Allergic Rashes
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Babies and toddlers can be (or become) sensitive to certain substances and foods, which can stimulate their immune system to causing an allergic response.
The allergen is the substance that causes the immune system to have an allergic reaction. In an allergic reaction, the immune system believes that the allergen is attacking the body, so the body produces antibodies against the allergen. The antibodies cause a series of reactions in the body which cause the allergic reaction symptoms.
Allergies are not usually dangerous in most cases (except for the serious form of an allergic reaction - anaphylaxis), just irritating and bothersome for the baby or toddler.
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The most common allergens include:
- Chemicals - any type of chemical, from those used in baby products, to environmental chemicals (pollution) can cause an allergic reaction in some babies and toddlers
- Foods - the most common food allergens are: chocolate. eggs, fish, milk, nuts (especially peanuts), seafood, spices, strawberries. The allergic reaction can occur from ingestion or even just contact with the food
- Infection - any type of infection (viral, bacterial or fungal) can trigger an allergic reaction in a baby or toddler
- Medications - any type of medication can cause an allergic reaction (especially rash) in a baby or toddler, with penicillin being the most common allergen in this category
- Plants - a number of plants are known to produce an allergic reaction, in particular, stinging nettle and poison ivy, but any type of plant or grass can be a potential allergen for a baby or toddler
The symptoms of an allergic reaction will be different depending on the type of allergen and whether it was ingested, inhaled or touched the skin:
If the allergen affects the skin, the symptoms are:
- Blistering - these can be formed on the skin together with the other skin symptoms
- Itching - the skin can become very itchy, especially if a rash is present
- Rash (urticaria) - this will most often occur when the skin is affected
- Welts - these are raised swellings on the skin which are inflamed
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If the allergen is ingested, the possible symptoms are:
- Fatigue - it requires a lot of energy for the body to "fight" an allergen
- Fever - sometimes a mild fever can occur
- Headache - another allergic reaction
- Joint pains - another allergic reaction
- Rash (urticaria) - this can occur on any part of the body, but more likely on the trunk or neck
If the allergen is inhaled, the possible symptoms are:
- Fatigue - it requires a lot of energy for the body to "fight" an allergen
- Headache - another allergic reaction
- Rash (urticaria) - this can occur on any part of the body, but more likely neck or chest area
- Wheezing - breathing properly may be impaired as the air sacs in the lungs become constricted
Allergies are treated through a number of ways:
- Avoid the allergen - as much as possible, find out what the baby is allergic to and ensure it is avoided
- Calamine lotion - this is often recommended to reduce the inflammation of a rash
- Cold compress - this is a useful way to reduce the inflammation of a rash
- Have allergy tests - this will help to determine what allergens are causing the allergic reaction
- Medications - if the allergic reaction is moderate to severe, antihistamine medications may be prescribed
Extreme allergies (anaphylaxis)
In rare cases, a baby or toddler may have a very severe reaction to an allergen (the substance that creates the allergic reaction) and this can be very dangerous.
A severe allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, which can culminate in anaphylactic shock if treatment is not given immediately (which is either with antihistamines or adrenaline).
Anaphylaxis impairs breathing ability as well as causing a number of distressing symptoms for the baby (or toddler), such as:
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Quick drop in blood pressure
- Collapsing
If a baby (or toddler) experiences the above very serious symptoms, they need urgent emergency medical assistance.
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