Hi, a little boy needs urgent help. He was born healthy, no skin issues or any other problems. Running around, chasing after his ball, going to play school, etc.. everything a healthy boy does. He eats normally, not vegetarian or anything. In fact, everything normal like you, me or tom, d*** and harry.

But in the last 6 months or slightly more, he suddenly develops these skin condition. Been to many doctors, east or west med practitioners... some say psoriasis, others say eczema, nutritionist says need detox, etc.... whatever, the parents have listened to all, tried pills, ointments, etc... nothing seems to work.

Anyone knows another person who has similar issue? The rashes does itch at night, so terrible that the little boy cannot sleep. He wears a bloody shirt every morning because it itches so much that he scratch all over his body in the very few hours that he managed to doze off. I appeal to any kind person to share if they know someone who has gone through such terrible and horrible times.

Thank you.

This post has been edited by n8210: Sep 24 2011, 04:45 PM

1) i recommended you to see skin specialist for this.
2) it might be also the bed, try take out the bed and go sun bathing.
3) do not try to believe one specialist only, you may try 1-3 specialist for more accurate advice...

Already tried more than 3

Could it be bacteria? Is he TS son or relative? So sorry to see this....

Pkiensing suggestion is also good, might be the bed. I suggest you put him in another bed, change all new mattress, pillow, blanket (maybe get those anti bacterial/dust mite pillow etc), another room for a month and see what happens.

This post has been edited by Matrix: Sep 8 2011, 05:01 PM

Son of my good long friend

"Eating normally" doesn't mean anything at all. It differs from person to person. In fact, Malaysia is among the top scorer in the world for obesity and diabetes, so eating normally can mean that too! Anyway, should definitely switch from the so called "eating normally" to a carefully planned, restricted, choice ingredients diet. E.g. organic food, natural supplements, raw foods, etc.

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 8 2011, 05:12 PM

how about try to stop eating red meat.vegi only. I remember I got some rash wen I was little bcos I eat red meat.

The parents are picky when it comes to food. No China vege, mostly Australians or other imports, mostly fish. Food mainly from wet market, not hypermarkets. No much oil, cos mom is very good at steaming and they taste better than restaurants. This I guarantee. They seldom eat out, cos baby sister only 1+ year old.

Sister don't have similar problem, I guess this rules out the bed bugs possibility?!!

Can be anything. Dish wash, cooking utensils, paint in the house, detergent, etc.

And wet market does't mean its better than hypermarket.

Let's see, some changes for food intake, get free-range chicken, organic fruits and vegetables from reputable organic brands. Some natural nutritional supplements too, e.g. Nutrilite's phytonutrients. There remain lots of possible changes to the food intake and preparation methods if you want me to continue giving examples.

But still, it could be anything, the hospital tests still need to be continued.

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 8 2011, 05:30 PM

Ya, only the general hospital which they have not been to. I think they should give it a try.

They have stopped using detergents for his clothing. My boy had some rashes too when we use those febrezze or dynamo, whatever the brand... when we stopped, then my boy is ok. So I have told them that, and they have stopped using too.

They use organic dish wash. I didn't know there were such products until I see it in their house. The boy is totally only vege, but no beans. So no meat, just fish. No nuts, no sugar.

What is it that they missed? What is the cause?

Sorry as I can't provide a more useful answer as I'm not a medical practitioner. This shall need to wait for some of the other members here practicing medicine.

But fish may contain mercury too. So he can substitute with molecular distilled fish oil instead, almost all the well known brands are molecularly distilled. For cooking pot and pans, can use glassware or cast iron instead of aluminium or non-stick coating. Check the water consumption too. A good water filter is a must. Get the free-range chicken instead of the commercially grown ones from the wet-market, for example, http://www.dqcleanchicken.com/

And as the other members mentioned, its probably dust mites or some other bugs. Easily overlooked.

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 8 2011, 05:49 PM

dont know much, but i changed my bed because of bed bugs before, though its not as serious as this..

maybe check his bed for bugs?

But the brother and sister play around the same sleeping bed. Sometimes the brother wants to sleep at her side, while other times he sleeps in his own side, separated only by a big bolster. His sister, much younger is ok. No skin problem.

I recall they bought a diamond water filter, but I don't recall seeing them using it. Hmm... worth investigating together with the other kitchen utensils.

I'd go with the brands Philips and Aquasana. Affordable and reasonably priced.

Not sure about Diamond but heard lots of negative comments.

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 8 2011, 05:59 PM

Ya, after using for many years, I would not recommend diamond too.

Although the medical professionals have listed their differential diagnoses (eczema,psoriasis), have any of them prescribed a sedating antihistamine for the boy to aid in his sleeping troubles?

