Viewer Question:

My 2 year old has had boils on her body now for over a year. They first appeared on her bottom, 1 or 2 at a time. My pediatrician prescribed an antibiotic and it went away. A few months later, they would appear again and we'd give her more antibiotics. Now Amber (my 2 year old) is potty trained. I have not noticed them on her bottom for approx 6 months. Last week 4 appeared on her legs and 3 on her arms. I am getting extremely frustrated and worried that something may be wrong with her. My pediatrician says there is nothing to worry about, children get them all of the time. It's a staph infection and comes from bacteria. My questions are: Should I take her to a dermatologist? should I have tests run on her to make sure she doesn't have some type of disease causing this? should I get another opinion? I am keeping her clean (probably too clean). She gets a bath every night and I wash her hands several times a day. I am so concerned over this. She has been on an antibiotics again now for approx. 3 days......the boils are healing again....only to come back again a few months from now I am sure....HELP!!! Please give me some insight and direction for this......Any information will be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Doctor's Response:

While children do get boils the frequency and repetitive pattern you describe would indicate that a few basic blood tests to evaluate her body's immune system would be reasonable. In addition, many people are carriers of the staph bacteria in their nose and on their skin (about 30%) and often skin staph infection will follow a major viral illness (a common situation for children of this age range.) Most of the time, it is merely a variant of normal, but at this stage a basic workup would be worthwhile. A dermatologist is a skin specialist that could assist her pediatrician if there is any question as to the diagnosis and/or treatment.

Thank you for your question.

Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2002

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