Since mid-April, my daughter has been getting sores on her face, neck, arms and legs. It starts as a flat brown spot. The spot turns into a scab, still flat, within about 1 day. There is a line of redness around the scab, which lasts for about 1 day. Then, the scab dries up and drops off. It's a quick healing process. There are no bumps, blisters, pus, nor drainage. She doesn't complain of itching, and I don't see her scratching them, although she will sometimes pick at the scabs. She's only complained of pain once, when she had six of them on her thigh at once. Those were a little red and puffy around the brown spots. We've seen her pediatrician and a dermatologist; the latter thinks this problem is caused by insect bites that my daughter is scratching into sores. She says that the only way to know definitively is to do a biopsy that involves cutting out one of the lesions. I'm not too crazy about that idea. We're going to a 2nd dermatologist next week for another opinion. Meanwhile, any insight? This is one of the most frustrating experiences I've ever endured.
The responses I received proved useful in knowing what questions to ask the second dermotologist who saw my daugther. Still, test results were negative. So, several months later we still don't know exactly what's going on. The sores decreased in size and frequency, although they seemed to stay longer. Also, we began to see tiny bumps before the sores appeared. A few weeks ago, I noticed a pattern between her sleeping on her Dora fold-out chair and the bumps appearing. So, I got rid of the chair and vacuumed the room. I've concluded that there were some sort of mites in the chair, and hopefully that's the end of that.
I would do the biopsy, it will tell you exactly what it is, no guessing, no trial and error with the different creams ect.
it sounds like bed bugs. When I lived in an apartment these strange bites would appear, at first I thought it was a skin irratation. fianlly I looked up bug bites and saw pics of bites like mind. I later found out that several people in the building had them as well. There wasn't alot I could do there but you can take an agresive role in a house. If you have more questions feel free to ask but research bed bugs just to see.
Lastly if it is bed bugs, please don't do what I did and question your housekeeping skills. I read this critters are hitchickers and very common in hotels but anyone can bring them in your home.
I was a school nurse for awhile and you see a lot of interesting skin symptoms. Sometimes you will get different dx from different docs.
When the scab falls off is it pale in the middle but the red ring remains? Could be ringworm, if so. You can easily treat that with anti-fungal. I would check her scalp carefully too. If she gets them there she would need something oral.
If the second doc recommends biopsy I agree with the other mom -you should go ahead with it, better to know. Skin conditions can be notoriously hard to diagnose even for professionals.
sounds like tinea versicolor. your dermatologist should be able to do a scrapping ( which is totally painless) and tell you within 5 min. good luck to your little girl!! You were smart to go to another doctor, sounds like the first one didn't know what he was talking about. J.
I dont know anything about this condition or what could cause it. However I know a little something about biopsies. It really isn't as bad as it sounds. I never had one on the outside of my body but i did have 2 cervical biopsies. When they do a biopsy they just take a tiny bit of flesh so it really is over quickly. I hope they find out quickly what is going on with your daughter. Best of luck to you and your family.
Hello LKR,
This could be eczema. My son had the same thing and that's what his doctor told us. You might want to change your soap, laundry detergant and lotion. Check out www.melaleuca.com. They have awesome products. Take the guided tour and it will introduce you to a whole new way of living a healthier and safer life your you and your family. My family has started using these products and my son's skin is so much better. The symptons will clear up in a few days. Also visit my website, www.livetotalwellness.com/P. and read about other symptons that can occur from the everyday household products we use. I look forward to hearing from you.
P. (wife & mother of two boys)
How weird. I had the exact same rash in college and I had the lovely biopsy to go with it. It's called para-psoriasis and I seem to remember being told to get some sun or to take vitamin D more religiously. The rash never spread to my face and other than making me feel like a freak, it didn't do much else. I do remember it lingered for quite a while. It could be the normal duration for this rash or it could be because I attended school in rainy Rhode Island and wasn't too into taking the vitamin D.
Good luck... I had to be tested for all kinds of scary diseases to arrive at this diagnosis. Hopefully your child won't have to deal with all of that.
R.
I'd go with the biopsy, especially if the second doctor tells you it's a good idea. I'm sure they'll give her some kind of anesthesia to help with the pain, and it should help you find out exactly what's going on.
S. K
Hi L. R-
I know my kids and I suffer with Eczema (some of us more then others). I think you are doing the right thing by getting a second opinion. I would'nt be suprised if she was allergic to something. So, if it comes down to a biopsy-- go for it! I'm sure the Doc will make sure your daughter is comfortable!
Best wishes! I know your frustrations!
Hi LKR,
I couldn't find anything on the condition you speak of but I found a article on biopsy of the skin.
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_biopsy/article.htm
Hope this helps. Good luck. D.
