4 Common Causes Of Skin Allergy In Children
If your kid is scratching the
skin very often or if there is a rash on the skin that fails to go away on its
own, then it could indicate a skin allergy. One of the most common allergies in
children, skin allergies can be caused due to various factors that range from
changes in weather to exposure to environmental toxins. Let us understand some
of the common causes of skin allergies in children.
Common causes of skin allergy in children
The cases of allergic diseases
in kids have increased significantly over the years. According to a study
published in the journal Pediatric Child Health, allergies affect around 35% of
children. Moreover, if allergies run in the families, then there is a high
chance that your kid might also suffer from the condition. However, the
sensitivity to the allergens can vary from environmental allergens or
irritants to food ingredients.
1. Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
It is one of the common skin
allergies in children that affects around 10% of children worldwide. If your
child suffers from conditions such as asthma, food allergies, or hay fever,
then the risk of getting eczema is high. Also, if any of these conditions run
in the family, then your kid is at risk for eczema
If your child has eczema, then
her skin is very dry and lacks moisture, which makes it more prone to
irritation and inflammation when exposed. Moreover, some kids with eczema also
have food sensitivity which further worsens the condition when exposed to food
triggers.
The symptoms of eczema include:
-Dry skin which is itchy and
irritated
-Red rash
-Recurrent skin infections
The symptoms might worsen when
exposed to dry air, sweat, soaps, rough fabrics or foods such as soy, eggs, and
nuts.
2. Contact
dermatitis
Also known as allergic rash,
contact dermatitis is a condition that occurs when the skin comes in contact
with an allergen. For example, if your kid is allergic to copper, then coming
in direct contact with a vessel or a jewelry or copper (even in a small amount)
might trigger an allergic reaction. This is known as contact dermatitis.
The symptoms of contact
dermatitis include:
-Red, bumpy rashes on the skin
-Scaly and itchy skin
-Severe itching
-Swelling of the skin at the
site of contact
Some of the common triggers of
allergic contact dermatitis include nickel (metal), poison ivy, ingredients in
toothpaste or mouthwash, cosmetics, dyes, and even certain medicines.
3. Hives (urticaria)
Hives are skin allergies that
appear as red bumps on the skin when it comes in contact with an allergen.
Clinically termed as urticaria, hives usually go away on its own if you avoid
the allergen. Moreover, unlike other skin allergies, hives can appear anywhere
on the body and can last for a few minutes to hours or days.
Hives cause an inflammation
which is triggered by the immune system that releases histamine. This compound
causes the blood vessels to leak and cause swelling of the skin. In addition to
red and itchy rashes on the skin, it can also lead to other symptoms such as
difficulty in breathing and swelling of the face and mouth. Urticaria is classified into:
Acute urticaria: It
occurs after coming in contact with a trigger such as foods, medicines, insect
bites, infection or non-allergic triggers such as heat (exposure to sun’s rays,
known as solar urticaria) and exercise.
Chronic urticaria: It
is a rare condition that is caused by specific triggers and can last for months
to years. These can be painful but are not contagious.
Hence, it is necessary to
consult a doctor to diagnose the type of the allergy and prevent it from
becoming a severe allergic reaction.
4. Angioedema
It is a skin allergy that is
characterized by swelling of the skin and is often accompanied by hives. It
usually occurs in the eyelids, mouth or genitals, however, in some cases, it
can lead to swelling of the respiratory tract or digestive mucosa. Swelling of
laryngitis can lead to life-threatening complications.
Acute angioedema lasts for a
few minutes to hours and is usually triggered by an allergic reaction to
medicines or foods such as nuts, soy milk, eggs, etc. Chronic angioedema, known
as recurrent angioedema, usually lasts longer and doesn’t have a known cause.
(The article is reviewed by Dr.
Sachin Dhawan, Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, and Dr. Lalit Kanodia, General
Physician)
References:
Chad Z. Allergies in children.
Paediatr Child Health. 2001 Oct;6(8):555-66.
Skin Allergy. Overview.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Nitin J, Palagani R, Shradha
NH, Vaibhav J, Kowshik K, Manoharan R, Nelliyanil M. Prevalence, severity and
risk factors of allergic disorders among people in south India. Afr Health Sci.
2016 Mar;16(1):201-9.
Incorvaia C, Frati F, Verna N,
D’Alò S, Motolese A, Pucci S. Allergy and the skin. Clin Exp Immunol. 2008
Sep;153 Suppl 1:27-9.
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