Being a mom is synonymous with being a master choreographer. When everyone hits their mark and you glide through the day dropping off here, picking up there, organizing, arranging, and getting it all done, it can feel exhilarating! But when a little one or a teen in your troupe seems off balance, it can rock your finely tuned routine. You know your kids better than anyone and can usually read their every state in a heartbeat. Once in a while, however, it’s clear that something isn’t right, but you just can’t put your finger on it. That’s where we come in!
At Southern Connecticut Dermatology we’ve seen it all, which makes us excellent detectives. While it can be disturbing to look at, a good thing about a skin condition is it’s a clear, visible indication that something is amiss. It’s trickier when symptoms are invisible especially in children who may have difficulty speaking about unfamiliar, vague, or bewildering sensations. For this reason, our simple blood test for food sensitivities eliminates confusion and saves precious time.
At our practice, we’ve found that food sensitivities are often the root cause of a strange collection of seemingly unrelated conditions. Even foods that are considered to be extremely healthy may be a major problem for a particular individual. To help busy moms navigate these bumps in the road, we’ve compiled a list of signs to look out for. The last thing you want to do is fuel the fire of unwanted physical, mental, or emotional challenges—and food sensitivities can contribute to all three categories. Since individuals respond so differently to the immune responses and inflammation caused by food, the effects and combinations can vary widely.
VISIBLE SIGNS THAT SHOW UP ON THE SKIN:
Rashes are an obvious, common result of an allergy or sensitivity, but because reactions to food can be delayed, it can be hard to pinpoint the culprit. Rashes can also be caused by contact with seemingly innocuous things like metals, fabrics, or lotions, which we can test for too.
Blistering: Gluten sensitivity can be associated with a condition called dermatitis herpetiformis, which looks like little blisters that can appear anywhere on the body. Despite the name, it’s not herpes.
Acne: Different types of foods can be linked to acne depending upon the individual. Most often, we see gluten and dairy trip up the system. Eliminating the offending foods can often end the physically and emotionally painful cycle of breakouts and acne treatments.
Dermatitis / Eczema: If your kid is scratching him or herself raw, if the scratched rash leaks fluid and crusts over, it may be thanks to a nearly insatiable itch caused by dermatitis. This condition and food sensitivities often go hand in hand. Dermatitis usually starts in the first several months of life appearing most commonly where skin flexes—behind knees, inside elbows, and on the neck. Most children outgrow it by their teens, but some experience ongoing flare-ups.
OTHER RED FLAGS – THE NOT-SO-VISIBLE & THE MISLEADING:
• Brain fog / Short Attention Span / ADD / Feeling “Out of it”
• Hyperactivity
• Fatigue
• Mood Swings / Anxiety / Depression
• Constipation / Diarrhea / Gas / Bloating / Indigestion
• Food Addictions / Cravings / Repeatedly Requesting the Same Foods
• Picky Eaters / Disinterest in Food
• Over or Underweight
• Asthma / General Allergies / Hay Fever
• Headaches / Migraines
• Pain
Some Surprising Trouble Foods:
Did you know that combined with sunlight, furocoumarins found in lemons and limes can cause a rash and darkened skin? To avoid this, rinse the skin after handling these fruits or squeeze them indoors!
Organic chemicals found in certain types of fruits like mangoes and kiwis can cause a rash around the mouth that looks like eczema/dermatitis.
Spicy food, like chili peppers, can also irritate the skin especially if the oils migrate from the hands to other body parts. For example, it’s important to clean hands thoroughly before going to the restroom or rubbing the eyes.
Located in Stamford, CT, Southern Connecticut Dermatology offers comprehensive medical and cosmetic dermatology. Please get in touch if you suspect your child—or any family member—has a food sensitivity or a skin issue. Knowing the true cause of any condition is always best assessed and treated by a medical professional.
Please call (203) 323-5660 or visit: https://www.socodermatology.com
We don’t just examine skin—we see the whole person!
To read more about food sensitivities & elimination diets:
https://www.socodermatology.com/single-post/2015/01/18/The-“You”-Diet-Find-Your-Personal-Food-Foes
To learn more about our food sensitivity testing: https://www.socodermatology.com/food-sensitivities
Southern Connecticut Dermatology
1275 Summer Street – Suite 101
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 323-5660
