Allergy is not something that is considered a disease. It is a natural reaction when something comes in contact with your skin that should not be there.
Or it is a reaction showing that your body needs attention. Allergic reactions are like alarms.
If you manage to figure out what triggers these reactions in the body, you will figure out how to prevent them from happening again in your child.
That is what has been discussed in this article. There is an important note: you cannot treat allergic reactions.
You just need prevention to avoid them. However, you must be aware of the potential reactions that could occur in children.
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Common skin allergies in children
Before we leap into the ways to protect your children from allergic reactions, it is highly important to understand the common conditions that cause these reactions in the body.
This will help you deal with the condition better. The common symptoms that indicate allergies are:
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Itching
- Respiratory issues
Keep in mind that these symptoms result in normal cases. Severe cases may cause vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Here, we have listed a few of the conditions that can result in allergic symptoms.
- Rash: It could be any type of rash. But the occurrence of allergic reactions is pretty common. In children, it is most likely to be a diaper or heat rash. When moisture gets trapped in the skin due to tight clothing, causing bacteria to invade the skin, it can result in bacterial rash. Diaper rash can happen when the diaper is left unclean for too long. Heat rash occurs due to prolonged heat exposure. All these can result in redness and itching.
- Eczema: This skin condition is pretty common and is likely the most common cause of allergic reactions in your child’s body. Children under 5 are more prone to getting it. It results in extreme itching, red rash, and dryness. If not treated early, the symptoms can exacerbate.
- Ringworm: This is a fungal infection that forms a ring-like pattern of rash on the skin. The patches vary in size but are red in color with normal skin inside. The allergic reactions could vary in intensity depending on the severity of the condition.
- Hives: This is also a common condition in children. This results in allergic reactions in the body due to certain foods. When specific items come in contact with the body, the body considers it harmful and shows allergic symptoms. These conditions cause raised and itchy welts on the skin.
- Scabies: This contagious skin condition is itself not an allergy. This happens when mites burrow into the skin. The itching happens when a person is allergic to mites and their eggs. The itching could be intense.
How can you protect your children?
Treat the underlying skin condition
Allergic reactions appear either:
- Due to an underlying skin condition like eczema
- When your skin comes in contact with something allergic
So, for the first one, you must treat the skin condition to avoid these reactions or flare-ups.
Now, here’s a thing: you can either go to a healthcare professional for a diagnosis of the condition or get OTC treatment if you know what your child is dealing with.
Let’s say, children mostly deal with eczema that results in allergic reactions, so a highly effective and proven OTC eczema moisturizing cream will do the job with no consultation needed. This will heal the skin and remove associated symptoms.
Use fragrance-free products
We all love fragrance, and children do too. But it does not mean it is safe for everyone. Some individuals, especially children, are allergic to fragrance particles, either directly from a perfume or from a scented product.
Even if you are using a medicated product, choose a scent-free product. The common reactions are sneezing, coughing, and itching. In severe cases, fragrance particles can result in respiratory problems.
Build a healthy skincare routine
A healthy skincare routine works like a strong firewall against allergens and bacteria. Children sweat a lot when they play.
That is why you need to bathe your child daily to remove sweat, especially from armpits, skin folds, and the neck.
Regular bathing will remove bacteria and prevent bacterial rash. Plus, bathing will keep your child’s body cool, making it less likely to develop heat rash.
For infants, change the diaper regularly and clean your baby. Regularly moisturize your baby with medicated or trusted products.
Consult a healthcare professional
If nothing works for your child, or the symptoms worsen, or you are confused about the condition, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Usually, allergic reactions need a proper diagnosis of triggers. But consultation will help you identify an underlying skin disease if there is one.
Some important measures
Allergic reactions require prevention more than treatment. For a skin disease, use medicated products.
However, if you experience allergic symptoms in the body after touching or inhaling something, keep the substance away from your children.
Use non-scented products, including shampoos and soaps. If a doctor identifies specific triggers, avoid those allergens. Keep your environment clean. Keep your child clean with regular bathing. Use medicated and trusted products.
These are some instructions you must follow when you are witnessing allergic reactions in your child.
We hope you find this article very helpful. Make sure to check out other articles on our site too!
