Mysterious facial rash on 1 year old

[kalber]

We have been to the Dr. numerous times and told it was eczema with Impetigo (infection) but after 3 different medications not working the Dr. told me she was baffled as to what this rash is.  I have an appointment for a pediatric dermatologist but not for a few more weeks.  This rash has been going on for the past month and a half.

The rash is around his mouth, nose and creeping up towards his eye.  It looks pimple like, red, and is grouped together but in some areas it is just one bump here  and there.  I have attached a photo and curious what anyone thinks.

It doesn't itch him or seem to bother him, no fever.  He has been on cow milk based formula since 4 months and eating a wide variety of solids since 7 months.  he is 1 years old now.  We only use free and clear fragrance free detergent, soap, etc.  

[lillybee200]

My son too had a rash just like this.  He had it for over a year.  Dr. kept trying to treat it with oral antibiotics, creams, etc..  After I could not bear to have him go to the dr and another round of antibiotics, I decided to treat it myself.  Amazingly I got rid of it in about 5 days.  I could not believe it!  For over a year we were pumping him up with all these meds. From my understanding, you have already gotten rid of it but I will post in case someone else is trying to fight this.  Here's what I did.  I purchased 2 different soaps, an all natural no dyes no perfume one and Dial antibacterial soap.  I also purchased an over the counter hydracortisone cream.  The maximum strength one.  And a tube of Herpecin-L medicated chapstick.  He was also getting sores on the corners of his mouth.  I washed the area 3 times a day with both soaps.  Then applied the cream and the chapstick.  That was it!!!  Gone and NEVER returned. :)

[hjwakely]

Thank you for responding, I hope that we can get a prescription that works.  We have invested in all those expensive creams and have not had any luck thus far.  I don't think the rash is bothering my daughter either but it is a horrible looking rash and people are always asking what is wrong with her face.  I am anxious to get to the dermatologist so we can get it cleared up.

[kalber]

Yes, it ended up being Perioral and Periocular dermatitis. They said they don't know what causes it in children, but all the EXPENSIVE creams were just making it worse.
The Dr. prescribed an alcohol based topical medicine that I think cost about $5 and it was cleared up in a matter of days and it hasn't come back since.  Good luck.  I know it didn't bother him but just hated having that little face with such an yucky looking rash.

[hjwakely]

Hello,
I was wondering what the diagnosis was for your son's facial rash?  My daughter is also one year old and has the exact same rash on her face and sometimes on her nose and near her eyes.  My pediatrician has perscribed two different creams that did not work and he now has referred us to the dermatologist.  I saw your son's picture and it looks so much like what my daughter has.  I just wanted to find out if you were able to get something that cleared up his rash.  

[jagesh50]

All impetigos do not respond to external applications.The more I see the photograph more convinced I am,but then we should wait and see.

[kalber]

The Dr. Thought it was impetigo but after almost a week on the Muprocin  cream the rash got worse not better. Thanks for the insight and am anxious to go to the Dr. on the 23rd.  

I didn't know if this was in any way related to a food allergy?

[jagesh50]

Agree with Kindd.An impetigo.Muprocin creme would be ideal.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the pictures it looks like impetigo,perioral dermatitis or molluscum contagiosum. Molluscum contagiosum is a common, benign, self limiting viral infection of the skin. It generally affects children and typically occurs in the 2-5 age group.

The MC rash initially appears as smooth, pearly to flesh-colored, dome-shaped papules. With time, the center becomes soft and indented (umbilicated) with a white curdlike core. This core may be squeezed out easily.

Perioral dermatitis is a chronic papulopustular and eczematous facial dermatitis.

I would suggest a dermatologist’s evaluation as a biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.