Is It Scabies or Another Condition?
My one-year-old has developed a rash primarily located on his torso and back, and it's extremely itchy. This condition has persisted for around three weeks. Initially, I consulted with a physician who prescribed prednisolone, which provided relief; however, the rash and itching returned just two days after completing the treatment. Now, both my husband, aged 35, and I, at 30, are experiencing severe itching ourselves, to the extent that we’ve started bleeding from scratching. I visited another doctor suspecting it might be scabies, but he wasn't convinced, noting that we don't exhibit the usual signs—like crusted skin between the fingers or involvement of the elbows. The rash has since spread to our baby’s arms, legs, and even his scalp. Despite the skepticism, I requested a prescription for scabies cream for all of us to try. I'm curious to know what other possibilities there could be. I've also tried using hydrocortisone on his skin, which diminished the redness and pimples but failed to alleviate the itching. I feel quite lost in this situation; we're all suffering from this relentless itching and are desperately seeking answers. To attempt to resolve the issue, I switched our laundry detergent to a gentler option, suspecting that could be the cause, yet we continue to experience discomfort. For context, I have multiple sclerosis, while my husband battles interstitial lung disease. He also smokes marijuana. Aside from that, neither of us has significant health concerns, and our baby has no known medical issues or allergies. Thank you in advance for any insights!
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 11:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you and your family have been through quite a lot with this persistent and troubling rash and itching. Given the symptoms you've described, it's understandable to feel lost and frustrated. The fact that your baby’s rash is spreading and you and your husband are experiencing similar symptoms could point to several possibilities, such as allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, or possibly scabies despite the skepticism from the doctor.
Understanding Your Situation:
- Rash and Itchiness: Rashes that cause severe itching can arise from various causes, including:
- Allergic Reactions: Could be due to something in the environment, like new detergents or materials.
- Eczema (Dermatitis): Often presents as itchy, inflamed skin that can worsen with irritation.
- Scabies: A mite infestation that is highly itchy and can spread easily among close contacts, especially when symptoms are present in multiple family members.
- Other Skin Conditions: Conditions like ringworm or psoriasis could also be considered, though the presentation seems more consistent with allergies or scabies.
Next Steps:
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Continue with the Scabies Treatment: It may still be a worthwhile approach, especially given the shared itching among family members. Follow the application instructions carefully and repeat the treatment as recommended—typically applied to the entire body from the neck down and left on for a specific time before washing off.
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Symptom Relief for Itching:
- Cool Compresses: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected areas to help soothe itchiness.
- Over-the-Counter Antihistamines: Consider taking an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to reduce itching, especially at night.
- Moisturizers: After bathing, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent dryness which can exacerbate itching.
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Continued Environmental Control:
- Since you've changed the laundry detergent, continue to monitor for any potential allergens around you. Consider removing scented items or allergens from your baby's environment.
- Wash all bed linens, towels, and clothing in hot water to eliminate any possible allergens or scabies mites.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track what seems to improve or worsen the condition, including any changes in diet, environment, or treatments. This information can be hugely valuable in future consultations.
Emotional Support:
I understand how distressing it can be when your loved ones are uncomfortable, especially a young child. Focusively caring for each other and supporting one another through this challenging time is important. If the rash continues to worsen or if new symptoms develop, please delve deeper with a healthcare professional familiar with skin conditions, ideally one who will perform a skin scraping or test for a clearer diagnosis.
Remember, you're not alone in this. Reach out for support when needed. Let me know if you have more questions or need further clarification on any of these suggestions.
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