Allergy to the skin of the baby is common, as the skin is thinner and more sensitive, thus, being more susceptible to infections, for example. In addition, it can be easily irritated by any factor, be it heat or tissues, leading to the appearance of red spots, itching and change in skin texture. See what are the most common skin problems in babies.
The allergy can cause a lot of discomfort for the baby so it is important to see a pediatrician as soon as the first changes in the skin are observed so that the cause of the allergy can be identified and treatment can be started.
Main causes
Skin allergy is common in the baby, since the skin is quite sensitive. The main causes of allergy in the baby's skin are:
- Heat: Excessive heat, caused either by the wearing of many clothes or by excessive exposure to the sun, can lead to skin irritation due to pore stifling, and the allergy is manifested in the form of blisters. Small buds can appear on the neck, under the arms or in the region of the diaper, which can lead to itching. Here's how to identify and treat the bud;
- Fabrics: Because the baby's skin is quite sensitive, some tissues can cause allergic reactions in the baby, such as wool, synthetic, nylon or flannel, as they prevent the skin from breathing properly. Thus, the use of cotton fabrics is more indicated;
- Chemical Agents: Some types of talc, shampoo or moisturizing creams can cause irritation to the baby's skin. Therefore it is important to pay attention to any changes in the baby's skin after the use of any of these products;
- Food: Some foods can cause allergic reactions in the baby and usually manifest themselves through the appearance of red spots that itch after eating certain foods. Learn how to identify and how to avoid baby food allergy.
Diaper allergy in the baby's skin, which is characterized by the presence of red spots on the buttock or genital area, is not really an allergy, but an irritation due to ammonia, which is a substance present in the urine that damages the sensitive baby skin. See what are the other causes of red spots on the baby's skin.
Signs and symptoms of allergy
The main signs of allergy in the baby's skin are:
- Red spots on the skin;
- Itching;
- Skin rough, moist, dry or scaly;
- Presence of small blisters or lumps.
As soon as the signs of allergy are noticed, it is important to take the baby to the pediatrician so that the cause of the allergy can be identified and thus the treatment can be started as soon as possible to avoid complications such as infections.
What to do
To treat allergy to the baby's skin, the doctor may indicate the use of antihistamine or corticoid medicines, as well as indicate corticosteroid ointments appropriate for skin allergy and the use of a moisturizer specific for baby's skin.
It is also important to identify and avoid the agent causing the allergy. For example, if the allergic reaction occurs due to a specific shampoo or moisturizer, treatment consists especially in not using these products and exchanging them for others, thus avoiding skin irritation.