Dermatologist Visit

Last Friday we trekked into Glenview for Shelby's dermatologist appointment.  By "we" I mean Shelby, Avery, my Super-Mom and Me.  Shelby hadn't seen the dermatologist since last spring, but we had been in touch by phone with them several times over her developing skin conditions.  Her face started out as very flaky eyelids which they called dermatitis.  Then, if you remember, this fall she had those blisters and red streaks (see pic above).  This continues unless we use her creams twice daily.  We used to be able to get them under control and not use the cream for a couple of weeks; not anymore.  We miss one day and its all back.  In fact, she still has quite a bit going on with her face despite using the cream (see lower pic above).  So, I decided it was time to see the good ol' skin doc again now that we have that whole "major" surgery behind us.  

Dr. Paller took a look at her and the pictures I had sent back in late November/early December, asked a bunch of questions and decided it really looks like Shelby has contact dermatitis.  But...to what is the million dollar question.  Turns out to determine this she needs patch testing done and its very rare to do it on children and there are very few specialists who do it.  Dr. Paller called Dr. Martini at Northwestern - her first choice of who she wanted Shelby to go to - and got Shelby in when there's no openings until August.  Its a 3-day process.  Actually we have to go in for an initial consult, then a few weeks later we go in for Day 1)  putting on all the skin patches on her back, Day 2) two days later getting them removed and Day 3) having them read and interpreted.  Wow!  Amazingly, I have it all scheduled for March despite our crazy busy life already!  This is really important to figure out what's causing this on Shelby's face because a)  she's a girl and just wants to look good and b) its getting worse even though we use fragrance-free products already.  So we shall see...

We got tons of more fragrance-free samples - shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion - you name it, we got it!

Samples from the Dermatologist

I had my follow-up with the dermatologist on Monday.  No more spots so no need to do a biopsy.  She was amazed they were gone considering how bad they were.  If and when they reappear I am to get an appointment right away to have them biopsied.  

We are all enjoying be home together for the SNOW DAY!  Hope everyone is safe and warm!

February