Skin allergies are quite common among children. These allergies can develop in any child but it is common among children suffering from asthma and hay fever. In most cases, itchiness and rashes are the usual symptoms of skin allergies and typically manifests as a response of the immune system of the body. It develops when the immune system of the body reacts abnormally to a normal substance which is harmless in most individuals.
The skin of the child will become swollen, itchy, reddened, scaly or bumpy after being exposed to an allergen such as poison ivy, materials made from latex such as balloons or toys as well as nickel found in various jewelries.
Another symptom is hives which are raised welts that sometimes cause itchiness. Welts are bumps found in the skin caused by the buildup of fluid below the surface of the skin. Allergies to certain foods can cause the child to feel dizzy, experience tingling sensation in the mouth and faintness in the head. In some, they can also experience diarrhea and abdominal stress.
Symptoms of skin allergies
- Initially manifests as eczema and remain in the skin for many days along with swelling and hives.
- Dryness and rashes of the skin
- Severe scratching can cause abrasions and sometimes the skin can bleed.
- Random itching all over the areas of the body
- Presence of hives on the skin which are raised reddened patches on the skin.
- Thin watery discharge coming from the skin or thick discharge of pus
- There are thick patches with scales on the skin.
- Development of blisters that are usually filled with fluid and if infection is present, the blisters are filled with pus.
Treatment
- Apply a cold compress on the affected area of the skin. You can utilize a towel soaked in cold water or a cold milk and then place it over the affected areas to lessen the swelling and pain.
- Skin allergies can cause the skin to become dry, thus apply a moisturizer on dry skin. Coconut oil is the best moisturizer for the delicate skin of children. Apply the coconut oil every day in order to prevent the skin from becoming dry.
- Apply aloe vera gel on the affected areas of the skin to relax the skin of children and also lessen the inflammation and itching.
- Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to provide relief to the inflamed areas of skin.
- Install a cool-mist humidifier inside the house to add moisture during dry winter months. Remember to keep the humidifier clean and dry regularly in order to prevent contamination of bacteria or mold.
- Apply petroleum jelly to dry or chapped skin to seal in moisture in the body and helps in hydrating the skin.