Skin Allergies In Babies: Types, Treatment And More

The truth is that baby's skin is often more delicate and sensitive. However, this sensitivity is also what makes them exposed to skin allergies. Rashes, redness, and irritation can appear suddenly, leaving every parent worried about what to do next. 

Skin allergies in babies are quite common and affect nearly 20 percent of infants worldwide, according to studies.

Read this article to learn about skin allergies in babies, what causes these, and how to treat them.

There are various types of skin allergies in babies and the treatment varies depending on the type. 

Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in babies. It affects about 10-20 percent of infants worldwide. It generally appears as dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the face, arms, or behind the knees. This condition is often triggered by common factors, including heat, sweat, dust mites, and certain fabrics such as wool.

The best approach to manage eczema is to keep your baby's skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotions and creams. Besides, it is only recommended to use mild and hypoallergenic soaps and detergents. More importantly, make sure your baby is dressed in soft and breathable cotton clothing to reduce the risk of any flare-ups.

Hives typically appear as red, raised welts on the skin. Hives can be triggered by allergic reactions to food, insect bites, medications, or viral infections. However, these welts come and go within a few hours; sometimes may last longer.

The best tip to avoid hives is to stay at bay from possible allergens, such as peanuts, dairy, or shellfish, if your baby is sensitive to these. You can also use a cool compress to help soothe itching and inflammation.

If you notice severe hives, it is best to consult your doctor.

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen, thereby leading to redness, blisters, and itching. Some of the common triggers for this allergy in babies include certain baby wipes, soaps, detergents, and some lotions.

The most essential thing is to identify the allergen and stop using the suspected product immediately for your baby. Besides, if the allergy has already occurred, wash the affected area with lukewarm water and mild soap and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to help heal their delicate skin.

Heat rash usually occurs when sweat gets trapped in your baby's skin. This ultimately results in tiny red bumps and irritation, especially in skin folds such as in the neck, armpits, and diaper area. And babies are more prone to heat rash because of their underdeveloped sweat glands.

To prevent heat rash, it is recommended to keep your baby cool by dressing them in lightweight and breathable clothes while also avoiding excessive sweating by keeping their room well-ventilated. You can use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away sweat.

Milk allergies usually cause digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. But did you know they can also lead to itchy skin rashes? Yes, about 2-3 percent of infants have a cow’s milk allergy, which appears as hives, swelling, or eczema.

If your baby is breastfeeding, make sure to adjust your diet to remove dairy. However, if formula-fed, consult your doctor about hypoallergenic formulas. If you notice any weird symptoms, you can consider consulting a pediatrician for testing.

While most baby skin allergies are mild and clear up and may not always require a doctor’s attention, it is important to get medical help if:

While skin allergies in babies can be concerning for most parents, with proper care it is easily manageable. From eczema to hives, the approach is to identify the cause. If allergies persist or worsen, consult a pediatrician immediately.