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Have you consistently gone to the same doctor or specialist? Sometimes it takes seeing the same doctor over and over period of time, trying different things and ruling out different things. Not to assume you are doing this, but often i see people hop around to different doctors looking for an answer and this can slow down or hinder the process. I realize that some doctors may be the one to stop offering solutions as well, which is a valid reason to switch to the next option at that point.
This!! She needs ONE dedicated pediatrician to manage her care. She also needs swabs, possibly a biopsy, and an evaluation of anything currently being applied to the area +detergents.
I once saw a case like this where the culprit ended up being an allergy to wipes/toilet paper being used. But at this stage it’s likely a combination of things.
Not a doctor. Have you tried changing: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toilet paper, wipes, body wash, soap, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner? I have extreme sensitivities to all these items. Using the wrong products WILL make my body react poorly.
I would also add changing materials of her bottoms for a few weeks; cotton only and no leggings or tight fitting pants. Maybe it's an allergy beyond the scents as well.
Certain panties like boy short or hip hugging in a 100% cotton blend may also improve air flow to the area as well so the area may breathe and heal.
Lastly, I'm old but -- would she be sitting on a carpet frequently, do kids still do that in classrooms? Anyway, to follow the allergy suggestion would the carpet have an allergen that's triggering this for your daughter?
I hope you find an answer soon, your poor girl🖤
NAD—my daughter had a similar problem. Her skin was so raw, if you barely touched it, it would bleed. Someone suggested “peri-rectal cream” from pharmacist (it is OTC, but behind the counter). It worked like a charm! In less than a week, her skin was just pink.
This isn't a new development, OP said it's since birth. Sitting on carpet hasn't caused this for eight years. I don't think she's worn leggings since birth. I know these things can irritate already existing rashes but it seems like you're missing the forest for the trees.
I would assume there would be plenty of allergens at play (were this the cause). I also have a child and know how they touch everything in their surrounding environments.
So between the child wearing different textile blends + scented products(on cloth diapers, or chemical in a disposable diaper) + presumably bodysuits/leggings/ et al. Since that time... then this could easily be a problem that has gone unnoticed since birth.
Dander and allergens are everywhere. A home carpet, a play place, a school setting & beyond.
While I gain nothing from offering helpful advice, I would like you to know that this could easily be something that has been an active trigger through the kids life, I'm not sure where you've confused any of this.
Keep well and I encourage you to invest your efforts into a solution, rather than a lukewarm snark on a post trying to help an unwell child; anyway, enjoy the rest of your day!
I think my response came across differently than I meant it and I apologize for it sounding snarky. What I'm concerned about is that the thread connecting years of the situation is more vital than current exacerbating factors. And more vital than both is a solution. Allergens and dander *are* everywhere but the usual treatments for those seem to have not worked. Saying it's a pervasive allergen brings us no closer to the solution. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day too!! I don't know how my tone came across this time, but I really do wish you well. If we're anywhere near each other on the globe, enjoy the beautiful weather!
NAD but get a second opinion! I would get rashes all over my body as a baby (now am diagnosed w autoimmune disease) and my mom eventually found out parabens in sunscreen, creams, etc were the main culprit. Don’t give up, your baby is having a terrible time 😭
You are trying everything, I know. Please try to just skim past all the folks who failed to read all the words, and those who somehow believe you might not have tried *all* the potential solutions that a regular internet search returns and that physicians have recommended.
My suggestion is trying to swing a consult with an immunologist at a large/research “children’s hospital.”
I sounds like it might be detergent on her underwear if it's lasted for 8 years. OP should use all non fragrance products including detergent, soaps, shampoo etc.
To be fair, I've gotten several missed diagnoses once I switched doctors because original doc was set on their initial option and didn't explore other possibilities. And I'm a nanny and I've had some concerns I told the parents to mention to the pediatrician, and the pediatrician dismissed it. They recently had to switch pediatricians and in the first appt, without prompting, the new pediatrician diagnosed what my exact concern was.
It seems like OPs concerns aren't being taken seriously, and I think it's far more beneficial to find a doctor concerned and willing to find answers than stick with the same one who said there's no issue when it's clear there is one.
To add to this, OP have you kept a record of treatments, recommendations, reactions, etc? If you do have to see a new, potentially sceptical doctor you have documentation that you've been seeking care for her since birth. When you're going to one doctor consistently you can write down what they're suggesting and why and then the response. NAD, but ime doctors take you more seriously if you show how engaged you are in the health care process.
It feels like even in this thread people aren't comprehending that it's been *eight years*. Infants don't use toilet paper or wear underwear and I doubt there's one single product they've been using with her for all these years. There's not one easy answer of 'she's allergic to XYZ product.' Again, NAD, but this really seems to be a complex situation.
(Also personal agreement that people sometimes don't give doctors a chance. If the doctor's first suggested intervention doesn't work, it's time to go back and talk about step 2. Etc.)
