Posted on November 16, 2007 in Allergies in Children
Skin allergies in children are a subsequent and an uncalled reaction to a substance whether through physical contact or through a gush of air. A child suffering from skin allergies is likely to be allergic to more than one substance.
Causes of skin allergies in children:
Experts claim that it is difficult to identify the exact reasons responsible for causing skin allergies in children, as one may be in contact with many things in a day. However, skin allergies are mainly caused when the immune system recognizes a substance to be an allergen which is harmful for the body though it may not really be.
Other reasons that can cause skin allergies in children include the following:
- Chemicals in cosmetics
- Perfumes
- Hair products
- Soaps and detergents
- Artificial fabric like nylon, etc.
Symptoms of skin allergies in children:
These are the most commonly found traces among children when they suffer the traumas of mild or acute skin allergies:
- Red rashes on the skin
- Blisters on the skin
- Peeling or cracking of the skin
- Swelling up of the affected area
Types of skin allergies:
There are mainly three types of allergies that can be observed in children and/or adults alike. They are the following:
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Red rashes appear when kids contract this kind of an allergy, which can itch straight after thirty minutes from direct contact with an allergen. Ensure that you don’t scratch or cover it with anything.
- Eczema: This kind of an allergy needs the attention and guidance of a doctor and cannot be handled alone. Usually children between two months to five years are prone to contract this kind of an allergy. It also appears in the form of red rashes that itch.
- Hives: This kind of an allergy appears in a circular form with slight inflammation, redness and an itching tendency. Hives appear in batches and can be of different sizes. It is usually a harmless reaction or allergy.
Diagnosis or tests for skin allergies in children:
Dermatologists recommend the following procedures and tests to detect and confirm the allergens that a child may be allergic to:
- Elimination of the allergen from the environment
- Identifying allergic reactions to other substances
- Prescribed medications to reduce the symptoms of a skin allergy
- A blood test to check for antibodies present in the bloodstream that fight against a particular allergen
- A skin lesion biopsy to check for the symptoms of an allergy
Treatment for skin allergies in children:
Experts suggest and have derived a number of treatments to cure the ailments of allergy and allergic symptoms. They include the following:
- Antihistamine creams and ointments can be used to treat the region that has swollen up, reddened or that which itches often.
- Benadryl is another recommended treatment which is available in the form of capsules to be taken by children who are usually twelve years old or adults alike.
Preventive measures to keep your child away from skin allergies:
Follow these tips to strengthen your child against skin allergies:
- Avoid using shampoos, lotions, and other toiletries that contain harmful chemicals and that which are perfumed.
- Use a mild an effective moisturizer to keep your skin nourished and healthy.
- Maintain a diary containing the details of an allergic reaction and the immediate actions you can take in case of an emergency.
Skin allergies in children can give a tough time to parents and children alike. However, dealing with allergic symptoms requires patience and understanding. So, instead of fretting over abnormal reactions just learn to treat them by consulting a skin specialist or dermatologist.
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