I started potty training my son last week and within a few days, he developed a pretty bad rash on the back of his legs that looked like eczema. Since my husband and I both had eczema as children, I assumed that our son was doomed to the same fate as us. That evening I caught him scratching the back side of his leg so badly that it started to bleed and scab. He was scratching through his pants, and it was still that bad. By the next day, he did not want to sit on the toilet at all. The Mama Bear in me went a little crazy trying to find some things around the house to calm the itching until I could get to store for something to sooth his rash.
After researching ways to stop the itching and treat his eczema I wanted to do more research on the cause of eczema. Was there a diet relation? Was it from the laundry detergent? Hereditary? Why all of the sudden? Why not all over his body? I was curious. I wanted more information and was not happy with what I found through my quick searches.
One evening shortly after the rash appeared, I waited until my little one passed out, I hopped online and found the answer! At least I think I did. Supposedly, even pediatricians can misdiagnosis this because it was believed to be eradicated for years. Yet, in the United States, it has been making its come back.
So, what is it?
Well, the most likely suspect: harsh chemicals, causing what is known as Toilet Seat Dermatitis. Now, this looks very similar to eczema, but the defining feature is a moon shaped skin rash on the upper thigh and around the buttock. Basically, you’ll find the rash exactly where their little butts would touch the toilet seat, and the rash can potentially take up to a month or longer to cure. The cause is believed to be from harsh chemicals that come into contact with your child’s skin, and more and more preschoolers and even grade school kids are coming home with this skin irritation.
No matter how hard we try there are chemicals EVERYWHERE. Even the ones that are considered useful, like disinfecting cleaning products used in preschools, daycares, and maybe even in our own home, can be harmful. Use a toilet seat cover when available or lay down some toilet paper, avoid harsh cleaners at home, and especially for our little ones, protect those delicate tushes.
If you are looking to make a switch to natural cleaners in your home, then check out our article with recipes for quick, easy, and effective homemade cleaners.
Luckily, with persistence and lots of care, we got my son’s itching under control within a day and a half and his tush cleared up almost completely within three days. Now, my little one is sitting back on the potty, back to business as usual.
