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What Causes Red Spot On Baby Cheek?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

Question: my 5 month old has a large deep red bump on his cheek. at first it looked like a bite, and it appears to have gotten slightly larger and more inflamed, but does not look like it has puss. it feels quite deep under the skin. he's perfectly happy otherwise, no fever, eating and sleeping well. is it a boil? a blocked pore? it's right where he's gotten a teething rash before.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A picture will help...

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The common cause of raised erythematous rash is bug bite,allergic rash or evolving cellulitis.
The cellulitis is usually painful and may evolve into abscess if not detected and treated early.
The bug bite rash(wheal) is usually small in size and more superficial.
Allergic rashes are usually itchy and superficial.
The management of both bug bite and allergic rash is almost same(antiallergic with mild topical steroid) while cellulitis needs an antibiotic treatment.
The skin lesions can be diagnosed best by direct visualisation and palpation.
I request you to upload a picture of the rash if possible,so that I better able to solve it out.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Here is a photo

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To me it appears to be panniculitis or cellulitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you very much for posting the picture.

I have one query.As you mentioned that this is the same sight where he has got teething rash before.So have you applied any ice cube over the rash?

This region of the cheek is rich in subcutaneous fat.
As there is history of rash at the same site and it is not painful and itchy,my first diagnosis for this rash will be Panniculitis(inflammation of subcutaneous fat).
This is a very benign condition and I won't get worried if it is panniculitis.The overall prognosis is very good and application of mild topical steroid helps in early resolution.
My second diagnosis will be cellulitis.If there is rapid increase in size with associated increase in warmth and pain,the diagnosis of cellulitis will be more likely.
I would suggest you to consult a pediatrician or dermatologist for clinical evaluation and management accordingly.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (39 minutes later)

I haven't applied either heat or ice. I initially thought it was a bug bite abs applied tea tree oil, but it didnt change anything. If I touch it, or apply any pressure it turns white and then returns to red afterward. He doesnt seem bothered by it, but it can be hard to tell at this age. The teething rash may in fact been from drooling in his sleep... They were tiny res bumps that came and went.
You recommend a topical cream?

Thank yo
u

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can apply mometasone topically

Detailed Answer:
You can apply a mild steroid ointment like mometasone. Observe for any increase in size,appearance of new lesion or pain.The lesion should subside within7-10 days. If lesion persists or you find any abnormality consult your physician.
Wish your child early recovery
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar