Eczema/MSPI or something else? NCDR rashy help

violajack

I know many of you have dealt with rashes, eczema, and various food intolerances and allergies, so I'm hoping you all can help me out. N should be past the newborn flakey/acne stage. At his 2 month check up, the pedi said he had some mild cradle cap and maybe some eczema, but wasn't concerned by any of it. She just said to watch out for things that might be rubbing against him irritating his cheeks or that maybe it was a detergent issues. We have no history of allergies or food or skin issues in our family, except my one year old nephew who's dealing with eczema.

N still has some cradle cap left, but what concerns me most is a red, scaly rash on his cheek. It covers his one cheek and there are spots on his other cheek and small spots that come and go on his chest and once on his elbow. I tried to attach a picture. It's more red in real life, but the flash kind of washed it out.

I did switch back to Tide because our diapers were getting stinky on just Charlies (even with the booster).

I just got some California Baby shampoo with tee tree oil which has helped the cradle cap and makes the rashes look better in the morning, but they always come back. Breastmilk or coconut oil help it look less red and soften the skin some, but just temporarily. I just put some waxelene on it and that seems to be helping too.

It doesn't seem to bother him at all.

Is this something he'll likely outgrow, since he's just 2 months still? Should I be eliminating things like dairy or stuff? What about all the milk I've already pumped? I eat pretty much all the bad things including plenty of dairy, spicy stuff, and drink tons of coffee. I'm not sure how well I could eliminate, especially since it's not really bothering him, I don't know if I could stick to anything mainly because I forget until I realize I'm halfway through a bowl of cottage cheese. He's gassy, but not unusually so. Should I try different creams? My first didn't have any issues, so I'm a little lost, but it's pretty clear it's not normal newborn skin issues anymore.

freezorburn

I would say just watch it and keep an eye on things, and keep him well-moisturized. Just keep doing what you are doing.

DS took several months to completely get rid of cradle cap, too. And when the eczema set in it was super-obvious. His skin was almost leathery. Of course, there are different degrees.

Are you happy with Tide, or are you thinking you might want to try a different detergent?

nanabanana06

Honestly, some kids just have eczema. If it was truly a food intolerance there would be other signs as well like lots of gas, poop issues, spit up, ect. To me it just sounds like you got yourself a kid with sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin and things like soaps, scents, cream, detergents, ect bother me. Nothing big, but it's livable. No need to jump the shark quite yet.

Sgriff1

We went through a period of rashy cheeks like this, which she grew out of after a couple months. For some reason coconut oil made it worse for us, but I agree to keep an eye on it/moisturize.

violajack

Thanks for the feedback ladies.

I'm happy with Tide as it gets the diapers clean with the least hassle. I figure if it was really a detergent issues, he would be more rashy under his clothes, but right now it's mostly just cheeks.

He doesn't have any other digestive issues, so that sounds like there's only a small chance it's diet related. I should probably try cutting diary just because it wouldn't hurt me and it might help him. I'm just so bad about remembering to not eat things.

I hear you on the coconut oil not helping. It seems to soften things in the short term, but not really help in the long term. I'm hopeful that the waxelene will have a better long term effect, since it's more of a barrier. Or I'll just wait it out I guess. I just can't get over the mom guilt that I must be doing something wrong and if I just fixed it, he would clear up.  

violajack

Chickypoo2468 said:

Like I said, Js cheeks cleared up significantly in a few days. Surely your mom guilt can help curb your forgetfulness for that long so you can not eat dairy.

I was just about to say yes, yes it should, when I absent mindedly took a sip from DS1's milk sippy to stop it from leaking (stupid straw cups). This is going to take some practice. I'm so used to snacking on cheese and using frozen mac and cheeses to cover diners when DH is away (which he will be all next week). I'll make sure this afternoon's grocery run is more fruit and veggies and no dairy snacks. It make take a few days to clean up my habits, but it really is worth a try. Any tips?

TJ1979

Yeah, it takes a lot of work, a lot of practice, and some thought and effort. But if you have so much mommy guilt, I think trying something would help more with your guilt than not trying anything.

violajack

Got it. I appreciate the butt kicking. I've been a wishy-washy brat about this for too long (contemplating it for weeks, but talking myself out of it cause the gas and the rash didn't seem too bad). Doing something will make me feel better than just waiting it out. I know many of you ladies have done so much more than this and I have no room to complain. It doesn't help that I just had it out with dh again this morning. Stupid fragile emotions. I'll just suck it up and get over myself. After a nap.

CLLDLL

Just wanted to say kudos to you @violajack for sucking it up and admitting that you need to give it a try or quit complaining instead of getting all hurt and pulling a "you ladies are mean, I'm leaving". That was awesome.

Also wanted to say good luck to you. The MPI/MSPI mamas on here are awesome if you need help making over a favorite recipe to make it MPI friendly!!