Hey there.
Not exactly the photo you'd like to see at the start of a long weekend or anytime for that matter, but I wanted to share this with you in hopes of anyone who's experienced this can shed some light or at least know they're not alone. For the past month, we have been in and out of our pediatrician's office, seen multiple dermatologists, went to both urgent care and the emergency room and finally a pediatrician dermatologist. It started out with a small rash behind the thighs, but gradually spread throughout the entire body from her scalp to her feet. The doctors were baffled. Multiple diagnosis from Gianotti-Crosti syndrome to Pleva to Scabies to the most recent, a Gianotti like Coxsakie A6 virus and the countless prescribed medicines from steroid creams to antibiotics to anti-inflammatories.
It has been a nightmare.
The picture above was taken at the start of this virus and has gotten much worse. I'll spare you the pictures. The last doctor (the pediatrician dermatologist) feels confident with his diagnosis and has seen this in many of his patients in the past year. The good news: it's self limiting and will resolve on its own. The bad news: it can last as long as 8 weeks. We're halfway through. I believe ( I pray) we have gone though the worst of it this past week.
The question I'm sure you're wondering is, is it contagious? Yes. Apparently in the the first week or so it is contagious through interaction with other small children and can also be airborne from a sneeze. It's most contagious in small children. Adults and older children aren't susceptible due to our immune system and apparently once you get it, it is highly unlikely you'll get it again. Lala is well past the contagious stage, but her appearance can be alarming to those who don't know.
Speaking of public reaction, people can be cruel. I understand they're scared because they don't know, but to stare with disgust, especially when Lala is greeting you is just downright uncalled for. Some parents cringed and some (bless their hearts) smiled and carried a conversation with her. It was so hard to hold back the tears.
So kindly excuse the interruption. I'm stepping away for a brief moment to just hang out, play, nurture, love and help Lala get back to her usual rambunctious self.
See you soon!
***
So kindly excuse the interruption. I'm stepping away for a brief moment to just hang out, play, nurture, love and help Lala get back to her usual rambunctious self.
See you soon!
***
I'm so sorry sweet Lala is going through this, Venus! (and you, too!). I hope it's completely healed soon and in no time, a distant memory. My Anja had an illness last year that caused the skin on her hands and feet to peel off, so I totally understand how hard it is to experience reactions from people in addition to struggling through the illness itself. *BIG HUGS*
ReplyDeleteOh no! Poor Anja! I am looking forward to the day when I can say, "remember when..."
DeleteThank you Heidi!
Oh no! I am so sorry to hear about what Lala (and therefore you) has been going through. Sounds like a complete nightmare. Here's a virtual hug and fingers crossed that she heals way before the 8 week mark!
ReplyDeleteNatalie
XXX
Thank you, Natalie! Fingers crossed....
Deleteoh, dear! Take care and don't think about blogging! I hope Lala is getting better soon.... I know it's hard but try don't minding bad reactions...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
MammaNene @ SergerPepper.blogspot.it
She's slowly getting better. I'm trying my best to not let the negative reactions get the better of me. The more people look, the more I just smile. Thank you, Irene!
DeleteOh the poor thing. I'm so sorry you guys have had to go through this. My husband recently had a skin issue, I can feel your pain with the steroids and the antibiotics and then try a stronger steroid, and then wait it's something else. I hope that you have found your answer and that Lala heals fast. People can be cruel, even when they don't mean to be, hopefully your little one is spared from noticing it. Best wishes! Rachel
ReplyDelete*ugh* So frustrating and stressful to go through so many meds and diagnosis's. I know Lala notices, but she seems to not care for the most part. She certainly has no qualms telling the doctors or her sisters, "Don't' look at me!". Thank you, Rachel!
DeleteOh, I'm so sorry for your sweet girl!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tara! She'll back to her usual self very soon...
Deletexx love and sympathy - hope you're better soon Lala xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Clare!
DeleteYou must be having a really hard time.
ReplyDeleteI hope Lala gets well very soon!
Thank you, Marta!
DeleteI'm sorry to know this thing happen to Lala, hope she will recover soon. Take care, Venus and be strong. Sending my hug to you and Lala.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard sometimes being strong, but hearing from you and others with love and support makes it easier. Thank you, Yeka!!!
DeleteSo sorry Lala... I really hope she gets better soon. I know it was so hard for you too, Venus. Please have peaceful weekend:)
ReplyDeleteOur weekend was nice and low key. We needed that! Thank you, Shino!
DeleteOh NO! I feel so terrible for you and your sweet girl! Skin things can be the worst! People can be so incredibly cruel. I hope it clears up quickly and you can put it behind you.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Tasha
Put it behind for sure!!! Thanks Tasha! Oh btw... FANTASTIC job on Secret Squirrel!!!!
Deleteoh man. This SUCKS. I feel for you and am sooo sad little Lala has this. Did you say if it itched? Poor poor all of you!
ReplyDeleteIt itches like a mother! Doesn't help that it's hot and muggy, too. Thank you, Jen!
DeleteHopefully it will pass soon! Take care! If you want some one to help you keeping your blog alive, just let me know! Probably I'll be sewing some new outfit next week... M x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Marte! :) I truly appreciate the offer!
DeleteOh no! I hope she feels better very soon!
ReplyDeleteEveryday it's step closer to full recovery. Thank you!!! ;)
DeletePoor Lala! I hope she's not noticing those horrible reactions from other people too much. Take care, and let me know if there's anything I can do for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, An!!! It's kind of funny because if she sees anyone who's looking her way, she'll immediately walk right up to them and say, "HI!". She notices, but she's a trooper.
DeleteFeeling terrible for Lala and your family... I hope it'll pass quickly without too much discomfort. It's so hard to see your children suffer! Wishing you a time of healing, laughter and light-heartedness at this time!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene! It's nice to step back and just focus on her.
DeletePoor Lala!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm really stressed I get a similar form of skin eczema and I know how uncomfortable this may be for her.
Hope she gets better soon (mum's love receipt always works wonders)
*ugh* I have eczema too! I'm surprised I haven't broken out yet. Everyday it gets a little better. Thank you!!!
DeleteOh no, that's no fun at all! I hope it clears up soon!!! Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kristen!
DeleteOH Ute... thank you so -so much for the gif! :) Everyday, it gets a little better and a little easier.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry - it sounds miserable! My daughter had Gianotti-Crosti a few years ago, and people definitely stared. I hope it clears up soon!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh... did she have it for long? Lala had it pretty bad. She's still recovering and the doctor said it could take months for her to be completely healed. Thank you, Liz for sharing your experience. :)
DeletePoor darling.. Hope she is on the mend:)
ReplyDeletewant to let you know i'm thinking of you, your sweet girl, and the rest of the family!! XO
ReplyDeleteVenus, hope Lala and you are doing well. How hard must be! my best wishes and lots of good thoughts for recovery.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry that you are going through this. Hoping that everything gets healed really soon. You are doing a great job, mama!
ReplyDeleteI know this is an older post, but I do understand what you are going through. Five of my kids, my mom and I all had that strain. It was not pretty! My pediatrician tried to tell us that only babies and toddlers can get it, but in a follow-up, even he had to admit that the rest of us had it as well. I hope Lala is fully recovered now :)
ReplyDeleteHi Teri! Oh man... the whole family?!! That must've sucked BIG time. Thank you so-SO much for sharing your experience. Lala is about 95% recovered. She'll have these little flare ups on her thighs and the doctor said it could months before she'll be a 100%.
DeleteThanks again for sharing!