Common Skin Allergies in Children

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis – This type of skin allergy can be from something your child may have come in physical contact with that triggered an allergic effect. The symptoms include severe itching, large inflamed patches of skin, and the thickening and scaling of the affected area. Some common culprits of allergic contact dermatitis might be certain metals, plants like oak and poison ivy, chemical dyes and cosmetics.
  • Hives – The symptoms of hives are itchy red bumps on the skin that can last for a few hours and can come and go over the next few days. Hives are similar to allergic contact dermatitis in the appearance of its symptoms. However, the difference between allergic contact dermatitis and hives is that the allergens that can cause hives are usually ingested, like food, as opposed to coming into physical contact with them. Foods like nuts, certain fruits, dairy products and types of grains can cause your child to break out in hives. Certain antibiotics and other medications can also produce the same symptoms. Some viral infections can also produce hives and should be addressed immediately.
  • Eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis, this condition occurs in almost 10% of the global population of children. It is a chronic condition that’s characterized by rashes, and dry, thick, leathery patches over the areas that are affected. The most common areas affected are the cheeks, the creases of the arms and legs, the neck, chest or abdominal area. While there is no cure for eczema at present, the symptoms can be alleviated by taking measures like avoiding certain allergens, managing stress, and keeping a good hygiene for your child.