This afternoon we took Keisha to the doctor because she has a rash that started on her bottom and is now on her legs, arms, back and face. Last year, she briefly had this rash on her bottom and we controlled it with hydrocortisone and neosporin then it went away after a couple of weeks. A few months ago the rash came back but the methods we used last year did not get rid of the rash. In fact it worsened. I decided that it was time to take her to the pediatrician.

This was the first time meeting our new pediatrician. The twins’ previous pediatrician was promoted to a very nice position at Mizzou Pediatrics. We keep picking the really good doctors… this is the second time that we lost a good doctor (first to retirement) and we are about to lose William’s hematologist later this month (he is going to St. Jude’s). I will write about that later.

Because of the pediatrics scheduling we met with the resident first and then our (new) regular pediatrician.  I am not saying that I do not like all residents, but I certainly do not have a good track record with them.  This resident misdiagnosed Keisha today with tinea (something).  About 7-10 minutes after the resident (mis)diagnosed my daughter, the pediatrician came in.  She gave a thorough exam just like the resident but the end result was completely different.  I am not mad at the resident but certainly not pleased.  Thankfully we did not leave the hospital to treat my daughter with the wrong medicine which could have worsened her condition.

The pediatrician told us that this is a clear mild case of eczema.  I worried that it was eczema but I had hoped that it was something temporary like a fungus.  A fungus can be killed with a medical soap, cream or ointment.  Eczema is a sign of allergy issues which is just no fun.  I had to convince myself that there was a bright side of things… Keisha only has a mild case and the pediatrician feels that we can control it with Cetaphil (generic brand at Target FTW), hydrocortisone (ointment seals in better than the creme), Dove sensitive skin (Equate brand at Walmart FTW), baby oil and vaseline.  After typing that out, it sounds like it is worse than it is.  Not that bad really.

We will switch off with the Dove and Cetaphil in the mornings as a wash up or bird bath like style, complete rinse, no dry off, followed by full body baby oil and lastly the vaseline to seal in the moisture.  We are applying the hydrocortisone at night to relieve the itching.  No more long baths as this can dry out her skin.  JT and I explained this to her and she seemed to take it well.  We shall see during the next bath.

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