Facial swelling frollowed by hot red burning rash

[Wolfie36868]

Over the past month and a half my 8 yr old daughter has experienced this series of symptoms 4 times. The area around her eyes and cheeks swell, followed by a hot red skin rash on her face and/or forearms (sometimes a day later - this time in conjunction with the swelling), followed another day later by a lacey red rash on her thighs which is itchy. The hot red rash on her face and forearms burns the skin like an extreme sunburn and then the skin peels. We have noticed the symptoms seem to occur when we have thunderstorms or flooding in the area. I have taken her to 2 different pediatricians, a dermatologist and an allergist and no one can figure out what is causing this. The dermatologist thought she might have Fifth disease, but the blood test for that was negative. The allergist has done skin testing twice now with nothing really standing out. She tested slightly positive to dust mites, but the allergist didn't think that alone would be enough to cause all of this. Per the recommendation of one of the pediatricians and the allergist, she is currently taking OTC Children's Zyrtec (7ml) daily.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Should I stick with the allergist and try more skin testing or do you have any suggestions as to what I do next to find an answer to this. Thanks!

[frustratedexchronicfatiguevictum310]

Does she have anyother symptoms?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

You are welcome. Yes, for cases like this wherein a possible infection and an allergic reaction are being considered it is necessary to keep track of little things as allergic reactions may be due to some unknown triggers and keeping a written diary may be a helpful reference later on.

Pursue the consult with the infectious specialist and I hope things will be better from here.

[Wolfie36868]

Thank you Dr. very much for your response.

No, we have not had a blood count or urinalysis done yet. I agree with you, it makes sense to have her assessed for a possible infection and will take her to see an infectious disease specialist next.

We've been keeping more of a mental diary up to this point, but with the onset of the rash continuing to come and go, we will start to keep a written diary.

Kind regards,
Stephanie's mom

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Was a complete blood count done?

I suggest that you bring your child to an infectious disease specialist. There may be no focus of infection here but it is best to have this assessed along this line. The rash, the swelling and scaling may be infectious in origin as this appeared only recently. She may need oral antibiotics for this.

Also, I suggest that you try to observe every activity she involves in and every food she takes. You may keep a diary for her in case you may trace a pattern and also note circumstances surrounding the onset of the rash.

Also, was a urinalysis done?