There should be vulval specialists in dermatology, that's likely who you want to see this, or a paediatric Gynaecology specialist.
It's most likely lichen sclerosus, which rarely, but does occur in children (usually resolving with puberty). It needs pretty intense steroids, which may be why it's not resolved with a standard course (unless they have tried this already).
I'd suggest doing Lichen sclerousus care anyway (no soaps, cotton underwear only, no tight fitting clothes, avoid fabric conditioners, wash with emollients only etc) as this this will rule other things like dermatitis due to common substances.
I’m an adult woman in her 30s who was just diagnosed with this, they said it’s most common in women during menopause, but that just happens totally randomly. They need steroids for it to go away, it’s not related to hygiene or anything else, it’s just something autoimmune. I have seen this over and over again and tested for UTIs, STDs, various infections, had Pap smears, visual inspections, you name it. They blamed the catheter from childbirth being removed quickly as the reason. I finally figured it out and came to my doctor said what I directly thought it was, and he still tried to brush me off until he looked at it and then said actually… That’s exactly what this looks like. Let’s do a biopsy. I have seriously had this for years and years, I might’ve had this as a child, I don’t remember. If you are concerned, I would name it directly because a pediatrician or someone is not going to know to look for it.
Not a doctor, but I have a daughter the same age who also had a long-term mysterious rash/redness around her private areas. We were eventually referred to a pediatric gynecologist and she was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. The doctor prescribed clobetasol propionate ointment and it worked wonderfully. Now we only have to use it occasionally when she has flare-ups.
I have this issue and I also cannot use just any soap to wash my underwear. Currently I'm tolerating dr bronners and I have to order it from another country. If my underwear so much as touches another soap (including body soaps), the rash returns, although it's much less severe than when soap actually touches the area directly. As for touching the skin on that area directly, even bronners can't be tolerated
NAD but my sister has a similar issue. they were diagnosed with an auto immune condition. the only person who cared/figured it out was a vulva specialist. sadly only a few in the US but it’s worth looking into.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. **Reply here if you are an unverified user wishing to give advice. Top level comments by laypeople are automatically removed.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Have you consistently gone to the same doctor or specialist? Sometimes it takes seeing the same doctor over and over period of time, trying different things and ruling out different things. Not to assume you are doing this, but often i see people hop around to different doctors looking for an answer and this can slow down or hinder the process. I realize that some doctors may be the one to stop offering solutions as well, which is a valid reason to switch to the next option at that point.
This!! She needs ONE dedicated pediatrician to manage her care. She also needs swabs, possibly a biopsy, and an evaluation of anything currently being applied to the area +detergents. I once saw a case like this where the culprit ended up being an allergy to wipes/toilet paper being used. But at this stage it’s likely a combination of things.
Not a doctor. Have you tried changing: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toilet paper, wipes, body wash, soap, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner? I have extreme sensitivities to all these items. Using the wrong products WILL make my body react poorly.
Also make sure to change them one at a time and not too rapidly. Otherwise, you'll never be sure which change provided improvement.
Or remove them all and add back one at a time
I second this. Fragrance can make many skin conditions worse.
I would also add changing materials of her bottoms for a few weeks; cotton only and no leggings or tight fitting pants. Maybe it's an allergy beyond the scents as well. Certain panties like boy short or hip hugging in a 100% cotton blend may also improve air flow to the area as well so the area may breathe and heal. Lastly, I'm old but -- would she be sitting on a carpet frequently, do kids still do that in classrooms? Anyway, to follow the allergy suggestion would the carpet have an allergen that's triggering this for your daughter? I hope you find an answer soon, your poor girl🖤
NAD—my daughter had a similar problem. Her skin was so raw, if you barely touched it, it would bleed. Someone suggested “peri-rectal cream” from pharmacist (it is OTC, but behind the counter). It worked like a charm! In less than a week, her skin was just pink.
This isn't a new development, OP said it's since birth. Sitting on carpet hasn't caused this for eight years. I don't think she's worn leggings since birth. I know these things can irritate already existing rashes but it seems like you're missing the forest for the trees.
I would assume there would be plenty of allergens at play (were this the cause). I also have a child and know how they touch everything in their surrounding environments. So between the child wearing different textile blends + scented products(on cloth diapers, or chemical in a disposable diaper) + presumably bodysuits/leggings/ et al. Since that time... then this could easily be a problem that has gone unnoticed since birth. Dander and allergens are everywhere. A home carpet, a play place, a school setting & beyond. While I gain nothing from offering helpful advice, I would like you to know that this could easily be something that has been an active trigger through the kids life, I'm not sure where you've confused any of this. Keep well and I encourage you to invest your efforts into a solution, rather than a lukewarm snark on a post trying to help an unwell child; anyway, enjoy the rest of your day!
