Observations of a Rash on My Son's Eye: A Two-Week Journey
I've decided to share a timeline regarding my son's recent eye rash to clarify the situation. Throughout this time, he has remained completely healthy, engaging in his usual activities like playing, eating, and napping without any issues. **Day 1:** Small dots appeared near the corner of his eye. Despite this, he remained his usual self, happily playing and eating as per normal. **Days 3-4:** The dots around his eye began to spread into a light pink circular patch. This raised some concern for us as we feared it might be ringworm, especially since we had recently taken him to the pool. Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind the rash at all, and while a runny nose made an appearance, there was no fever. We suspect he caught the cold from a friend he had played with. **Day 7:** We visited a substitute doctor since our regular physician was on holiday. The doctor was uncertain about the rash's cause, dismissing any possibility of shingles. When we inquired about ringworm, he indicated it likely wasn’t that, given the lack of itching. He suggested we keep an eye on it for the following week and prescribed **Protopic 0.03%**, although he wasn’t convinced it would be effective. We opted not to purchase the pricey cream, especially since, upon reflection, the rash didn’t seem as severe as we initially thought. **Days 11-12:** The rash persisted, so we visited a pharmacy where we received a moisturizer recommendation. By this time, his runny nose had resolved itself without causing him much discomfort. **Day 15:** The rash unexpectedly enlarged and took on a distinct red ring, indicating that the moisturizer had done little to alleviate the problem. We returned to the pharmacist, who advised us to consult a different GP since the rash was beginning to show signs of inflammation. This new doctor suggested it might be fungal, though he admitted it looked somewhat ambiguous. He prescribed an **anti-fungal cream** for a two-week course and cautioned that if there was no improvement, we would need to reconsider our approach. **Day 17 (Today):** We’ve been applying the anti-fungal cream for about a day and a half. Although I understand it might be premature to judge its efficacy, the redness seems to have intensified, which makes me anxious. I’m hoping this is a sign that the treatment is working against the fungus, but if no improvement is evident in the next few days, I may seek alternative options earlier than the recommended two-week period. Throughout this ordeal, my son has been perfectly fine, showing no desire to scratch at the rash. He continues to eat, sleep, and play just like always, and none of us in the household have developed any similar symptoms. Any insights or guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. **Note:** In my location, it's not common to see a dermatologist immediately, and neither doctor provided a referral for one.
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 9:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your son's eye rash, especially after two weeks of uncertainty. Based on your timeline, the rash has developed and changed, and it's good that he has remained comfortable and active throughout. Here's a structured approach to addressing your concerns:
Main Points Summary:
- The prolonged rash with changing characteristics warrants careful observation and possible reassessment.
- If no improvement is seen with the anti-fungal treatment, be proactive about seeking further consultation or treatment options.
Explanation:
The initial appearance of small dots that evolved into a circular patch suggests an inflammatory response. Although fungal infections or other skin conditions can present similarly, the treatment course you are following is appropriate. The fact that your son is not scratching or showing signs of discomfort is reassuring, but the increased redness could signify inflammation or a secondary reaction to the treatment.
Next Steps:
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Continue the Anti-Fungal Cream: Apply the cream as prescribed. Follow the instructions precisely, and continue monitoring the rash for any changes.
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Observe for Changes: Keep an eye on the rash over the next few days. Look for:
- Changes in color or size: If the rash starts to reduce or show signs of improvement.
- New symptoms: Such as swelling, pain, or discharge from the rash area.
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Document Progress: Take photos of the rash daily to track its evolution. This can be very helpful for future consultations.
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Consider Timing for Follow-Up: Since significant improvement might take more than a few days, if the rash worsens or does not show any signs of improvement within the next several days, it is wise to consider returning to a healthcare professional. You may mention the option of seeing a dermatologist specifically, as they can provide specialized care if available.
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Maintain Open Communication with Caregivers: If he starts to exhibit discomfort, changes in behavior, or if the rash starts to affect his daily activities, reach out for further medical assistance sooner.
Reassurance:
It’s evident you’re closely monitoring his condition, and that's important. Many skin issues can take some time to resolve, especially in young children. Trust your instincts as a caregiver, and don’t hesitate to seek further advice if you feel something isn’t right. You're doing a great job looking out for your son's health! If you need more assistance or have other questions, feel free to ask.
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