A few months ago, DD had a cough and we went to the GP to get it checked out. Atypical chest infection, antibiotics, etc, all good. Well not all good but diagnosed, treated, eventually cleared. Took a while but it did. While we were there, the GP commented on a slight rash around DD's mouth, which she said was a contact dermatitis, from licking/wiping her lips. Prescribed a steriod cream and antibiotics for that as well, as it had gotten a slight infection.
Said to use the steriod cream sparingly for a few days to clear it, then use paw paw cream to keep it at bay and ensure she stops licking/rubbing/wiping her lips. Yeah, good luck with that one with a 3yo!
Anyway, days roll by. Steriod cream in the morning clears it, but by the end of the day it's back, regardless of how much paw paw I slather on and how many times I tell/ask/beg/plead with her not to wipe/lick her lips. Even my 4yo niece is telling her "DD, don't lick your lips!" Eventually take her back to the GP as it just won't clear and it's now looking red, angry and overnight dries to such a point that it cracks, no matter how much paw paw or vasoline I put on.
Poor possum. GP says take her to a dermatologist. This is Tuesday. Tells me to keep using the steriod cream, just first thing in the morning, that it's ok to keep using it as I'm only putting a tiny amount on once a day (which is true). Keep using the paw paw. Get to the dermatologist.
Manage to get an appointment Thursday with the specialist, woo. They had a cancellation. Take her in this morning. Dermatologist takes one look and says "Are you using paw paw cream? Stop. She's allergic."
Apparently they are seeing an increase in kids developing an allergy to paw paw cream because it is not as "natural" as we are lead to believe - they put a fragrance in it, which reacts with kids skin, but it isn't listed in the ingredients because it is such a small amount
So the paw paw cream is contributing to worsening the skin, not improving it. It's also too greasy. Strike one.
Then she asks me how long I've been using the steriod cream? And I say at least a month, possibly more like two, just once a day. Apparently that is way too long - that type of cream, around the mouth, shouldn't be used for longer than 5 days Strike two.
And in part we used it for too long, she has developed a really nasty type of dermatitis called perioral dermatitis, which has now become infected. It's like a reaction to overuse of the steriod cream So we have switched to a different, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory cream, plus she has to be on antibiotics for 6 weeks. 6 weeks!!!!
My poor baby. I wish I'd gotten a second opinion sooner. My GP is generally great but was off the mark with this one and my poor DD has paid the price.
I had peri oral dermatitis around my eye when pregnant and it did sting at times (and yes it is possible to get peri ORAL dermatitis by your eye according to the dermatologist)
Yeah DD1 is allergic to the paw paw cream, breaks out in rash and ppl were surprised some even commented was I sure! sucks tho you guys had to go for so long dealing. Would think your GP would know better bout the steroid cream.
Awww no, poor little thing, allergies to things are so hard to pinpoint sometimes, we use pawpaw here for things and it works a treat so I would never have even considered that to be the issue either
OP two of my sons do the lip licking thing too. Ashton's has really flared up again at the moment, so I know your frustration at trying to tell them to stop it. Lachlan is 8 and keeps doing it as well, although he can go long periods of not having a flare up.
Best thing to focus on is that you are on the right track now and you know a lot more about treatments and your daughter!
I had a problem with my DDs skin when she was a baby with eczema and needing a pure balm for her to keep her skin treated between steroid applications and found a recipe for a beeswax balm. I have made some with calendula flowers seeped in olive oil and beeswax. It is really easy to make and is beautiful on skin, lips, bums etc. I'd be happy to send you the recipe or even a jar of the stuff I have made. I have heaps as I just made it with the beeswax I had and have more than I need and can use.
Otherwise, I hope you see a really quick improvement for your DD.
Oh dear OP, I am glad that you have found the right answer, its just so unfortunate that it took so long to come about and has been causing you all so much distress. Hope DD heals quickly, and I would definitely be giving the gp some "feedback".
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Lesson learned: get a second opinion!
Strike two.
So we have switched to a different, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory cream, plus she has to be on antibiotics for 6 weeks. 6 weeks!!!!
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