Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

So this story starts back over a month ago, I had posted that Luca (nicholas), my 2 1/2 yr old had a bad rash, it went away with benadryl, but then kept coming back.

We had gone to the ped the next morning, he said keep giving benadryl for 3days, then after that-as needed. till it worked itself out of his system. he wasnt sure if it was an allergic reaction or possibly a viral infection.

I have ZERO experience with allergies so this is all new to me. So a week later, I went to a pediatric allergist on my own, my ped didnt even know about it.
I get there and he tells me that my son cant be tested for allergies until the rash and the benadryl are out of his system for a couple of days (well thanks for wasting my time and my money, and I went there during a torrential downpour, all kids in the car, etc.

So he tells me also, lets wait it out, blah blah, maybe Im over reacting and the Drs know best ? or do I go with my gut?

since both ped and allergist had the "Theres nothing we can do until it works itself out" advice, I didnt know who else to turn to, so we waited till it "worked itself out" and the appearance of the rash over the next 2 weeks went from every 6hrs to every 10, 12, 18, 20, 24, so it WAS getting better and we only gave benadryl as needed. Now this has been a total of 4 weeks on and off benadryl as needed.
and it wasnt consistent, some days he broke out bad, some days not at all...

we tried to think of what he had eaten, touched, drank, etc.

Finally last Friday, I got persistent that he be tested already, luckily it had been a day or two of no benadryl. so he tested for 8 common things (hubby went so I dont have the list ) 2 of them being our suggestions: milk or grass? (we noticed that every time he got back from a park or playground BOOM rashes...

so hubby comes home friday, bloodwork looks great, no allergies, which is WONDERFUL news, Thank GOd, but today, we went to the backyard, he took a nap and woke up with HUGE welts all over his thighs, hands, a little on his face... luckily they barely bother him, a little bit of itching, thankfully no scars, no yuckiness, they disappear as quickly as they come with benadryl.

except for this episode today, the past 4 days we have NOT given it to him if we saw a small appearance and it went away on its own...

Dr is leaning towards it being a viral infection.. and both Ped and allergist are not alarmed at all (mom sure is ) and even my ped said theres no need to get a 2nd allergist opinion...
theyre both very "its not bothering him, let it be, it will work itself out"

but why is this so inconsistent? what are these big welts on my baby? (its my 2yr old, but he's still my baby )

anyone have advice?
and he just started nursery school 2 days a week, I need to find the creature that he's allergic to

Id love any advice if anyones been through anything like this. I have photos of the rash, I'll try to post later. its big and small sizes of raised welts.

Am I over reacting or should I follow my gut and get a 2nd opinion. and if its a viral infection, I wouldnt need an allergist right? confused

thanks

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

is he sleeping on some kind of new fabric/sheets/blankets?

i know i am very alleric to wool blends.


etd to add - i would get another opinion. just cause it would bug me

Message edited 9/25/2006 9:04:57 PM.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Could he be getting bit by something while he is outside?

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

do you have an animal?

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

nope, no animals, hes had the same sheets/bedding set for several months (Since hes been in a toddler bed) and we switch off a few sets.
today the Dr asked me if the rash was on the side he slept on huh? (It was on the front of his legs, almost as if you were sitting on the beach, legs out in front of you and got sunburned)
I actually didnt even see because I put him down to nap and left, and then he woke up and came out itching

Message edited 9/25/2006 9:13:57 PM.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Is there a ferterlizer or anything on your lawn??

I have extremelly sensitive skin and I will periodically just break out in welty rashes on my face for a couple hours. No reason and they come and go as quick as they appear. The itch for a few moments before they appear and that is it.

Have you tried a dermatologist?? Maybe they would have some insight as to why his skin can welt like that.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

We thought about something in the dirt or lawn, but its been with several different parks (Here and in queens) and also our backyard... so its hard to pinpoint... I didnt think of a dermatologist also, thanks for the idea I wonder if there are pediatric dermatologists..

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

does he have eczema. Ryan does and every now and then he breaks out in these rashes. Yesterday he had a real bad one that grew right in front of my eyes. I was FREAKED out!

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

I don't know about a ped. derm but I know that DH has a rare skin condition and he used Dr. Berry in Queens. He was one of the few derms that actually knew what DH's skin condition was and didn't have to look it up, so for that I have a lot of respect for him considering most had to look it up. Dr Berry was in the HB area.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

I really dont think its a skin condition since its so inconsistent, it comes and goes. and when its gone his skin is perfectly fine.
as far az ezcema, its not dry skin patches. I have to upoad pics to show you.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Always go with your Mommy instincts. Please I always go to the doctors for every little thing that I feel is wrong with Matthew. Mommy knows best.

If you feel you want and a second opinion then get it. It is your right and noone should ever tell you not to do it.

Awwwwwww poor Nicholas. Sending some to the little guy and hope he feels better soon.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Oh and definitely go to a dermatologist. They might be able to give you more answers since they are skin doctors.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Heres one pic, every time I take a pic it comes out too bright, I think I turned the flash off for this one, so its the best shot I have so far..

I would almost describe it as "splashes" if that makes sense.

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 9/25/2006 10:27:36 PM.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

It can't hurt to see someone else. Maybe they will tell you the same thing, but at least you will feel better.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Anna, I have the worst skin and feel your pain in trying to find out what Nicholas is allergic to, if anything. From the picture you posted, I can say I get the same things at times.... My three biggest allergans? Dogs, Wool and Dust. Yes, I break out in those "splashes" all over my arms, neck and legs when I swiffer.... or come in contact with a dog or wear wool. And basically the splotches come and go, I don't use benadryl at all.

I hope you can find out what it is soon. And yes, they do have pediatric dermatologists and I would take him to one. I am sure they will help. If the allergist said he came back with no allergies, I would be ok with that. Try the derm and let me know how it goes! HUGS!

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

I went to Dr. John Walczyk. He is on Northern BLVD. in Manhasset diagonl from Macy's. Two people actually recommened him to me with each other knowing. Hopefully you will find out what it is soon even if they can't give you anything for it you will have some peace of mind knowing what it is. Have you sent him outside to play in pants and long sleeve shirts or are limbs exposed? Maybe try that and see what happens?

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Adrianna-no he had long sleeves and long pants the last 3 times it happened outside/park, and it has also happened with short sleeves/shorts. wht kind of Dr is the one you mentioned?

WOW trish, thats interesting that its from dust, that means I gotta get a cleaning lady so we dont have one speck of dust here (I was looking for an excuse to get one! j/k)
Well Im glad they look familiar to someone. It breaks my heart to see them all over him, my MIL saw them at their worse she said (the 1st time it happened he was there, and was home within 2hrs and it was gone)... she told me

So I want a 2nd opinion and now cant decide between going to a derm or an allergist...or both...

thanks for the advice ladies

Message edited 9/26/2006 8:36:50 AM.

Re: Would you get a 2nd opinion ?

Wow that looks like my leg whenever I get a big mosquito bite. Poor Nicholas! Is he crying that he's uncomfortable?