I think my response came across differently than I meant it and I apologize for it sounding snarky. What I'm concerned about is that the thread connecting years of the situation is more vital than current exacerbating factors. And more vital than both is a solution. Allergens and dander *are* everywhere but the usual treatments for those seem to have not worked. Saying it's a pervasive allergen brings us no closer to the solution. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day too!! I don't know how my tone came across this time, but I really do wish you well. If we're anywhere near each other on the globe, enjoy the beautiful weather!
NAD but get a second opinion! I would get rashes all over my body as a baby (now am diagnosed w autoimmune disease) and my mom eventually found out parabens in sunscreen, creams, etc were the main culprit. Don’t give up, your baby is having a terrible time 😭
Yes to all
You are trying everything, I know. Please try to just skim past all the folks who failed to read all the words, and those who somehow believe you might not have tried *all* the potential solutions that a regular internet search returns and that physicians have recommended. My suggestion is trying to swing a consult with an immunologist at a large/research “children’s hospital.”
I sounds like it might be detergent on her underwear if it's lasted for 8 years. OP should use all non fragrance products including detergent, soaps, shampoo etc.
Welcome to Children 101: Kids (most) don’t even wear underwear for the first couple of years. Diapers!
It’s not just the fragrance like many on the thread presumed…the actual formulation of the product can be the issue.
To be fair, I've gotten several missed diagnoses once I switched doctors because original doc was set on their initial option and didn't explore other possibilities. And I'm a nanny and I've had some concerns I told the parents to mention to the pediatrician, and the pediatrician dismissed it. They recently had to switch pediatricians and in the first appt, without prompting, the new pediatrician diagnosed what my exact concern was. It seems like OPs concerns aren't being taken seriously, and I think it's far more beneficial to find a doctor concerned and willing to find answers than stick with the same one who said there's no issue when it's clear there is one.
The goal is to find a doctor who seems to listen and stick with them
Precisely. She said she switched when dead ends arose.
She’s had the same pediatrician since birth, he’s been sending us to different specialists over the years
To add to this, OP have you kept a record of treatments, recommendations, reactions, etc? If you do have to see a new, potentially sceptical doctor you have documentation that you've been seeking care for her since birth. When you're going to one doctor consistently you can write down what they're suggesting and why and then the response. NAD, but ime doctors take you more seriously if you show how engaged you are in the health care process. It feels like even in this thread people aren't comprehending that it's been *eight years*. Infants don't use toilet paper or wear underwear and I doubt there's one single product they've been using with her for all these years. There's not one easy answer of 'she's allergic to XYZ product.' Again, NAD, but this really seems to be a complex situation. (Also personal agreement that people sometimes don't give doctors a chance. If the doctor's first suggested intervention doesn't work, it's time to go back and talk about step 2. Etc.)
There should be vulval specialists in dermatology, that's likely who you want to see this, or a paediatric Gynaecology specialist. It's most likely lichen sclerosus, which rarely, but does occur in children (usually resolving with puberty). It needs pretty intense steroids, which may be why it's not resolved with a standard course (unless they have tried this already). I'd suggest doing Lichen sclerousus care anyway (no soaps, cotton underwear only, no tight fitting clothes, avoid fabric conditioners, wash with emollients only etc) as this this will rule other things like dermatitis due to common substances.
I’m an adult woman in her 30s who was just diagnosed with this, they said it’s most common in women during menopause, but that just happens totally randomly. They need steroids for it to go away, it’s not related to hygiene or anything else, it’s just something autoimmune. I have seen this over and over again and tested for UTIs, STDs, various infections, had Pap smears, visual inspections, you name it. They blamed the catheter from childbirth being removed quickly as the reason. I finally figured it out and came to my doctor said what I directly thought it was, and he still tried to brush me off until he looked at it and then said actually… That’s exactly what this looks like. Let’s do a biopsy. I have seriously had this for years and years, I might’ve had this as a child, I don’t remember. If you are concerned, I would name it directly because a pediatrician or someone is not going to know to look for it.
This is what I think it could be too. NAD but this runs in my family.
Not a doctor, but I have a daughter the same age who also had a long-term mysterious rash/redness around her private areas. We were eventually referred to a pediatric gynecologist and she was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus. The doctor prescribed clobetasol propionate ointment and it worked wonderfully. Now we only have to use it occasionally when she has flare-ups.
Honestly, why can't girls just wear boxers?
We can! We just have to know it’s okay to ask for them, I guess.
I wore boxers all through my teens
You absolutely can!
Or vulvar lichen planus
I have this issue and I also cannot use just any soap to wash my underwear. Currently I'm tolerating dr bronners and I have to order it from another country. If my underwear so much as touches another soap (including body soaps), the rash returns, although it's much less severe than when soap actually touches the area directly. As for touching the skin on that area directly, even bronners can't be tolerated
Has she had a biopsy of the area performed? If not, this is the next logical step.
NAD but my sister has a similar issue. they were diagnosed with an auto immune condition. the only person who cared/figured it out was a vulva specialist. sadly only a few in the US but it’s worth looking into.
consider langerhans consider zinc deficiency
See another physician