A rash on the skin that doesn't heal can be an indicationnyes skin allergies in infants and children. Know the type-type allergy on skin,so that you know the symptoms and triggers of skin allergies that your little one is suffering from.
Although allergies are generally harmless, skin allergies in infants and children cannot be underestimated. This condition can cause various other disorders if left unchecked. Babies and children whose skin is allergic may also become more fussy and sleep deprived due to itching.
Types of Skin Allergies What Happens in Infants and Children
Skin allergies in infants and children can be caused by two things. First, because the skin is in direct contact with allergy-triggering substances (allergens). Second, when the immune system reacts by releasing histamine into the skin in response to the entry of the allergen into the body.
Some types of skin allergies that often afflict babies and children are:
1. Itching and swelling
The itching in question is the appearance of red, itchy patches or bumps on the surface of the skin. Itching due to allergies usually does not last long, can only be a few hours or a few days, and can go away on its own.
Skin allergies can also appear in the form of angioedema. Angioedema is swelling of the tissue under the skin, and can occur in various parts of the body, such as the lips, eyelids, or genital organs. When it occurs in the throat, angioedema can cause shortness of breath.
Itching and agioedema can be triggered by insect bites or stings, viral infections, antibiotics, or plant sap. In addition, eggs, milk, soy, nuts, wheat, and seafood can also trigger this condition.
2. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common types of skin allergies. This condition can arise as a result of direct contact with allergy-triggering substances. Symptoms that can occur are a rash, severe itching, and dry, scaly skin.
Substances that trigger contact dermatitis are very diverse, ranging from soaps, detergents, perfumes, pollen, dust, to animal hair. In addition, cosmetics, chemicals, ingredients found in toothpaste and mouthwash, drugs used on the skin, and metals can also be substances that trigger contact dermatitis.
3. Allergy due to saliva
The next type of skin allergy in infants and children is an allergy to saliva that wets the mouth and chin. When there is contact with saliva, infants and children who have this allergy will experience a reddish rash and the appearance of small bumps in the mouth, chin, and chest.
Allergy to saliva is sometimes not realized by parents. Rashes and small bumps that appear are often considered an allergic reaction to the food consumed by infants and children.
Saliva allergy is actually nothing to worry about. However, if the rash appears crusty or yellow in color, you need to see a doctor immediately because this could indicate an infection.
4. Eczema
There are at least 10% of children in the world who suffer from eczema. This type of skin allergy can occur in infants and children who suffer from food allergies, allergic rhinitis, or asthma.
Eczema in infants and children is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the face or head. This rash then spreads to the chest and arms. In addition to the appearance of a rash, eczema is also often accompanied by dry and thickened skin, as well as repeated infections of the skin.
The cause of eczema in infants and children is not known for certain, but avoid using bath soaps or laundry detergents with harsh chemicals, as well as towels or clothes that are rough on babies and children, so that eczema does not get worse and to prevent eczema recurrence.
Several types of skin allergies above often occur in infants and children. But by knowing the originator, you can take precautions against these conditions. If necessary, check with a doctor to find out what triggers allergies and proper treatment.
