My son began getting a red rash on his cheek starting a little after 6
months that kept spreading slowly with time and now is on both cheeks and
chin.  It seems to cycle from itchy, then it oozes, then dries up and
flakes, (and sometimes bleeds) then starts over again. I guess you would
call it eczema. He is almost 11 months.  I did some diet elimination and
also discovered some foods that made his rash worse, wheat and banana.
Finally several people, (even one on the rapid transit system!  it is hard
to miss those red cheeks!), who recommended going to a naturopath that did
electroaccupuncture type testing to see what he is sensitive to.  This test
showed him to be sensitive to SO much!  wheat, citrus, tomato, potato, bell
pepper, salt, sugar, strawberries, banana, dairy, grapes, apple, to name a
few.  The NP recommended both baby and I avoid the items on the list for 6
weeks then come back to see how much it improved the rash.  we are in the
middle of the 6 weeks right now and it is very difficult and I admit I have
slipped a few times!  I haven't seen significant improvement either and it
is very frustrating.  I haven't even considered stopping breastfeeding.
That is out of the question, but I can see how some women may consider it.
It is not easy and seeing how uncomfortable baby is and how restrictive the
diet can be it is no wonder!

One question about it.  I am more inclined to not worry about it much,
hoping he will grow out of it, but our family practice md mentioned some
concern about the constant irritation somehow causing some permanent redness
or scarring?  I really wanted to avoid the cortizone creams.  Otherwise, I
feel he will just eventually grow out of some of theses sensitivities while
I try to avoid the worst culprits.

Any thoughts?  The allergy/sensitivity seems to be a very common issue.
Like someone mentioned, if it is not causing baby discomfort, why bother
with it?

Janette
LLL Beaverton, OR