It is difficult to watch your child suffer from wheezing, itching, or experiencing other symptoms associated with allergies. Reactions from an allergy can show up on your child’s skin in one of many different forms. These are some of the reactions you may see, so you can help your child deal with the symptoms better.
An allergic rash
A rash can develop on your child’s skin after they have touched an object or material they are sensitive to. The rash is known as allergic contact dermatitis. You may notice they are itching severely, their skin has become red, or there may be rough, scaly areas developing on the surface of their skin. This reaction may come from a plant called poison oak, sumac, or ivy and will cause intense itching. The reaction may have developed from the use of nickel products found in earrings, snaps, and buttons as well. Shoes often contain a chemical or dye that causes a reaction in some children, as well as some cosmetics. If you have used a new medication such as an antihistamine, antibiotic, or anesthetic, it may also result in allergic contact dermatitis.
Eczema
If your child has a known food allergy, asthma, or hay fever, it is common for them to develop eczema. This condition starts as a rash on the head or face and can spread to the torso and arms. You will notice red, dry, itchy skin that is easily irritated. When the skin on these areas is scratched, it will lead to more itching.
Other factors that will cause your child’s eczema to become worse are rough fabrics, sweating, dry air, some detergents and soap, and some foods. The foods which often trigger itching with eczema are wheat, soy, seafood, cow’s milk, eggs, and nuts.
Hives
Hives will appear on the skin as itchy red bumps resembling swelling. They will develop as patches. Symptoms can last up to a few minutes, hours, or in some cases a few days. Some of the common triggers that cause hives are latex, pet saliva or dander, viral infections, and certain antibiotics. Other triggers include insect bites, strawberries, seafood, wheat, soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, and nuts.
Some children develop hives without any known reason or trigger. When this occurs, your child may also develop a swelling known as angioedema. You will notice signs of this condition appearing around their soft skin areas such as the genitals, eyes, and mouth.
How to treat your child’s rash
The most important thing for you is to control your child’s itching and discomfort. You want their skin to stay moist and healthy, because dry skin makes itching worse.
- Keep their skin clean by using a fragrance and dye-free skin cleanser. When you use a harsh soap, it breaks down the barrier built up to protect their skin from irritants.
- If your child is an infant, keep their mouth dry from drool. Having spit lay on the surface of their skin becomes an irritation and will cause a rash. Babies and young children can’t do as much damage from scratching if their nails are cut short. They will still have the urge to scratch, but they won’t damage their skin as severely.
- After bathing your child, do not dry them vigorously with a towel. Either allow them to air dry or gently pat them dry and then follow up with a cream or ointment for dry skin. Lotions are not as good as they tend to be watery. Using an ointment stick or cream will provide many more benefits to your child’s skin.
- When dressing your child, use a cloth that is soft and won’t irritate the affected area. If the fabric is not soft, it will rub against the skin, causing your child’s urge to scratch to increase.
If these suggestions do not relieve your child’s discomfort, you will need to try medical treatments. You should also contact the pediatrician if you notice the rash turning bright red, if it becomes hot to the touch, or if the skin begins to get crusty.
Pediatric allergy testing and treatment in Amarillo, Texas
Call Dr. John Young at (806) 354-0404 in Amarillo, Texas if you have questions regarding your child’s health or would like to learn about our Services. Dr. John Young and his team work hard to provide you and your child with the best clinical experience possible. You can schedule an appointment to have your child tested for food allergies, skin allergies, and eczema. We are located at 1500 S Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo.
