Welts from Helmets? Heat or something else????

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

So we've been having quite a few hot days here, but tonight was the real test for the helmet. We'd been to a baseball game today in 90 degree heat, we sat in the shade and there was a nice breeze. I guess what I'm getting to is, about an hour after the game we were sitting around talking with DH's brother. Kaitlynn was super hot, and so we took her helmet off. On her forehead, there was a green snotty substance, and it was all red. Now 4 hours later, and it's still red and raised. It looks like a welt, or an alergic reaction.

Has anyone had anything like this? What do I do? I've put her to bed for the night without her helmet on, hoping it's gone by morning. I've also called our Hanger doing our Helmets, but being as it's the weekend, I doubt anyone will call. Thanks so much!

[beccad]

It looks like a heat rash to me. I would definitely call though on Monday if it is still there. Good luck. She is so precious.

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

Thanks! I didn't know if it could be some type of alergic reaction to laytex or something?! Maybe I'm just worrying too much. But if it's just a heat rash, how do I prevent them???? It's just the begining of summer heat here! :(

[Abby'sMom]

Abby had a spot that started just like that shortly after we got the helmet and we were told it was contact dermatitis (I think the heat is a contributing factor). We were able to leave the helmet off for a couple of days to let it heal (we were given calmoseptine to put on it) and then I fashioned a little cotton cap for her to wear as a barrier between her skin and the helmet until it was 100% better. You can see it peaking out from the sides of her helmet in my siggy picture.

We discovered that the cap also absorbed moisture and odor...everyday when we took the helmet off there was no longer a sweaty smelly head under there instead her hair would smell like baby shampoo! We went back to using the helmet without the cap for about a week after the dermatitis cleared. Even though she didn't get irritated again I found that the cap made everyday use of the helmet so much more pleasant so we use one all the time now. It seems counter intuitive to add a cap in warm weather but because cotton breathes and wicks moisture away from the skin it actually may make Kaitlynn more comfortable.

If you want to know how to make a cap just let me know. It's just a Gerber baby cap taken apart and cut to fit around the ears and face...no sewing involved!

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

Okay so that's probably what it is!!!!! We've had it a little bit before, but NEVER this bad! We even had it the last time we were at her NS for a checkup, but it was at the end stage where it was just peeling. Where do you get the cream to help it clear up??? We go to our family doctor on Tuesday for her 9 month check up, but I really don't want to wait that long. We've already had this thing off for a day! (and longer before because of Hanger problems!)

Yes please let me know how to make the caps! We'll hopefully be inside the next few days, but it still would be great to get her helmet back on! :) Thanks so much for the help!!!!!

[Abby'sMom]

The calmoseptine is available over the counter but it's not usually on pharmacy shelves. They may have it behind the counter so I would suggest you ask the pharmacist and bring Kaitlynn with you so the pharmacist can see her (just in case it's something other than contact dermatitis). Our pedi gave us lots of samples with a web site www.calmoseptineointment.com (http://www.calmoseptineointment.com) and phone #1-800-800-3405...maybe they can tell you who sells it in your area?

I've been meaning to make Abby a new cap so I'll do that tonight and post some step by step pictures for you. The caps are 100% cotton and made by Gerber. They come in a three pack for around $4 or $5. I got them at Target but I've seen them at Wal-Mart.

I would suggest you leave the helmet off for another day and let the area dry out...which in and of itself should do wonders! I know the pedi's office is usually really busy on a Monday but maybe they can squeeze Kaitlynn's 9 mo. check up in considering the circumstances?

Good luck and I'll post the cap directions as soon as I can...hopefully tonight!

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

THANK YOU!!! I'll check into it, and see if DH can get it at Walmart in the town he works! We live 30 miles from the closest store, other than a convience store, so I won't be getting into town soon! :( But with the price of gas, and us having other appts in town on Tuesday, I'll just leave her appt, and see how it goes. I don't plan on putting her helmet on until it goes away, so if it's not gone by Tuesday, I'll see what the doc says!!! I plan on contacting our NS tomarrow, along with our Hanger guy, and see what they say. I've sent pictures to both of them in emails already, so we'll see what they say?!? THANKS AGAIN!!!!

[amizzle]

Mandy!
Can't wait for the cap instructions. What a great idea! Will Abby wear her helmet for a year also?

Amanda- sorry about kaitlynn's head. We haven't had this problem yet but maybe it was because you know who was making bad helmets so far :) Let us know when you find out what is going on. When is your next appointment with Jimenez again? Maybe I'll be there at the same time

[Abby'sMom]

I put the directions for the Gerber caps in a new thread just in case someone else was interested who hadn't read this thread.

Let me know if you have any questions!

[Kaitlynn's Mommy]

Mandy, Thanks so much!!! I read the website you gave, and it said that there is lanolin in their product. Well heck I've got lanolin from bfing, so I started by putting that on it, and it's not so red now. We go in on Tuesday morning, so I'll wait for our NS, and Hanger guy to call tomarrow!

Amy, Sorry I haven't emailed you sooner! I'm not sure when our next apt is!?! We're now just in the well when it starts to get tight, make another appt. stage. Did you guys get your mess straightened out?? I'm thinking we'll probably be down in August or September. But I'm not for sure. I don't know if they like to do a 6 month post opp or not, (I hope not becuase that would be next month!).