Kristie McNealy, MD

Our newest addition has always had sensitive skin. First it was the newborn rash (erythema toxicum) that his pediatrician declared the worst case she had ever seen. Then came truly terrible cradle cap that spread down his neck and onto his face. There was the funny pink rash that lasted for 5 weeks, and then next it was eczema all over the rest of him.

We already determined that a milk protein allergy was the most likely cause of his fussiness, spitting up, and the 5 week long rash. We pretty much confirmed this when I used some creamer that contained the milk protein casein and the rash and puking came back with a vengeance. So, off I went with my new milk protein and nut free diet (I’m allergic to nuts).

So, there we were, about 1 week into a truly milk protein free existence, with all of his symptoms resolving, when all of the sudden he starts turning bright red and rashy within 10 minutes of starting to nurse. At first I thought it was my imagination, but we quickly decided that wasn’t the case. We took a trip to the pediatrician yesterday, where her first words were “you’re a mess!” when she walked into the room and saw my son right after he finished nursing.

Too young for traditional allergy testing, we were left with two options: super hypoallergenic formula for him, or a total elimination diet for me. Since he doesn’t take a bottle, and I don’t have a desire to spend hundreds of dollars a month buying special formula, I ended up opting for the diet.

So, what can I eat? My internet research indicates that I can have organic turkey, lamb, potatoes, green and yellow squash, and perhaps pears and rice (depends on what you read). This lasts for at least two weeks, but probably longer. Anyone have any recipe ideas??