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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Not to use this steroid cream on my 7 month old?

72 replies

bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 17:22

My 7 month old DD has developed a red rash on her cheek which is slightly raised and bumpy. It looked worse this morning so took her to the pharmacist who said see a GP so took her to out of hours with suspected impetigo.

After waiting 2 hours a nurse saw us and said she had a bit of a fungal infection and prescribed Fucibet antibiotic and steroid cream to use twice a day. Just got home and read up about it and I'm not sure I want to use such a strong cream on her delicate skin. Would it go away on its own it I keep it clean and dry or should I use the steroid cream??

OP posts:
Pippidoeswhatshewants · 16/05/2015 18:17

If your dd is not in distress I would wait and see the GP. Fucibet is prescribed for bacterial infections, not fungal.
I would probably put a bit of sudocrem on for now.

IMHO nurses always diagnose everything as "a bit of eczema" and prescribe steroids...

ItsADinosaur · 16/05/2015 18:20

And in my experience GPs don't have the first clue about childhood eczema and just tell you to moisturise.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 16/05/2015 18:25

Dd had impetigo and ended up with huge sores all over her body as did DH who caught it. Please use the cream to stop it spreading.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 16/05/2015 18:26

Sorry..didn't read properly.

Blush am just traumatised by impetigo

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 16/05/2015 18:28

However..that does very much look like it could be start of impetigo

Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 18:33

That looks like ringworm to me..which would make sense on the fungal infection diagnosis but not on the prescription cream. Get another appointment.

NurNochKurzDieWeltRetten · 16/05/2015 18:33

DS1 was prescribed a steroid cream for use on a patch of excema like dry skin (which it was impossible to stophim scratching and bled) - I used it and he developed a patch of adult looking leg hair! He was about 14 months old at the time! It dI'd clear the problem up though...

I'd seek a second qualified opinion under the less than clear cut circumstances you describe blue

Original poster
bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 18:41

I originally thought it could be ringworm but the nurse didn't mention it. Would ringworm appear so soon though? I visited a friend on Thursday and she has lots of pets and my DD and her DS were sat playing and sharing toys.

OP posts:
Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 18:43

Yes, it would appear that soon. It doesn't have to be perfectly round, perfectly flat and white in the middle etc. Google ringworm and look at the images. There's plenty of ways it can present itself.

Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 18:45

warning - some of it is pretty gross

Original poster
bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 19:03

Oh god I hope it's not ringworm. I really don't know what to do now.

OP posts:
bigbluebus · 16/05/2015 19:05

YANBU as it is your choice whether to use it or not.
However, as someone who had to put steroid/antibiotic creams daily on my DS (including in his face) from the age of 2 months onwards due to eczema so severe that we needed a referral to a dermatologist, I can say that as far as I am aware, it has had no long term side effects. DS is now 18 and thankfully grown out of his eczema.

Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 19:12

If you have any late night pharmacies near you or supermarket pharmacies that are open on Sundays go speak to a pharmacist. As bigbluebus said, the cream would be fine for your baby. But I don't think it's the right cream. Don't panic if it is ring worm. It can be dealt with.

Ohbollocksandballs · 16/05/2015 19:17

DS is just getting over impetigo and he was given the fudicin h (sp?) and oral antibiotics.

Original poster
bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 19:32

I've just read that symptoms of ringworm appear between 4-10 days after contact, is this incorrect?

OP posts:
Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 19:38

No, not incorrect. But it's a guideline, not a hard and fast rule.

7amWakeUp · 16/05/2015 19:49

I'm not a doctor but..
As soon as I saw the photo I thought that's ringworm.
I have just finished treating my six month old for it, used a steroid and anti fungal mixed cream for a week and it had cleared up.

I messed about for a while not wanting to put cream on her and if just got worse

I have it too which is harder to shift

If I was you I'd wait to see the doctor then use whatever cream they prescribe and be strict/consistent with it as it is hard to shift if you don't treat it early in my experience

Good luck

Musicaltheatremum · 16/05/2015 19:50

Itsadinosaur.Sweeping generalisation there. I treat loads of childhood eczema with good success as do many of my colleagues and moisturising has a huge part to play in the treatment.

7amWakeUp · 16/05/2015 19:52

Sorry, I just looked at the photo again and am so sure it's ringworm I would put the cream on straight away (not a doctor though!!)

PuppyMonkey · 16/05/2015 19:58

I also think it's ringworm and I think you should use the cream.

Mrsjayy · 16/05/2015 20:12

You are working yourself up whats the worst that can happen the rash doesnt clear the cream wont burn your babys face off use it dont use it but stop working yourself up if it is ringworm you will get an antifungal cream instead

Original poster
bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 20:57

Might be OTT but I'm at the out of hours again getting a 2nd opinion. I think its ringworm too but want to make sure before I use any creams. Just rang my friend and she says her baby has a rash but she put it down to teething!

OP posts:
Original poster
bluejeanswhiteshirt · 16/05/2015 22:59

Went back to the hospital and saw a doctor this time who again diagnosed a fungal infection but couldn't say whether it was ringworm or not without scraping cells off and sending it for testing but that couldn't happen until Monday. She prescribed Canesten.

OP posts:
Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 23:02

That should work fine.

Stinkersmum · 16/05/2015 23:40

Just a few tips. Launder whatever clothes bedding etc you can at 60. Hang outside to dry, weather permitting. UV Rays are great. Maybe not for your lo because of the essential,oils but buy some teatree shower gel, body wash etc.