should I use antibiotic syrup?

[KathCork]

Hello, please help!

Don't know if this should be under 'behaviour/dev' so apologies if should be elsewhere!

My ds (17 weeks) has had terrible cradle cap for months, I've tried everything, it sometimes improves then gets worse again in a few days time.

I wouldn't worry if it was just the scabby head but it is really red underneath, makes me worry that it hurts/is inflamed.

Then, a few nights ago he rubbed his head on the moses basket quite badly and lots of scabs came off and now it looks red raw (ow) in places. (he is now in the much bigger cot incidentally)

I took him to the HV today and she said it was probably not infected, don't worry etc. Then the doctor said it was probably infected and prescribed an antibiotic syrup (contaianing penicilin).

I've read that there is a link to asthma in babies who are given antibiotics under 6 months old.

I don't know what to do, what would you do? Any similar experiences?

I would give the ab.
I do understand the worry, but my first two had abs younger than 17w and they were/are fine.
Not heard of the asthma link, sorry.

If the Dr has prescribed it I would give it. The risk of asthma is just that, a risk - parenthood is alot about weighing up the risks and benefits of any given situation....

I would hope that a good GP is weighing up these risks too but in a much more educated way than we as parents who are NOT doctors, could do.

Thanks, will see how he is today and make a decision.

Just seems rather odd that the HV would say it's not infected and the doctor says it is infected in the space of half an hour.

I would like to think that the doctor was weighing up the risks but I think that's probably my job (worrying late at night, investigating pros and cons on the internet etc!) as she was totally confident in what she was prescribing, as she should be.

HVs are not qualified to diagnose anything medical. She has probably seen many cases that were bad but not infected and has a 'standard# reply.

It might be a good idea not to put anything on `the head for the time being and ask your GP what she/he would recommend. I have (i know it sounds strange) 'craddle cap' on my face (!!) it's the same type of skin problem called seborrheic dermatitis and I can tell you that for me, it does itch a lot and ccan get very sore. If I was you I'd speak to GP again and make sure that you use a product that is recommended.

if antibiotics are prescribed, give them. i know HVs are not able to officially diagnose but they do have a whole wealth of experience and probably more than some doctors!

re cradle cap, have u tried rubbing olive oil into it at night and then bathing your lo in the morning? olive oil is the best cure/remedy by far.

Dear Kathcork,
give antibiotics and then find good homeopath. I found a mixture of lemon oil in olive oil good. dd had cradle cap until she was 2 years also bald until 2 years which was a pain. good luck.

Thanks all, it looks a lot less red today, it's not weeping & I haven't started the antibiotics yet. I have an appt with a different doctor on Mon so if I can wait until then I will, if that doctor says use the antibiotics then I will.
If it looks bad before then of course I'll start the course.

The cradle cap is a nightmare, I've tried olive oil but that just made his whole head very yellowy and worse! I've tried other (lighter) oils too (ie avocado oil), other natural moisturising creams, pawpaw slave, vaseline, emulsifying oitment..and so it goes on..

I think I'll take galaxymummy's advice and look for a homeopath asap.

Thanks again everyone.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on, KathCork, pls. do update after GP appt.
I'd be reluctant to use antiBs if possl, too.
If it were me I would apply olive oil on the bare skin (the red bits) where you got the c-cap off. Just to protect sensitive skin.
That's not scientific, just what I think I would try!
Good luck...

Kethcork, i am no medical mastermind, but I do work in dispensary ; honestly, take it, infection can be very unpleasant in little one if untreated, can lead to high temperature which can have own health implications, DR will have checked it was safe. Probably just a very low strength antiobiotic suitable for a tiny person.

Will let you know lljkk, the cradle cap scabs are now completely covering his scalp again (no red bits can be seen) so am leaving be until see the doc on Mon, unless gets worse again or starts to weep/smell (mm nice) then will use antibis.

Will let you know how I get on, thanks for saying you'd be reluctant to use antibis, was beginning to think I was the only one!

Thanks frecklyspeckly, I am keeping a really close eye on his head, any sign of redness/weeping/smell and I'll give him the antibis, also his temp is fine, will keep a close eye on that too.

Know that if it is an infection then we'll need the antibis to clear it up, just not sure that it is (and if it isn't I don't want to give them, as he seems totally fine).

He's my first and just feel such a weight of responsibilty about what I put into him/on him...how am I going to cope with this for another 18 years?? and then some?!

Hi there

Just to update..went to gp (a different one) on Monday and he said no sign of infection (phew) and prescribed a couple of old-school remedies for the cradle cap (so old school in fact that one chemist didn't have either and the second had to order them in!).

So, am glad that I waited (and watched his head very closely!) and didn't use the antibiotics after all.

Thank you all for your advice.