The bad itching does seem to me to concur with an eczema diagnosis but you really need a dermatologist and an allergy skin scratch test done (as well as, blood test and food challenge test).

This post has been edited by trencher10: Sep 8 2011, 08:53 PM

Could he be allergic to something? Has he tried living in a different environment for some time?

What doctor did you see? Normal doctors or specialist?

I'm not exactly sure, but I remember dirty blood will result in this scenario as well. Have they checked on that?

No, I don't believe there were any antihistamine given, I will ask and confirm.

He was never allergic to anything noticeable previously. He has not stayed in another environment after getting such rashes. They have been to normal doctors, & also specialist when the problem didn't improve. It wasn't immediately spreading to the whole body. It started off at legs, arms, slowly his chest, then his back. Now every where.

Did not check his blood for dirty blood, whatever that is. Care to elaborate a bit? He is not even 4 years old, can his blood be so contaminated with toxins (if that is what you mean). The boy was never given soft drinks or chocolates, or the likes. The parents are very strict and they give him fruit juices, barley, green bean soup, those kind of things, but never sugar water.

if it's allergic then u need to take care with everything in the house including his mattress, have u let him change a bed/sleep place yet?

TS,

probably u could ask elken people about their Kington Plasma?

I heard it's good...

gosh..poor little boy..hope he'll find the cure

This post has been edited by realnumber: Sep 8 2011, 10:53 PM

At the moment, they suspect it might be due to Usana products. Lawyers working with doctors are helping gathering evidence for court case, if there is one. But first priority, help the kid. So i would rule out the possibility of getting in touch with Elken distributors.

Let's put it this way, if the product is so good, ppl come to you, you don't have to go to ppl.

Herbalife
Melaleuca

2 products that I would recommend

Melaleuca oil is very essential in curing rashes

i see that the parents have kept the nails of the kid short.....kudos on that

other than that
i say hospitalise the kid.......

that PROBABLY could be the reason..
i once had tried their products only to get lots of pimples...
now stop already and use other supplements...
anyhow, i was just suggesting...no harm bro.

Stop listening to all those trying to promote direct sales stuff here. Get the boy to see a dermatologist and have his blood checked for food allergy.

What's the problem with direct sales?

There are good products out there which may be beneficial in the sense that they are loaded with tonnes of natural nutrients for those that don't have enough knowledge or time to prepare quality and balanced food.

Direct sales is just a sales method, it does not represent the quality of the product.

Blood being dirty can mean that the body cannot properly eliminate waste in a normal way, hence its coming out through the skin. But really, why not take the boy to private hospital like SJMC or Gleneagles? I'm sure the doctors will be able to help.

Did a full blood count yet? Kindly share the details here once done it.

I am suspecting something wrong with the level of blood component in this patient.

Yeah, i agree, must do a thorough blood test. Only way to tell now...btw, i still say change the bed and mattress to something else...maybe the sister does not have the allergy, who knows.

As for direct sales product, i dun support direct sale, but can try some of their products from reputable one...not just any tom d*** harry direct sales. Situation like this everything also must try.

Some recommendation is Elken Spiruna and NuSkin Gac fruit juice. No harm done, just normal food supplement. You don't have to go to distrubtor for Elken..they have shops also. But others probably does.

Allergies can arise anytime. Not necessarily born with it. And it doesn't have to be food allergy.

I wasn't born with a water allergy, but now I get rashes everytime I take bath or sweat or come in contact with water.

Admit the boy to a hospital and get a good specialist to monitor him. Do some test and try to find out what's the root cause behind it. I guess that's what you can do before addressing the problem.

I don't think the parents would like it. And for me to bring up such topic, I think they'll start thinking that I've gone out of my mind. Although there isn't direct proof, and also the fact that the sister also took Usana but is healthy, no similar problems, ... so no one jump the gun and yell "Usana"!!

Actually there is no dislike about direct sales, but from the little privilege that I had being at their house when the usana ppl came by, "trying" to help, all I heard was to take more usana pills, buy more products, it is just the body trying to detox, he is perfectly normal, perfectly fine, don't worry.... Everyone who is reading this post, if that is your son, others tell you those words, how do you feel? Does he still looks fine? Not able to sleep at night is fine? A 3 yr old boy needs to detox so much? I think a boy who drinks sugar water and eat snacks everyday would have completed detoxifying by now. Like I said, it is more than a few months. Enough with that.

But a shocking news is after so many specialist, none have taken blood or done allergic test. I guess old days specialist are really people who have experience. Nowadays, maybe specialist are like Datukships, can be obtained in more than one means.

