Skin Changes in Infants: Allergies and Eczema Symptoms

Changes in Baby's Skin

Hello Dr.
Liang: My son is currently 4 months old.
Over the past two days, his neck and face have become red and swollen, with small red bumps, especially on his neck, which is the most severe.
I recently introduced complementary foods, including rice cereal and black date juice.
I am wondering if this could be an allergy? What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis? Additionally, his usual milk intake was 120 cc, but now he is only drinking less than 50 cc per feeding and only every 5 hours.
What should I do? Regarding bowel movements, he only has a bowel movement every three days and seems to be in pain each time.
I have tried massaging his abdomen and stimulating his anus, but there has been no improvement.
I would greatly appreciate your guidance on these issues, as this is my first child and I have many questions.
Thank you.

Xiao Mami, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/01/07

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics

Hello, little mommy, thank you for your letter.
Generally, when children reach three to four months of age, the salivary glands begin to develop, leading to increased saliva production.
Therefore, the redness and swelling in your child's neck and face may be due to this, resulting in eczema.
As for whether it is caused by an allergic reaction to black dates, it is difficult to say.
Based on experience, if the second occurrence coincides with the consumption of the same food, it can be confirmed.
Regardless, your child has a clear issue, which is an allergic constitution.
According to current popular management methods, it is best to avoid allergens as early as possible.

Additionally, for a three to four-month-old child who is refusing to drink milk, there are two possible reasons: 1.
Curious baby: At this age, children begin to explore their surroundings and may "forget" to eat due to environmental distractions.
2.
True milk aversion: When introducing solid foods, they may realize that milk has little flavor, especially after consuming sweet foods like your black date juice.

Lastly, regarding the issue of constipation, dietary management can be implemented: 1.
Switch to a hypoallergenic formula.
2.
Add juice (from low-allergen fruits, excluding citrus).
3.
Offer glucose water.

Reply Date: 2003/01/07

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of concerns regarding your 4-month-old son’s skin and feeding habits. Let’s break down your questions and provide some insights based on medical knowledge.

Skin Changes: Allergies and Eczema Symptoms
From your description, your son has developed redness and small bumps on his neck and face, which could potentially be signs of an allergic reaction or atopic dermatitis (eczema). Eczema is a common skin condition in infants and is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often appears as red patches, which can be scaly or crusty, and may be accompanied by small bumps that can ooze or crust over when scratched.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Infants:
1. Red, inflamed skin: Commonly found on the cheeks, scalp, and areas where the skin bends (like the neck, elbows, and knees).

2. Dry, scaly patches: The skin may feel rough and may peel or flake.

3. Itchiness: Infants may scratch or rub their skin, leading to further irritation.

4. Crusting or oozing: In some cases, the affected areas may become moist and crusty, especially if scratched.

Possible Allergies
The introduction of new foods, such as rice cereal and black date juice, can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in infants. Common signs of food allergies include:
- Hives or rashes
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (like vomiting or diarrhea)
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
Given that your son is showing skin changes after introducing these foods, it’s essential to monitor for any other symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you suspect a food allergy, it may be wise to consult with a pediatrician or an allergist for appropriate testing and guidance.

Feeding Concerns
Regarding your son’s decreased milk intake and infrequent bowel movements, there are a few considerations:
1. Decreased Milk Intake: It’s not uncommon for infants to have fluctuations in their feeding patterns, especially when they start solid foods. However, if he is significantly reducing his milk intake (from 120cc to 50cc), it’s important to ensure he is still getting adequate nutrition. Milk is crucial for an infant’s growth and development, so if he continues to refuse milk, consult your pediatrician.

2. Bowel Movements: It’s also normal for infants to have varying bowel movement frequencies. Some may go every day, while others may go every few days, especially if they are transitioning to solids. However, if he appears to be in pain during bowel movements or if his stools are hard, this could indicate constipation. You can try:
- Increasing fluid intake (if appropriate for his age).

- Offering pureed fruits like prunes or pears, which can help with constipation.

- Continuing gentle abdominal massages.

Conclusion
In summary, your son’s skin changes could be indicative of eczema or an allergic reaction, and it’s essential to monitor his symptoms closely. For feeding concerns, maintaining adequate milk intake and addressing any signs of constipation is crucial. Given that you are a first-time parent, it’s completely understandable to have many questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for personalized advice and to ensure your son’s health and well-being. They can provide the best guidance tailored to your son’s specific needs.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Skin Allergies in Infants: When to Seek Help

Hello, doctor. 1. My baby is now over 3 months old and often has skin that resembles "hives," with small red spots or patches on the hands and feet. They appear for a while and then gradually fade. The clinic doctor prescribed medication and mentioned to administer it...

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: The primary purpose of lactose-free formula is to alleviate diarrhea. To prevent allergies, the best approach is to breastfeed, followed by considering hydrolyzed protein formula. Allergic predisposition can be hereditary; studies indicate that if one parent has an allergi...

Understanding Eczema in Infants: Symptoms, Causes, and Care Tips

Is it possible that my almost five-month-old baby has atopic dermatitis? There is a crack in the skin at the junction of the ear and scalp (the deep groove area), and there is a little peeling (but it is not rough). The symptoms seem to improve with the application of lotion, but...

Dr. Jiang Zheen reply Dermatology
Your baby's skin issue is likely not atopic dermatitis, but rather a common eczema that some children experience occasionally. There's no need to worry; just apply a bit more moisturizer (preferably a thicker, oil-based one). Generally speaking, atopic dermatitis is a s...

Understanding Red, Rough Skin in Children: Eczema or Allergies?

Hello Dr. Liang: My child was diagnosed with an allergic constitution through umbilical cord blood testing at birth. Now, their hands and feet have red, rough patches that resemble eczema, but I'm not sure if this is due to overheating and needing to wear lighter clothing, o...

Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics
KITTY appreciates your online consultation. If your child’s cord blood test shows an IgE level higher than 0.9, it indicates an allergic constitution. According to statistical reports, infants under the age of two commonly exhibit allergic reactions, particularly allergic gastroe...

Differentiating Between Seborrheic and Atopic Dermatitis in Infants

My son is currently 2 months and 22 days old. When he was close to one month old, he had red bumps on his scalp and cheeks. We showed it to a doctor who diagnosed it as seborrheic dermatitis. After applying an ointment, it improved, but it recurred. When we consulted a second doc...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Atopic dermatitis in infancy is characterized by its initial appearance on the cheeks, gradually spreading to the head and limbs. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants primarily affects the scalp, eyebrows, and neck, and often resolves by the age of 10 months. A significant difference...