Red rash around ears and hairline only??

[Anonymous]

Over the past few days my son has developed red bumps behind his ears and it has now spread along his hairline, not forehead but where his hair meets his neck (so from ear to ear along the hairline in the back of his head). Some are almost scabbed, but I've asked him if they are itchy and he says no. My first though was that he has lice, but I have thoroughly checked his hair the past few days and see no eggs, nits or any other evidence of bugs. He has been going in the pool and wearing sunscreen the past few days as well, but he's done those things every summer and not had this problem. He does have sensitive skin and allergies fwiw, but neither has ever presented like this, and the "rash" is confined to the area I described. I will call the doctor tomorrow but wondered if anyone has had experience with this before and can offer a theory as to what it is or what caused it. TIA!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like an allergic reaction to something. Sometimes even though you've used the same products for a period of time you can develop a sensitivity. There could also be an ingredient change. He should stay out of the heat and sun until you've had a chance to have him seen by your doctor.

[Anonymous]

My DS gets a red rash like this in the summer my doctor said it was heat rash.

[Anonymous]

I second the heat rash. Dd is sporting the same rash now.

[Anonymous]

3rd vote for heat rash.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thanks for the replies! I never thought of heat rash! I have a few Qs to those who suggested it is a heat rash. First, would it be limited to a specific area like the hairline? Also, it actually looked worse when he woke up this morning, after being in air conditioning all night, is that common? Last, how would you describe the appearance of heat rash? I always pictured it being lots of small red bumps. This rash is red, but it's almost more flat than bumps, except where the scabs are. Thanks again to all!

[Anonymous]

The scabiness makes me think excema. It can sometimes be around the hairline and behind the ears.

My child used to get it behind the ears but not the hairline.

Also, check his scalp closely and make sure he doesn't have lice. Sometimes if it's bad the child will get skin inflamation around the scalp.

[Anonymous]

Hey, mine has this too! Though hers are more red bumps, predominately around the neckline of her tshirt. She says they don't itch, so I'm just leaving it alone for now...

[Anonymous]

OP here - the rash is impetigo, and he has strep (although no sore throat) - the dr swabbed his throat and one of the red scabby areas and both tested positive for strep. Apparently impetigo is linked to strep. Thanks for all the replies.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for reporting back! I hope your son is on the mend quickly.

[Anonymous]

Gold Bond.
i have this also now for 3 days...mine itches. burns its awful allergic reaction to something i think.....i used a different hair product. this is what i was thinking did it. Also medications can do this......

[Anonymous]

Sunblock allergy?

[Anonymous]

My daughter had this identical problem, after a few days it slowly moved down to her forehead. Disappeared then started all over again reaching further down. It turned out to be an allergic reaction, to pollen. I have no idea why it was behind the ears and forehead at first but scratch test proves it was pollen. We have to give her allergy medicine before taking her outside and she does not break out at all or just a little now; two weeks since the first dose.

[Anonymous]

My son has the exact same around his temples then forehead and now it's starting to go on his back after about 7 days do you think it's one of these problems?

[Anonymous]

sunscreen sensitivity + heat rash