Lesson learned: get a second opinion!

[OceanPrincess]

Poor DD. I feel terrible.

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.

[Charlotte91]

Wow, poor poppet!!
I hope it clears up soon.
How horrible.

[Heaven]

Oh that's awful! I'm so sorry!

[Calluna]

Oh wow, your poor DD

If it were me, I'd go back and tell your GP what the dermatologist told you so she knows for next time.

[Tegam]

poor chook

[Nai]

Oh no Poor little thing! I would be giving the feedback to your GP when you see them next as well.

[OceanPrincess]

I hadn't thought of that - maybe I should...

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Oh no hun I hope she's on the mend ASAP!


Sent from my iPhone, more than likely while I should be doing something else!

[Novella]

poor bubba, hope she feels better soon.

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)

[shellbell3]

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.

[feeb]

Poor possum hope she is better soon and all clears up.

Definatly give feedback to GP as they don't know if they aren't told.

[Tinks]

Poor thing

I'm allergic to paw paw cream. I hate the stuff.

[Charlotte91]

Are you all talking about the paw paw stuff in the red tube??

[MummyNaomi]

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

[Miss.September]

Poor munchkin. Hope she's now on the mend. At least you have an answer

[Astrolady]

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.

[OceanPrincess]

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.

Astro what do you do for it?? How do you treat it?

[diva det]

so glad you got some answers today hun
you had no reason to doubt what you doctor had said in the past, so no reason to think so this time
i am sure the dematogist would inform the doctor of your consultation anyway so perhaps discuss it next time you see your GP

if she is going to be on AB's for ages, perhaps so pro-biotics would help as well hun
some in-liven would help restore her flora
also switch her to a natural toothpaste as the commercial brands of toothpaste can actually make perioral dematitis worse!
washing with goats milk based products can also help even more so that QV and other soapless washing products- you can get goat based products at priceline now!!

also extra vitamin B and Magnesium and zinc will help the body repair- you can get chewables
flaxseed oil in her diet can also help and is an awesome source of Omega 3,6 and 9- flaxseed also aids the skin to revitalise ( you buy it in an oil and can drizzle it on greens, and hide it in food- you dont need much per day- just dont cook with it

Interistingly skin inflammation (such as dermatitis) and gastrointestional symptoms (such as diarrohea) can go together and be a sign of a food allergy!!!!
common foods that are culprits include eggs, milk, nuts, soy, fish and WHEAT!!!!
sounding familar??????????
I really think it is worth checking the link between her dermatitis and gut issues in the past!!
A natropath may be a good practioner to seek help from for both of these concerns

so glad you have got some answers to treat the problem, the hard bit now is to try and find out why the problem occurred to start with so you know what to avoid!!
hugs hun!!!