What is this? Trying to do sales off distress people? GO DAI PLS, at least now i know theres another brand to ban now...melaleuciao

Of course, why not ? So you're saying the boy shouldn't be looking at further rectifying his diet? Don't be ignorant, my friend.

Anyways, I personally would say reduce as much as possible potential contaminants and allergens. I personally would suggest highly natural products with minimal additives, such as, in the case of Nutrilite (Amway): their "Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables". Also, "IG6 Colustrum" and "Spirulina" from Elken.

I mention these thre not because I have used them or am affiliated to them in anyway. As a consumer, it is just part of my research into some of the good products in the market that would help with one's well-being while minimizing potential harm. This being one of those better and purer products with minimal synthetic additives.

Of course there are many more better products out there but I've yet to come across them in my personal research. And of course, you don't have to trust my words, but at least just do your own research first, then comment on my recommendations.

By the way, which products from USANA did the boy consume?

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 9 2011, 06:53 PM

I will try to help you but need some details from u.

Firstly did the rash respond to the regular topical medicine or anti histamine ( ubat gatal ) given by the previous doctor/s ?? Does the rash disappear and reccur at different parts of the body ? Your son got any nose allergy ( running nose or eye irritation) in the morning? Anyone else in the family has the same problem b4?

have tried moving the kid to live in another location? This will rule out whether the home location is causing the problem. Maybe shift to grandparent's house. Do not bring along any pillows or clothings. Use totally new cloths. Sort of change the lifestyle.

Eczematous pruritus does not respond to antihistamine action, especially the non-sedating 2nd generation like cetirizine. This is due to the eczema's pruritus mechanism hypothesised to be quite different to other itching mechanism. IIRC, the postulated agent for itching in eczema is Staph. aureus under conditions where the skin is dry, which why very methodical and meticulous moisturising is advised, and observed to work.

The sedating antihistamines like alimemazine are used, at night, for sedation purposes.

I don't think its psoriasis . They are more like blister kinds . Looks more like eczema .

How long has this been going on ? Are they going to conduct blood test ?

The problem is that boy haven't even done any blood or allergy test and so many here are already suggesting mostly overpriced direct sales stuff. Kapische?

More like a crash course into food nutrition is needed. Pending allergy or blood test, these "direct sales stuff" can be quite helpful in the diet as a whole, if you care to notice those that I recommended, but firstly laying aside your preconceived idea against "direct sales".

This post has been edited by entryman: Sep 9 2011, 10:38 PM

?? U cut and paste from some research. Anyway in Malaysia I dont think Alimemazine is widely use as an antihistamine. I believe Eczema also got many variants. Basically anti histamine acst by blocking Histamine which is produce or brought up by most allergens which causes allergic reaction in the body which includes skin allergies.

Anyway back to topic, its good to go see a dermatologist to arrange for a blood test, maybe skin biopsy and so forth. There could be more systemic cause for the rash like celiac disease where ur child needs gluten free diet. It may also be just simple flare up of fungal infection from regular topical steroid use. Too many other possibilities thus it needs to be examine by someone with dermatological experience. Good luck. Please share progress here ok so we all can benefit from knowledge as well.

This post has been edited by henryhing: Sep 11 2011, 09:05 AM

**By the way, which products from USANA did the boy consume?
Ans: Many types, from the fish oil, vit c, grape seed, nutrimeal (something like milk powder, or oatmeal kind of stuff), calcium, and many more. In fact, when he started to have skin problems, the seller asked them to increase certain dosage. Their reasoning was the usana products are taking effect, cleaning his internals. And the parents bought it. They bought into the story. Giving more, buying more, eating more.

The sister was younger and had no problems. When she had running nose, they gave her vit c and grape seeds, and she become better. So that made them more confidant in the product and while the sellers keeps on providing advice on the side. But now when I asked the mother if they had a choice to go back in time, the mother said they will do it differently, WITHOUT the use of usana products. They regret giving their son too much of the products.

But from their daily lives, daily practices, you know these are people who try to stay natural, healthy by alternative means as compared to taking modern medicine. They rarely fry meat or fish, use very little oil, no junk food, soft drinks, ice creams, sweets or chocolates. No late nights, no sweet buns or cakes. They steam bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, veges for breakfast, for snacks, or for fun. Wheat bread as opposed to white bread. UMF active +10 honey with onions as opposed to antibiotics. They are that kind of lifestyle.

**Firstly did the rash respond to the regular topical medicine or anti histamine ( ubat gatal ) given by the previous doctor/s ?? Does the rash disappear and reccur at different parts of the body ? Your son got any nose allergy ( running nose or eye irritation) in the morning? Anyone else in the family has the same problem b4?

