Hi Everyone - today I received a plaintive call from a mum of a 5 month old
about the possibility of relactation.  Baby has had a bad nappy (diaper)
rash for over two months, which mother describes as "like raw meat".  She
has "tried everything" including anti-fungal ointments/creams (several
kinds), and anti-bacterials.  Baby was being breastfed and received soy
supplements, and has recently started solid foods - vegetables, rice
cereals, no fruit.  Doctor finally blamed breastfeeding (!!!) and suggested
she wean, which she did two weeks ago.  Surprise, surprise! it hasn't
helped.  Mother is mourning the loss of this lovely relationship for nothing
and is keen to start breastfeeding again.

I am seeking your thoughts on the possible *cause* of such severe and
prolonged nappy rash.  Mother takes very little dairy herself (doesn't like
it) and baby has not had a drop of cow's milk based ABM in her life.  If
it's not Thrush and it's not a dairy allergy - what is it???  Could it be an
allergy to soy? (commenced at about 2 months), or a staph, something else??

Thanks for *any* ideas!

Pamela, Zimbabwe