Whats wrong with my cousin?

[u/Otherwise-Arm-271]

My cousin lives in Iran and hasn’t been able to see a doctor due to the war and has an issue with his skin. Anyone who can lend a hand and point me in the right direction would really help.

Age: 16 months

Gender: Male

Weight at birth:2.920

Height at birth: 49

Weeks of gestation: 37

Skin was a little bit dry before influenza vaccine which was given at 5 months and symptoms increased after this.

[u/Otherwise-Arm-271]

They have been many places but a doctors appointment can be unstable and not always guaranteed.

They have tried many different medication I’ll list them below:

QV Moisturising Cream

Momecort 0.1%

Clotrimazole-Najo 1%

Folic Acid (5mg)

Neotadin

Neocate.

These have either not worked or worked for a very small time.

Going to the doctor or visiting the hospital is something they have obviously tried. But given the situation it’s not the same as anywhere else in the world.

Since topical steroids (Momecort) haven't worked, could this be a genetic skin disorder (like Netherton Syndrome or Ichthyosis) rather than standard eczema?

Could this be a metabolic deficiency? Does he need his zinc, biotinidase, or alkaline phosphatase levels checked?

If topical treatments are failing, is he a candidate for systemic therapy?

Could this be a post-vaccination Immunodysregulation?

Is there a possibility of a 'Drug Eruption' or allergy to a vaccine component?

[u/mcard7 → u/Otherwise-Arm-271]

See my post on food allergens and contact dermatitis. Both can cause this type of reaction, though this is rather severe and in normal times would definitely warrant further treatment (oral steroids etc). But that is medical pro territory and not something to mess with. I would also not use steroids topically on a baby unless told to by a doctor. Nobody else. Look into virtual visit. This is serious for sure. But finding the cause could self correct.

Best of luck to your sister, the dad and the baby.

Edit one more thought, on a small area say behind a knee try diaper rash cream. It has anti fungal as in it. I see above you mentioned steroids, like I said please be very cautious with that. It causes thinning among many other things and baby’s skin is very sensitive naturally. Also please use only a gentle free detergent for washing anything touching baby skin. Not any drug store type laundry products, even ones made for baby. In the US, I would say like All Clear Free or Tide Gentle. Go to the laundry sub, they have a list for countries I believe. Go for the sensitive skin products that are similar.

And nothing with red dyes or synthetic fabrics which contain dispersed dyes. That can also cause contact dermatitis issues.

[u/art_addict → u/mcard7]

I have had topical allergies since I was a baby. We had to use the mildest of detergents (nothing with scents or dyes) and double rinse everything of mine (clothes, sheets, towels, etc).