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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Skin issues behind toddler ear - pictures included!

85 replies

pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 20:46

My toddler has had an issue in the skin behind their ear. It is cracking, sore, crusty and weeping - along the line behind the ear.

Previously tried hydrocortisone cream.

They have reacted to Epaderm and epimax and this has caused further rash.

Another GP request has been made, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Any other creams that have worked?
Sudocreme doesn't seem to do anything other than clog it up!

Any ideas what it could be as well?

OP posts:

Aliflowers · 29/01/2025 21:06

My daughter has had the same thing and only thing that clears it is fucidin (cortisoid and anti fungal). GP likened it to eczema with a fungal infection. To stop it reoccurring I put Vaseline behind her ears every day to keep the skin soft as once it sets in it’s a pain to get rid of

Burntt · 29/01/2025 20:57

Does he wear tight tops/jumpers. I've seen kids have what looks like a cut there from clothes with tight neck holes. Looser clothing could stop it being pulled and split

Jinglejanglesten · 29/01/2025 20:53

Could it be caused by shampoo or soap not being fully rinsed off from behind the ear? My youngest used to get something similar but only behind the ears. Once we figured out it was caused by shampoo 'sitting' in that area, we made sure to fully rinse off the shampoo. It just stopped after that. Good luck 🤞

DoggoQuestions · 29/01/2025 20:46

Can't remember the exact name but it could be a type of psoriasis. We're under dermatology for it. Steroid+antihistamine cream sorts it out. I also have to keep his hair really short and long hair makes it worse. The obvious psoriasis silvery scabbing didn't seem obvious until 3 or 4 years after it started though so we were treated with antifungals for years.

Cailleach1 · 29/01/2025 20:12

CrustyOldFrump · 29/01/2025 13:32

My son has something like this when he was a toddler and it was impetigo. It’s really infectious, if that’s what it is, might be worth asking it they have had any cases at nursery.

My son also had something similar, and it was also impetigo. He developed it shortly after he had gone for a hair cut. I suspect the implements may not have been properly cleaned between customers.

I think we had to apply an antibiotic ointment.

KnickerlessParsons · 29/01/2025 19:47

DD had this. Sudocreme sorted it.
Sudocreme sorts everything out.

SausageRoll2020 · 29/01/2025 19:41

I sometimes have this issue (obviously I'm an awful lot older than your child)

Some things that work / help for me;
Hydrocortisone cream (appreciate you've already tried this)
Hair washed daily and dried soon after, leaving damp hair to air dry can irritate
If it's been a sweaty day through exercise etc then wash and dry the area gently but thoroughly before bed

Edit to add, I'm ezecma prone and use a shampoo for sensitive scalps by kerastase. Sometimes it's just a case of trying all the different creams until you find one that works. Aquaphor is also good for when it's dry but not quite at the 'crusty' stage yet

LoafofSellotape · 29/01/2025 19:19

Moo Goo do a scalp cream with tea tree which is excellent for behind ears/ sides of noses / anything crusty.

StormingNorman · 29/01/2025 19:09

I get eczema there. It could be that. Hopefully you can get an appointment with a GP! They can prescribe a cream to clear it up if it does turn out to be eczema.

Original poster

pinkcow123 · 29/01/2025 19:08

They seem to be ok, they do touch it every now and then. But not overly bothered by it...

But I notice that it is worse after they have been at nursery - and I think they smother it in sudocreme, where as I haven't been as I didn't think sudocreme was helping... so I will ask them to stop.

The photo was yesterday after nursery, but after I had washed it with a baby flannel and water in their bath, it was looking MUCH better this morning and no where near as crusty... but still open!

OP posts:

OhmygoshREALLY · 29/01/2025 18:46

DD gets this sometimes, same place. A good wash in the bath and then savlon sorts it out in no time. I know you’ve heard from the dr now but just in case their fix doesn’t work!

Needspaceforlego · 29/01/2025 18:44

How's the kid are they fussing with it? It looks really sore to me

Needspaceforlego · 29/01/2025 18:43

I'd agree they are thinking it needs to dry out. I wouldn't even put soap near it, I'd wash gently with just water on a soft sponge.

Original poster

pinkcow123 · 29/01/2025 18:41

Really helpful! Thank you!

I have been making sure it is fully dry after washing etc, but I guess it's not been enough when it's still so sore and open! Fingers crossed it'll be healing in a few days!

OP posts:

Caspianberg · 29/01/2025 18:35

I presume they want it to dry out fully and use the antibiotic to treat any infection

i would wash in soapy or salt water ( maybe ask pharmacist what’s best). Then using dry Muslin cloth pat dry so it’s fully dry and not left damp

Once healed, use a wet face cloth with soap to clean and add weleda balm which is like a calendula based solid oil so more natural

Original poster

pinkcow123 · 29/01/2025 18:24

They have prescribed oral antibiotics and said not to use the steroid cream for a while. It was just a text following review pictures - any ideas as to why no cream?!

OP posts:

caringcarer · 29/01/2025 17:31

That looks so sore. I hope your GP can give DC something to clear it up.

Needspaceforlego · 29/01/2025 17:25

Nightmare. Hope they get back to you.soon.

Original poster

pinkcow123 · 29/01/2025 17:07

@Needspaceforlego still waiting for the Dr to call 😩. Was passed to the Dr this morning!

OP posts:

Needspaceforlego · 29/01/2025 17:04

@pinkcow123 did you get him to the GP?

TheLittleOldWomanWhoShrinks · 29/01/2025 13:36

My dd had an infection around her toes on one of her foot for months a couple of years ago. Iodine foot baths and antibacterial powder between the toes helped a bit but didn't shift it. Anti-fungal cream didn't help. We eventually saw a paediatric dermatologist who had a swab tested and it was staphylococcus aureus - a fucidic acid/steroid combo cream worked miracles. Like a PP above, I'd be thinking staph.

CrustyOldFrump · 29/01/2025 13:32

My son has something like this when he was a toddler and it was impetigo. It’s really infectious, if that’s what it is, might be worth asking it they have had any cases at nursery.

Needspaceforlego · 29/01/2025 00:40

pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 21:02

The pharmacist redirects us to the dr - maybe because of their age?

But hopefully will hear from the docs tomorrow! 🤞🏻

Show quote history

More likely it's because they don't know if it bacterial or fungal.
Hope the GP gets it sorted

HalfMumHalfBiccit · 28/01/2025 22:37

I had this as a poor diet vegi student. Needed B vitamins fruit and veg. Fixed quickly after that.

Original poster

pinkcow123 · 28/01/2025 22:34

Ineedsleepnotsugar · 28/01/2025 22:26

Has child got wheat allergy/intolerance?

Very interesting question... they have had diarrhoea since they got an illness around March last year... and I suspect wheat makes it worse - e.g. have told nursery no weetabix and it makes it better, but still loose.

But negative on celiac blood test!

OP posts:

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