Lymph nodes

[Aliya87]

My 4 months old is suffering from cradle cap since birth, I noticed 3 lymph nodes on the back of his neck when he was 2 months old of coursed I panicked and I took him to GP number times and I been told nothing to worry as he is growing well . Few weeks ago I noticed to more on the other side in his neck and one is slightly bigger than others I took him back to GP but I been told nothing to worry. I insist for further investigation and they referred him to hospital and they replied to GP that they are agree that those lymph node are normal. As I have ongoing concern my GP referred him for an ultrasound which I am waiting for appointment. I am suffering from health anxiety and I can not stop worrying .

Hi,

I just saw your post. My LO has the same. She too has in the same location. What was the outcome of the tests that you got done?

@Ruchi1 everyone has lymph nodes at the base of the skull either side (they run in chains behind the ears, down the neck, armpits, ribs and groin). Children will always show a marked increase in lymph node size in the run up to / during / following an infection / illness and it can take weeks for them to return to normal size. How is your LO in themselves? If LO was super lethargic, pale, nauseous, feverish, refusing to eat, had a non-blanching rash (petechiae) then I would be more concerned. Is your LO teething? My DS has always had very prominent nodes and it can be caused by anything ranging from teething to a cut knee.

If you are very worried / the lymph nodes keep swelling, then go to your GP

Hi,

thank you for getting back. My LO had one at the base of skull at around 2 months. The doctor connected it to her cradle cap. After she got her influenza vaccine (when she was 6 months), she got a few around her ears and base of skull. The doctor said it was as she continued to have cradle cap. I thought it was a reaction to the vaccine, but the doctor said it was owing to her continued cradle cap. She is 9 months at present and she is teething since she was around 5-6 months old. She continues to have those raised lymph nodes. Her cradle cap is slowly disappearing. So, I was wondering if I should stop feeling those lymph nodes? If not, when should I stop feeling them.

Yes it could be caused due to the cradle cap and likewise following her vaccine. Children will always show a pronounced reaction to viruses / vaccines but as long as she has been checked by the GP, then I would expect the lymph nodes to slowly go down after a few weeks / couple of months. If they are still raised after 2 months and she has been clear of bugs / cradle cap, I would seek another opinion, especially if other nodes start to swell (in the groin or under the arm pit for example). Lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes) is usually reactive and is a normal response to childhood infections such as viruses.

Thank you for getting back. The cradle cap is not gone completely, but is on its way of dissapearing. She still has a few flakes. How do you know its gone completely?