Skin sensitivity in babies and ways to treat it

Skin sensitivity or allergy is defined as a chronic skin disease that occurs due to an abnormal response of the body's immune system to an unknown substance. Skin allergies in babies can also be caused by food, insect bites and drug reactions. In babies, skin allergies usually appear in the form of rashes, swelling and itching of the skin. Now, in the continuation of this article, we will examine the most common types of **skin allergies in babies** and ways to treat them. Common skin allergies in babies There are different types of skin sensitivity in babies, each of which has different causes, symptoms and treatment methods. The most common types of skin allergies in babies are: 1. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) 2. Urticaria 3. Papular urticaria 4. Contact dermatitis In the following, we will examine the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of each of these 5 allergic diseases in babies. It should be noted that the skin of babies is more vulnerable than children and adults and will be prone to these chronic skin diseases. Therefore, prevent the occurrence of these diseases as much as possible and treat them as soon as possible. ### 1- Eczema in babies Atopic dermatitis (Atopic dermatitis) or eczema is one of the most common skin allergies in babies, which leads to itching with chronic and recurring inflammation. The face and skin folds are the most common parts that are involved in this disease. #### Causes and symptoms of eczema in babies One of the most important causes of eczema in babies is inhalation or contact with house dust, pet hair or dander, and plant pollen. In addition to this, skin irritants such as wool or nylon fibers, soaps, perfumed lotions and some acrylic materials can cause this problem. It should be noted that only less than 10% of babies develop eczema due to food allergies. The most important symptoms of this disease in infants are: - itching - Rashes - Tiny red bumps on the face, forehead, scalp and trunk - Dry skin - Red bumps on forearms, knees and ankles (in babies who crawl)

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#### Treatment of eczema in babies Note that to treat this skin allergy in babies, avoid giving medicine to your child without consulting a doctor. However, it is good to know that topical corticosteroids can be used to improve eczema symptoms. Also, antihistamines are usually prescribed at bedtime for a sedative effect to help relieve itching. Using skin moisturizing creams may also be helpful. It should be noted that in order to heal eczema, you should also avoid rubbing the skin and touching it. ### 2- Urticaria in babies Hives (urticaria) is another common allergy in babies, which can appear in any part of the body in the form of a superficial swelling. Hives is one of the skin diseases caused by the consumption of allergenic foods and contact with certain substances. #### Causes and symptoms of hives in babies Although some hives appear for no apparent reason, eating certain foods, taking certain medications, transferring some viruses to babies, pet skin and feces, extreme temperature, and dust are among the most important causes of hives in babies. The main signs and symptoms of hives in babies are: - Presence of lesions and red, hot and swollen bumps - Creating skin lesions that have pink or red lines with a pale center - Severe itching in the area of hives #### Treatment of hives in babies Urticaria symptoms usually improve by stopping the allergen and do not require extensive medical intervention. However, the itching may be reduced by exposing the skin to lukewarm water. If necessary, the pediatrician may prescribe topical calamine lotion or oral antihistamines for infants. ### 3- Papular urticaria in babies Papular urticaria is one of the types of hives and is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by the bites of insects such as fleas, bedbugs, flies and ticks. Although this disease is most common in children over two years of age, it can also occur in infants. #### Causes and symptoms of papular urticaria in babies As mentioned, the main cause of papular urticaria is the body's overreaction to insect bites. In order to prevent this skin sensitivity in babies, check the baby's room and sleeping place for possible insects and in some cases use appropriate insecticides (safe for babies). This chronic disease usually appears in the form of itchy papules on the skin and in a cluster in a specific area, some of which may be filled with fluid. #### Treatment of papular urticaria in babies Since this skin disease is considered a type of hives, its treatment methods are similar to other hives. Although papular urticaria lesions usually disappear on their own, in some cases they may be chronic and recurrent. To treat severe itching, the doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids or antihistamines. ### 4- Contact dermatitis in babies Contact dermatitis is a type of skin eczema caused by skin contact with an allergenic substance. This disease is most common in infants and children up to the age of three. In general, contact dermatitis may be irritant or allergic. #### Causes and symptoms of contact dermatitis in babies The most important causes of this disease are contact with allergenic substances such as diapers, clothing fibers, perfumes and colors used in children's products. Also, this skin sensitivity is caused by contact with metals such as nickel, aluminum, cobalt, mercury and other metals. Rubber gloves used by a doctor or caregiver while cleaning or examining a baby may also cause an allergic reaction. The most important symptoms of contact dermatitis in babies are: - Mild to severe itching in the contact area - Red skin - Dry skin - Scaling with visible margins

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#### Treatment of contact dermatitis in infants The main method of treating this chronic skin disease in babies is to identify and remove the allergen. Also, washing the dermatitis site with cool water and using moisturizers can help reduce the symptoms of this disease. The use of topical corticosteroids and antihistamines is also prescribed in acute cases with severe irritation. Tips to prevent skin allergies - To prevent skin sensitivity in babies, identify the cause of allergy and avoid it. - It is recommended that nursing mothers avoid eating allergenic foods. - Consult your doctor before introducing foods such as eggs, fish, soy, etc. to your child. - Keep pets and carpets clean to avoid allergies caused by fleas and bedbugs. - To prevent allergic contact dermatitis, avoid exposing the child to allergenic substances. - Use standard, unscented diapers and hygiene items for babies. **final advice** Finally, it should be noted that some diseases and skin sensitivity in babies, such as hives, may be mild and do not require immediate medical attention. However, in acute cases with severe symptoms in infants, it is better to see a doctor. Most of the time, skin sensitivities disappear when the allergens do not reach, but sometimes they may recur. In mild cases, it is effective to use topical creams to reduce symptoms and itching. If the symptoms increase or the baby does not improve, see a pediatrician as soon as possible.