Ans: No, the rash keeps coming back and never subside. The most effective medicine (for outer use) was given by a chinese doctor practicing eastern medicine. Other than that, western med didn't help much and the parents fear prolong usage would do harm due to steroid contains. He has no nose allergy or eye irritation in the morning. The father does have eczema.


**have tried moving the kid to live in another location? This will rule out whether the home location is causing the problem. Maybe shift to grandparent's house. Do not bring along any pillows or clothings. Use totally new cloths. Sort of change the lifestyle.

Ans: No, still in the same house. Sad to say, the grandparents seems not very interested at what is going on.


As for the question on blood test, the parents says doctors did not order for one and they feel it is not necessary. Kinda hard to repeat what the doctors said right now, but roughly this site explains more or less why doctors do not immediately look into blood test, or allergic test.
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemane...gy_testing.html

Sometimes I wonder if they should stick to only one doctor and really have confidence it the doctor. But hard to blame them cause it is their son, and when your son is crying everyday asking you why is this happening, why it won't go away, why it hurts,... I think most parents can't just sit and play faith with only one doctor.

---

Added on September 11, 2011, 12:45 pmActually, I would also recommend a blood test although I am no doctor. But I don't think they will do it, especially when all the specialist they have been to, none subscribe to one. So who am I to order for one. I have talked to them, but I think they are not interested to do one right now. Blood test do mean inserting a needle into the boy to obtain blood. And they are very protective of their son right now. So looking at the circumstance, I would not pursue this for the time being, unless there is a doctor who would recommend one. There is another skin specialist (modern med) which they seem to have interest in visiting. Let's hope he can help.

Oh, the chinese doctor did comment saying his little liver was damaged, and strong medication could harm him. He does not recommend any strong medication, but leave the decision with the parents whether they think it is necessary to seek other advice or not. So in the meantime, the kind doctor is giving something less strong to heal his liver and to sooth his itch. Hopefully the little boy can get more sleep and recover fast. Kids are always growing, so hopefully whatever damaged heals fast, whatever not needed in the body comes out fast too. We thank everyone for your contribution. We view all comments as efforts to help, no matter what your intention is. Nonetheless, it is an effort. Please accept our sincere appreciation.

This post has been edited by n8210: Sep 11 2011, 12:45 PM

This could help too. Not much blood, just a small lil prick on the tip of the finger.

http://www.hsc.com.my/eng/food-intolerance.php

can't tell from the picture
the ear part seems a bit weird for eczema because there's a blister there...
the rest seems like old scars + scratch marks...

can you provide the picture of the palm, foot , any involvement of fingers/toes.and if the lips/eye involved?

i think for the time being, can try anti histamine round the clock judging from the degree of itchiness.
You can give him piriton one tablet before sleep as this will ease the itchiness.
apply some urea cream on skin.
make sure u remove all his finger nails.

because skin break will potentially leads to secondary infection.

Yes, I cut and paste from some research because it was required reading for my dermatology rotation. If you wish to read a several pages long report on eczema and psoriasis, and be enlightened, please contact me. And I used alimemazine as an example as I have no Malaysian pharmacopeia, nor a practicing Malaysian dermatologist on call to ask what their antihistamine prescription practices are for eczema.

This post has been edited by trencher10: Sep 11 2011, 07:51 PM

Poor boy! My heart goes out to him as my daughter also suffers from skin problem ie eczema/sensitive skin(I have to even bandage her legs at night to prevent scratching !) but your friend's son's problem seems more serious - I would definitely suggest getting a proper diagnosis.

Usually the first treatment doctors give will be to try stop the itch with oral antihistamines. There are 2 types - the non-sedating (non-drowsy) types for daytime use like Zyrtec, Clarityne, Aerius (these are all brandnames) and the sedating types for night use like Polaramine, Phernegan, Atarax etc. They may also prescribe steroid & antibiotic creams to be applied - these help to reduce the inflammation & prevent/treat infections esp on the open sores. Steroids may seem scary,but don't worry, they are safe as long as they are used sparingly & for short period.

For bathing, do not use any harsh soaps - I suggest Pinetarsol solution or gel as this helps to reduce the itch & inflammation, even though the smell needs getting used to ! Other gentle cleansers in the market are Cetaphil, Physiogel, QV Wash...

The most important thing now is to find a good skin specialist who can correctly diagnose his problem & give him the right treatment. A blood test would be helpful as well. Do keep us updated. Good luck !

This post has been edited by missytan: Sep 13 2011, 04:44 PM

how the status of this bow. now 2019.
hoping he is fully recover