Pictures of Skin Allergies in Children

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October 19, 2016-
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Pictures of Skin Allergies in Children

Pictures of Skin Allergies in Children

Rashes
happen from time to time, especially in dry weather. If your child’s rash
doesn’t seem to go away despite home remedies and lotions, then you could be
dealing with skin allergies.

According
to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, the prevalence of skin allergies in children increased from 7.4 to
12.5 percent between 1997 and 2011. This statistic shows that skin allergies
are a real problem in children. Learning the different types and symptoms of
skin allergies can lead the way to more effective treatment—and, ultimately,
relief for your kids.
Causes of Skin Allergies

Causes of Skin Allergies

Allergies occur when the
body negatively reacts to certain substances. These can include, but aren’t
limited to:
- dust mites
- dyes
- food
- fragrances
- latex
- mold
- pet dander
- pollen
In
some cases, skin allergy symptoms show up when the skin comes into direct
contact with an external substance. Signs may also appear in conjunction with
other types of allergy symptoms, such as headache, congestion, sneezing, and
runny nose.
Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic
dermatitis is characterized by red rashes that may or may not itch. According
to KidsHealth, it is the most common
form of eczema, an inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people
around the world. Most people who develop atopic dermatitis do so during
childhood, and usually before the age of five. Environmental pollutants are thought
to be a leading cause of atopic dermatitis, which explains why it is more
common in urban areas than the countryside. There is also a link to hay fever
and asthma. Atopic dermatitis may occur with or without allergies.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis results
in a rash immediately after being exposed to an irritating substance. If your
child develops an allergy to a substance, then he or she may have allergic
contact dermatitis. Fragrances, clothing, food, plants, and metals are all
common culprits. Symptoms are:
- itchy, red skin
- scales and cracks
- blisters
- leathery skin from frequent exposure
Hives

Hives

Hives
are different in appearance and texture from eczema. They are often associated
with a severe allergic reaction that may accompany other symptoms. These
include breathing difficulties and swollen mouth or face. If your child
exhibits any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately. Your
doctor may also instruct you to use an epinephrine shot. Hives look like large
bug bites, with raised red skin patches. Unlike other skin allergies, they
don’t have dryness or scales.
Sebborheic Dermatitis

Sebborheic Dermatitis

Sebborheic
dermatitis can occur at any age, but it is extremely common in infants. Often
called “cradle cap,” the resulting rashes are characterized by crusty, scaly
patches. They can range from yellow to red in color. The rash looks similar to
atopic dermatitis, except the patches have a waxy, oily texture. The primary
danger with sebborheic dermatitis is its potential to turn into a skin
infection from scratching the area. This type of skin allergy is more prevalent
in oily skin types, and tends to run in families.
Testing and Diagnosis

Testing and Diagnosis

Not
all skin rashes are caused by allergies, but it’s important to rule out this
possibility early on. This way, your doctor can prescribe the right treatments.
Patch testing is the most common form of allergy diagnosis. Also called the
skin prick test, the process involves the introduction of small amounts of
allergens into the skin. If a reaction occurs, then your child may have an
allergy to the substance. Your doctor will use various substances based on
environment and family history.

Other diagnostic tests may
include:
- blood tests
- elimination diet (for food allergies)
- urine analysis
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Numerous treatment options
are available for skin allergies:
- antihistamines for immediate itching relief (added sedatives may also
  help your child sleep during the night)
- emollient-containing lotions to relieve extreme dryness associated with
  atopic and allergic chemical dermatitis
- corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Allergy
shots can provide long-term relief for chronic skin allergies. Also called
immunotherapy, these shots contain small amounts of allergens to help build up
the body’s immunity to triggers.

Oral
and topical antibiotics may also be used for rashes that become infected. It is
important to prevent scratching as much as possible to avoid skin infections.
Outlook

Outlook

Skin
allergies happen at any age, but the CDC says they are most common
in young children. This is why it’s important to address any unusual skin changes
in your child early before complications ensue. Proactive measures are
important in preventing recurring skin allergy symptoms in children. Even if a
rash goes away, it can come back if your child is exposed to certain triggers
again. Work with a pediatrician to make sure all treatment measures are
addressed and apply topical ointments as directed.

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References:

Allergy Testing for Children (2005). Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Retrieved
August 27, 2013, from http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=253
Eczema. (n.d.). KidsHealth. Retrieved September 5, 2013, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/eczema_atopic_dermatitis.html
Rashes (n.d.). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved August 27, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rashes.html
Seasonal Allergies in Children (2013, May 29). American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved
August 27, 2013, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/pages/Seasonal-Allergies-in-Children.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token
Trends in Allergic Reactions Among Children
(2013, May 2). Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 27, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db121.htm

boy about to sneeze

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