Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Recurrent Diaper Rash after Antibiotics | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My son has had a rash in his diaper area for about six months now. He was diagnosed with a staph infection about three months ago and given some antibiotics. The rash went away but always seems to reappear within a week's time. It is little bumps that look like ant bites and they itch him a lot. He was seen again by a specialist, who told me that they really had no idea what it was because a staph infection shouldn't keep coming back. They said they would treat it as a yeast infection, and with cream it cleared for a few days but was back within a week. The bumps are now spreading down his legs, up his back, and there are a few on his face. If there is any advice you have for me, it will be greatly appreciated— Luke&Jaidensmom in Talladega | | | ANSWER |
July 22, 2002 | | | Dear Luke&Jaidensmom,
I'm sorry to hear that your son has had so much trouble with this rash. I can't tell exactly what's going on without seeing him, but I am suspicious that you are dealing with one of two things. The most likely is a recurrence of a yeast infection, and if it's not that, then it is probably a recurrence of a staph infection. Unfortunately, both of these kinds of infections are notorious for coming back--even after full courses of appropriate treatment. The one thing that doesn't fit well with either of these diagnoses is the itching, which suggests the possibility of either hives (an allergic rash), or bug bites, both of which could appear anywhere on the body.
The bottom line (no pun intended!) is that you need to take your son back to be checked. If it is yeast or staph, you won't be able to get it under control without prescription medication. If it's an allergy, your son may benefit from an antihistamine, and if it is bug bites, you need to know so you can eliminate the source. I hope you can get it under control soon!— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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