Recurring Facial Erythema in an Infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neurology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Facial rashes and erythema in infants are common, often mistaken for food allergies.
• Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome, or Frey syndrome, presents as gustatory facial flushing and sweating.
• While typically seen in adults post-parotid surgery, it's rare in children, often linked to forceps delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of infant Frey syndrome misdiagnosed as food allergy.
• To emphasize the importance of distinguishing Frey syndrome from food allergies in infants.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an infant presenting with feeding-associated facial flushing and sweating.
• Clinical evaluation to rule out other causes of facial erythema.
• Diagnostic consideration of Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome.

Main Results:

• The infant exhibited recurrent gustatory facial flushing and sweating during feeding.
• The condition was initially misdiagnosed as a food allergy.
• No history of perinatal trauma, such as forceps delivery, was noted.

Conclusions:

• Frey syndrome can occur in infants without a history of birth trauma.
• Distinguishing Frey syndrome from food allergy is critical for accurate diagnosis and management in infants.
• This case highlights the need for broader differential diagnoses for infant facial flushing during feeding.