Recognize the Different Types of Skin Allergies in Infants and Children

Rashes on the skin that does not heal can be one indication of skin allergies in infants and children. Get to know the types of allergies on the skin, so you know the symptoms and triggers of skin allergies suffered by your child. Although allergies are generally harmless, skin allergies in infants and children cannot be underestimated. This condition can cause various other disorders if left unchecked. Infants and children with allergic skin can also become more fussy and sleep deprived due to itching.

Types of skin allergies that often occur 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 allergen triggers (allergens). Second, when the immune system reacts by releasing histamine into the skin in response to the entry of allergens into the body. Some types of skin allergies that often affect infants and children are:

1. Itching and swelling

The itching in question is the appearance of patches or red, itchy bumps on the surface of the skin. Itching due to allergies usually does not last long, can be only a few hours or several days, and can heal on its own. Skin allergies can also occur in the form of angioedema. Angioedema is swelling in the tissue under the skin, and can occur in various parts of the body, such as on 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, soybeans, beans, wheat, and seafood can also be a trigger for this condition.

2. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergy that often occurs. This situation can arise due to direct contact with allergens. Symptoms that can occur are rashes, severe itching, and the skin looks dry and scaly. The triggers for contact dermatitis are very diverse, ranging from soap, detergent, perfume, 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 a trigger for contact dermatitis.

3. Allergy due to saliva

The next type of skin allergy in infants and children is an allergy to saliva that soaks the mouth and chin. When there is contact with saliva, babies and children who have allergies will experience a reddish rash and the appearance of small lumps in the mouth, chin, and chest. Allergy to saliva is sometimes not realized by parents. Rashes and small bumps that appear are often thought to be an allergic reaction due to food consumed by infants and children. Saliva allergy is actually nothing to worry about. However, if the rash that appears appears crusty or yellow, you need to immediately see a doctor because this can indicate an infection.

4. Eczema

At least 10% of children in the world suffer from eczema. This type of skin allergy can occur in infants and children suffering 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 the rash, eczema is also often accompanied by dry and thickened skin, and recurrent infections of the skin. The cause of eczema in infants and children is not known with certainty, but avoid using soap or detergent clothing with harsh chemicals, as well as towels or clothing that is coarse in infants and children, so that eczema is not getting worse and to prevent the recurrence of eczema. Several types of skin allergies above often occur in infants and children. But by knowing the originator, you can make prevention of these various conditions. If necessary, do a doctor's examination to find out the triggers of allergies and the right treatment.