How to Treat Mild Skin Allergies in Kids?

Skin allergies in children are very common and can be caused by multiple reasons. There are many types of skin allergies resulting from certain foods, a weaker immune system and some substances. However, taking care of the kids at home can help treat mild allergies. With an expert’s guidance, allergies in children are effectively manageable.

You can consult a baby doctor in Siliguri for a better understanding of skin allergy-related concerns among kids. Children are more susceptible to catching allergies as their immune system is still maturing, like that of adults. Skin allergies in children can involve places like the face, hands, head, arms, and torso. There is a wide range of skin allergies that are commonly found in children.

What Are Skin Allergies In Children?

Several forms of skin allergies can affect children. Common skin allergies in children involve eczema, allergic rash, hives or swelling leading to skin irritation. Children are more likely to develop eczema if they have asthma, food allergies or a fever. It is often triggered by sweating, rough fabrics and certain soaps and detergents. Whereas allergic rashes are caused by nickel, plants, cosmetics and certain medicines, along with chemicals and dyes in clothing. Also, pet dander, the particles present in the small hairs of the animals, can trigger allergies and allergic rashes in children.

Allergic reactions can involve dry, itchy,  easily irritated skin along with redness and swelling. As children scratch these allergic patches more often, it worsens and leads to more itching.

Here are some common allergies that children are affected by: 

• Eczema: This is one of the most common allergic conditions noticed in children, which is also known as atopic dermatitis. It affects the cheeks, skin creases, neck and trunk. Eczema is triggered by some foods as well as genetic inheritance of a faulty gene in the skin called filaggrin. Eczema is often linked to asthma, allergic rhinitis, hay fever and food allergy. It causes skin to dry and makes it prone to irritation and inflammation from many environmental factors.

• Hives or Urticaria:  Hives are recognised by red bumps or welts that appear on the body. This skin condition is triggered when the immune system releases histamine. Usually, there are two kinds of urticaria, acute and chronic. When the condition lasts beyond six weeks, it is called acute urticaria, often triggered by foods or coming in contact with a particular trigger, along with heat or particular exercise, medications, or insect bites. Chronic urticaria rarely happens due to a certain allergen, and it can last for months or years. They are often painful and uncomfortable, but hives are not a contagious skin condition.

• Contact Dermatitis:  This skin condition is triggered by coming into direct contact with some allergens. These allergens can include soap, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos and sometimes excessive exposure to water, which can lead to contact dermatitis. This skin allergy has symptoms like rashes, blisters, itching and burning. Also, certain items can trigger this skin condition, such as nickel, a component made of stainless steel used to male jwelleries, adhesives, nail polish, topical medications, plants like poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac and latex gloves. This leads to red, bumpy, scaly ir itchy skin at the time of contact.

Ways To Treat Skin Allergies in Children

There are various ways of treating common allergic skin conditions in children, including home remedies or prescribed treatment. Skin allergies like eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis have several symptoms and reasons. To treat these conditions in children, soothing itching with cool compresses, oatmeal baths, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, nutrition and lifestyle habits can be influential. Often, professional intervention is required to treat a child's allergic reaction rash effectively. Below are some tips to take care of mild skin allergies in children :

• Using Cold Compresses: In treating skin allergies among children, cold compresses are effective in soothing the irritation and itching. You can use cool, soft and dampened clothes on the affected skin to reduce the inflammation and itchiness, and it is an effective treatment for skin allergies.

• Get Oatmeal Bath:  Oatmeal contains naturally active properties such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. These things are effective to soothe the itch and allergic skin reactions, and dry skin. Using oatmeal in the bath water of children can be an essential way to treat skin conditions caused by allergies.

• Use OTC Anti-Histamine: For mild allergic reactions in children, using non-drowsy OTC antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine is effective for relief. These are available in the form of liquids and chewables for kids which treat hives, itching, and allergy symptoms, especially for daytime relief. Always consider an expert's advice before giving doses to children.

• Avoid Chemical Soaps: Certain soaps or detergent contain chemicals can worsen or trigger skin allergic reactions. Using gente and mild fragrance-free soaps for children can help improve their skin condition. Avoid using fabric softeners and dry sheets to treat skin allergies in children in an effective way.

• Use Natural Herbs: According to certain natural practitioner a variety of plants are effective in treating skin allergies. The aloe vera clear gel can soothe the itch of eczema and other skin diseases. Also, other herbs like basil, chamomile, neem, English marigold, and stinging nettle may be effective in reducing skin irritations and itchiness.

• Use Lukewarm Water & Gentle Clothes: To treat mild allergies in children, try using lukewarm water for bathing. Refrain from using too hot water and keep the water mildly hot when using it. Make them wear gentle and pure cotton dresses, which will keep them comfortable when having skin rashes and itchiness. 

• Prevent Scratching: Kids are more prone to scratching their skin due to severe itchiness and rashes. Make sure they refrain from doing so. Use certain ointments and relievers to prevent the worsening of the condition by scratching the allergies. Always take professional help to use relievers.

Final Remarks

There are various skin allergies commonly noticed in children that can be treated at home with the above-mentioned remedies. Sometimes skin allergies dont occur until they are exposed to certain environmental and food allergens. However, in the case of persistent and severe conditions of skin allergies, it requires medical intervention. You can consult with a baby doctor in Siliguri to know more about skin allergy treatment for kids.