Pediatric Dermatologist Visit

As recommended by Gracey's rheumatologist, wee finally got to see a specialist about the newly formed rash on her face. This past Thursday we saw Dr. Melissa Costner for an evaluation. After meeting us and hearing of Gracey's history (short and long term) then looking over Gracey's rash Dr. Costner was very positive about what was going on here. She felt that Gracey is doing very well at this point and does not believe she is relapsing and would require IV treatments. Dr. Costner explained that the rash we initially saw, and continued to see up intil the day of the visit, was typically caused by yeast that is present in all human nostrils. For some reason in JDM children this can cause a small rash around the edges of the nostrils that can spread across the face. JDM kids are more prone to such an occurrance than non-JDM children. Since topical treatments were controlling the rash, and no other JDM symptoms were occurring, Dr. Costner felt Gracey was holding her own and not relapsing. Before we left the doctor prescribed a slightly stronger topical than we'd been using, called Elidel.

As of today, February the 10th (5 days since the visit), Gracey's face is almost perfectly clear. The yeast rash is gone, and the widespread, subtle JDM rash is almost impossible to see. So... for the time being it seems all of this was just a rash and nothing more. But, we will continue to monitor her skin and stay proactive on infections.

And of all the things to happen after this... this past Friday I took Gracey to her pediatrician because she didn't feel too good (slight headache and fever, soar throat). She had the flu! But luckily her case was mild (yes, she did have a flu shot) and she felt none of the all-over-the-body pain normally associated with flu. He prescribed Tamiflu and a decongestant. She is feeling wonderful now and has all her energy.