Milk allergy?

[spottywelly]

I've always had a vague suspicion that DS (5 months) might have some kind of allergy. He has had eczema since he was 3 weeks old, which is getting progressively worse, quite bad reflux and a congested (but not that snotty) nose. He is unsettled a lot of the time, a fussy feeder and sleeps very badly. He is often itchy and sometimes has a rash on his face after feeding.

I have spoken both to my GP and the hospital paed when he was being assessed for reflux and asked about the possibility of allergies, but they both dismissed it.

He is currently breastfed, but we are trying to introduce a bottle a day of formula. I have bad joints which are made worse by bf, and I am limited to which arthritis meds I can take while I am still feeding. The plan was ebf until 5/6 months (until I feel I'm struggling), and then ff from then with a gradual switch over.

I have tried DS with the formula 3 times now, and every time he has broken out in a hive-type rash on his face afterwards. He has yet to actually swallow much, if any, but the rash is round his mouth and chin where the formula has touched. Yesterday he also had a tiny bit of swelling round his eye. I am taking photos of his rashes as they always seem to vanish when he is actually at the doctors!

Does it sound like an allergy? Should I take him back to the doctor again? Would you press on with formula or should I abandon it and just bf until I've spoken to someone?

[spottywelly]

Thanks.

He has has a bit of mucous and blood in his nappy today, so a trip to the docs is definitely in order. I took a pic of the nappy, too - lucky doctor!