GP Q/A – Baby mouth and bottom rashes

Reader’s Question:

Hello Dr Joe.

My 16 month old always has a rash around his mouth. I keep his mouth clean, but it is almost as though every time he eats, the skin around his mouth flares up, like an allergic reaction although he has no allergies.

Thanks so much for your time.

Tracey

GP response:

Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS, General Practitioner and Editorial Advisory Board Member of the Virtual Medical Centre and Parenthub responds:

Hi Tracey.

Thanks for your question. The mouth is a sensitive area. This sort of rash is rarely infectious nor a sign of hygiene problems. The rash may be peri-oral dermatitis. Whist this can be due to allergies it is most often not. Treatment can be simple moisturiser. Low strength steroid creams can be used to treat dermatitis; however, this should only be done on medical advice from your GP.

Bowel motions can be a bit acidic and burn the skin. Sometimes there is a correlation with diet but often there is not. Be watchful of foods with lots of sugar.

The best protective cream is a thick zinc based one. Best check with your chemist.

Regular changing and use of a thick cream is correct management. If you have concerns about the bowel pattern then your GP can help.