Constant rash on toddler's cheeks

[cdsph]

Hi guys,

My son has had this rash/irritation on his cheeks and around his mouth now for a good few months and I've tried everything but nothing seems to help it. He doesn't seem fussed by it so I don't think it's sore or itchy but I was just wondering if anyone has come across anything similar?

It's almost as if everything he eats and drinks, and saliva irritates him. It flares up after meals/cleaning his face or after sleep when he's been dribbling etc.

GP not been helpful - just given us steroid cream saying it's either a viral rash or dermatitis.

He does have dry skin on his back and arms too, so not sure if it's Eczema?

I've tried:
Aveeno
Vaseline
Diprobase
E45
Daktacort (the steroid cream from GP)
No dairy
Sudacreme
Coconut Oil
Tropic Tamanu Balm

You name it, I've given it a go! Just wondering if anyone can offer advice from past experience?

He's otherwise well!

Cheers!

Photo for reference

He's gorgeous.
What are you washing and wiping him with?

Hi, with my kids this was CMPI ( cow’s milk protein intolerance). It cleared up miraculously when we cut out milk.

@KirstenBlest I'm currently using Aveeno or Oilatum in the bath, other than that it's just water on a sponge or like newborn baby wipes

@ChocAuVin I've heard lots about dairy so I've cut out dairy and been giving him soya milk for the last few weeks etc and we haven't noticed a difference. He may have had the odd bit of dairy that was hidden in snacks etc but only on a handful of occasions

Stop the baby wipes. Use a warm wet muslin/reusable flannel. Even the water wipes can irritate, they bothered both my kids.

My son has eczema but only on his face. We were referred to a dermatologist that he's still under now who have been great. Tried multiple creams and different regimes.
The best thing we've used (after treating a flare up with a steroid cream) is hydromol. It's basically just a barrier cream, but it goes on before he eats, goes outside etc and it's really helped with stopping things irritating it.
My sons was pretty bad but has really improved.

@Lavendersparkles22 Right I will cut out the baby wipes and see if that helps at all! I do usually use a sponge and water but will cut out the baby wipes! Thanks for that.

@ladybugcatnoir1 oh interesting! I'm thinking maybe I need to be more persistent with the barrier creams before meals etc - not always so easy with a toddler who won't let you near his face 😂 but I shall look into that one, Vaseline etc just doesn't do anything

Oh yes to no baby wipes too. We did a while with just a cotton pad wet with a smear of dermol 500 cream on ( we wash him in this also)
But yes, barrier cream as often as you remember! We have a big tub of hydromol at home but also asked for a small tube prescription to take out and about.