What would you do?

[shimzy]

I'll try and get this all out so that you can all give me the best advice possible. I've been everywhere else and I'll give you their responses accordingly.

Problem:  Madison (10mths old) has developed a really bad yeast rash on her vagina. It's migrating up her bum and onto the cheeks.

The Doc says:  Prescribe an antifungal and topical cream. 
Why I like this: Gets rid of immediate problem.
Why I don't like it: The problem is not alleviated, only masked. Problem can come back time and time again.

The Homeopathic Doc says:  Prescibe Cabba something vegetablis something (plant thing), take her off milk and soy based formula and start on almond or rice milk.
Why I like this:  Helps kill yeast from the inside and also suggested getting rid of the culprit (the milk and soy protein).
Why I dont like this: Rice constipates her and the almond milk is derived from tree nuts.

We don't have those types of allergies in the family.  We only have a dairy allergy in the family (thus the problem).

I can't buy Nutrimigen or Alimentum without a prescription here where I live and the doctor won't prescribe it because he doesn't see it as a dairy allergy.  I've tried to convince him and he won't go for it.  Apparently, its a rule of thumb for the docs in our area and chances of getting a doctor to prescribe a specialty formula based on a yeast problem - well let's just say I'd have better luck winning the lottery.  So so stupid yet what can I do?

So what would you do? 

[fitfamily]

If you are willing to try the hypo-allergenic formulas would you consider buying Nutramigen or Alimentum on EBAY and have it shipped to you?  I have a friend who did that with Neocate.  I'm not suggesting you over-ride your ped.  But, if you would try it if you could buy it that seems like an answer.  BTW, don't know about milk and yeast.

[shimzy]

I'm a little confused as to why I can buy those formulas on ebay without prescription and yet my doctor cant prescribe it when my baby is sick 

Here is why milk is bad when yeast is present--> http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/candidiasis_for_children.shtml

A child with yeast must avoid milk, yogurt, and other dairy products as they contain milk sugar. Milk sugar will feed yeast, create congestion, mucus, and weaken the child's immune system. Candida also feeds on sugar and gluten grains like: bread, cake, candy, etc. So these foods should be avoided as well. (see Candida Cook Book)

[Samuel's mum]

I know this is just treatment rather than diet but I would say she needs more than just a cream and then you can focus on dietary issues. You need to get the current attack under control.

Something like an oral suspension - like nystatin or preferably miconazole oral gel which is more effective (these are UK terms but I imagine they translate).

Then I would look at a regular use of probiotics in her diet. As a supplement - like a baby friendly lacto acidophilus dose or bifidus which a health store will provide. And at her age a regular bio live yoghurt (OK that might be stupid if you have dairy issues). Try these in conjunction with her usual diet. She has a current imbalance and that could be kept under control with supplements.

I'm not sure almond or rice milk will contain sufficient nutrients to be honest.

I would say it's a combination of both approaches - short term treatment and then a long-term look at diet (don't know about different formulas though so I won't talk about that).

Do hope you get it sorted.

[Mom to M&M]

I agree with Emma - I think you need to clear up the current problem and then work on preventing it from recurring. Also totally agree with her comment about probiotics - you can find dairy free ones to mix into formula/milk/juice/baby food and I SWEAR by them. Do you definitely need a formula for Alimentum in Canada? Here they are just sold in the baby stores/pharmacies like regular formula. Neocate has to be special ordered but you don't even need a prescription for that (unless you plan to try to get it covered by insurance).

If you do go the route of rice milk/almond milk, etc, you'd need to definitely supplement with nutrients and vitamins as they are not recommended as the primary source of nutrition under a year. But I definitely think you need to try to find/get a hypoallergenic formula if you can...

[shimzy]

Thank you so much ladies for your advice. I did start her on a Floradix brand of multivitamin (liquid) yesterday. It's 1 tsp twice a day.  The homeopath said that it covers her basics that formula would provide like the Vitamin D, Calcium, folic, iron etc.  The only other things we need to worry about are her calories that come from fat. 

I will push harder on the elemental formulas.  I do have probiotics which I had given her when she was 4 months old due to an rsv infection. 

Thank you ladies for your help.

[Mom to M&M]

Make sure the probiotics are dairy and allergen free. I'd definitely push on the formula as well and/or look into ebay. Also askdrsears.com has good information on goat milk formula.

[nwmm]

Was the homeopathic dr. able to offer any more advice?  My lo had a similar problem.  The "regular" dr. prescribed a medicine.  The homeopathic dr. told me to bring her in to look at her diet.  He was afraid there was too much sugar in her diet.  (It would have only come from milk or fruit so?) 

[shimzy]

SO here's what we did. I stopped by London Drugs. I've never been to one because its on the other side of town but it did sell Nutramigen.  HOLY cow expensive. Anyway.

SHe is taking it just fine and her rash cleared up pretty quickly.  Along with the probiotics, I am hoping that it doesn't return 

And just a fine time for her to hit a growth spurt, she is sucking through this Nutramigen like it's being discontinued or something.    OR is Nutramigen more easily digested???

Thanks for the help ladies.  I would never have thought to check London Drugs. We normally just shop at Superstore.

Her poops have been really funny too. But I guess thats to be expected with a formula switch.

[Samuel's mum]

She's probably eating it enthusiastically because she knows the price! She likes the finer things!

Glad the rash has cleared.

[Mom to M&M]

Nutramigen is expensive but IMO well worth it. Runny poos are normal too as it's much easier to digest. Keep us posted and good luck!