Is this 'just' teething related?

[Alicious]

For the past month or so DS2 (1yr) has been snotty, coughing, on and off clingy, and red in the face, occasional high temperature which goes down quickly with calpol, his skin is very dry and looks sore around his mouth and cheeks.

One tooth came through about 10 days ago, and according to the doctor all of the rest are about to follow suit. I have taken him to the GP twice as I am concerned about the coughing and the dry skin, but feel a little fobbed off by the 'just teething give calpol' brush-off I get each time.

Does teething give a baby a stinking cold and dry skin? I feel I should know this from DS1 but I don't remember! Is it even worth going back to the doctor in case something else was brewing and was missed? I would love a decent night's sleep again, and for DS2 to feel a bit better soon.

I think it can. Something to do with the acidity of their saliva causing runny noses and often a sore bottom with nappy rash - well according to my old HV anyway. I'm not sure about the dry skin.

My DD2 tends to get a runny nose and colds in sync with getting teeth. She doesn't particularly get a temp but I have a friend whose DS would. His cheeks would go red and feel burning hot.

Also, your DS1 might have been completely different, which is why you don't remember. My DD1 didn't suffer any teething pain at all (or didn't seem to) we only noticed her teeth when they popped up and then it was like, "oh! She has a new tooth!"

DD2, on the other hand, really struggles. Sleepless nights, clingy, needs lots of cuddles and appears ill.

You're right! Thinking back DS1's teeth popped through and grew much faster. I didn't know that the saliva could cause runny noses-red bums yes! Teething is rotten. He's asleep in my bed now after waking up crying yet again. I'm thinking that another trip to the doctor's might put my mind at rest though...

It's so hard when they can't tell you what's wrong, isn't it?

My HV said give DD2 Calpol when she's teething because I would take paracetamol if I was in pain. But I always worry about it because then I think, what if she's not teething and she's just being a general whingy arse! And they always seem to be teething in that case!

Your poor DS, hope he feels better soon!

I guess if he's dribbling a lot that might cause the dry skin around his mouth?

Thank you for your kind replies-I feel a bit less worried now! I think the dry skin around his mouth could be the drool-and also the tendency to stuff himself with anything vaguely edible and smear it around his face. Calpol, cuddles, and a shedload of patience to get through tomorrow then a visit to the doctor if things haven't changed.