beneficial for symptoms such as body soreness, fatigue, or emotional distress? - I would appreciate hearing any insights or shared experiences you might have. Even if scientific validation is lacking, I'm eager to learn about the outcomes for others. Thank you all in advance for your input! 🙏

ArthritisFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
46 minutes ago