Identifying Types of Allergies in Babies

There are various allergens commonly experienced by babies, namely:

1. Eczema

Eczema is the most common skin problem that babies often experience. About 10% of children or babies in the world have had eczema. The causes of eczema are genetic and environmental factors. Eczema in babies can make the skin feel itchy. Especially if the itchy skin is scratched, this will cause the skin to feel even itchier.

Eczema experienced in babies can be characterized by the appearance of a rash on the head or face. Then, this rash spreads to the baby’s chest and arms. In addition to a rash, eczema can also be recognized by signs of dry, thickened skin and an infection on the skin. To solve this eczema problem, you can apply a cream that has been licensed from the dermatology clinical trial site on the baby’s skin.

In addition, you also need to avoid using detergents or soaps that can irritate the skin, especially sensitive baby skin. Then avoid using or coming into contact with harsh fabrics so that the eczema does not get itchy.

2. Allergy to saliva

The baby’s saliva wetting the chin and mouth can trigger allergies to the baby’s skin. When a baby who has this allergy is exposed to saliva, he will experience a rash and redness. Then small lumps appear on the chin, chest and mouth. Usually, this allergy is not realized by parents. The small bumps and rashes that appear are thought to be a reaction to the food the baby is eating.

Actually, you don’t need to worry about this saliva allergy. However, if the rash appears yellow and causes crusts, then you should immediately get your child checked by a doctor. Because this can be a sign of a serious infection.

3. Contact dermatitis

Just like eczema, contact dermatitis is a type of skin allergy that often occurs in babies. Contact dermatitis can be caused due to direct contact with various substances that can trigger allergies. There are many triggers for contact dermatitis, ranging from detergents, perfumes, soaps, animal hair, to dust.

In addition, chemicals commonly found in medicines used on the skin, toothpaste and mouthwash, and even metals can trigger contact dermatitis in infants.

According to experts, this contact dermatitis is an inflammation that can cause a large rash, severe itching, dry and scaly skin, and a burning sensation on the skin. The rash that babies experience due to contact dermatitis can occur all over the baby’s body.

To treat contact dermatitis in babies, the way you can do is actually not much different from eczema. The first thing you can do is keep your baby away from things that can cause allergies.

Then, try giving an antihistamine medication if the itching gets worse. Antihistamines are a group of drugs used to treat allergic reactions. Antihistamine drugs can work by blocking histamine substances produced by the body.

However, if you are hesitant about giving antihistamine drugs to babies, you can consult your pediatrician so that you can get allergy management safely and appropriately.

4. Chronic urticaria

Chronic urticaria is an allergic reaction that includes a severe allergy. Chronic urticaria can be characterized by the appearance of wide redness after coming into contact with an allergen. Although this allergy does not cause dry skin, chronic urticaria allergy can cause other symptoms such as swelling of the mouth and face or difficulty breathing.

In many cases, this allergy can go away on its own as long as your little one is protected from exposure to allergens. However, so that your baby gets proper and safe treatment, you should take your little one to a pediatrician to get the right treatment.

5. Food allergies

Babies can experience allergies to any type of food, including breast milk (breast milk) or formula milk, which can occur in some babies. Apart from milk, babies can also be allergic to eggs, shellfish, fish, nuts, wheat and soy.

Food allergies in babies can be characterized by coughing, diarrhea, stomach pain, itching, vomiting, difficulty breathing, runny nose, swelling of the lips or tongue, to shortness of breath. When your baby experiences allergies, try to pay attention to what foods he consumes and can trigger allergies.

6. Pet allergies

Pet allergies can occur in babies. Usually, babies who experience this allergy are triggered by saliva, urine, and fur on pets that can stick to the baby’s bed.

In addition, pet urine or saliva that dries up and then spreads through the air can also trigger allergies. For that, keep your pet on your little one to prevent allergies. Symptoms that can occur due to pet allergies can be characterized by a runny nose and sneezing.

7. Chemical allergies

Chemicals in diapers, detergents or soaps can trigger allergies to babies. For that, avoid chemicals such as fragrances, dyes, and other substances in these products.

In addition, before giving products to babies, make sure to check the ingredients contained in these products, whether there are chemicals that can trigger skin allergies in children or not. Look for ingredients that are safe for babies so that they avoid unexpected allergies.

8. Drug allergy

Babies can develop allergies to drugs. When your baby is sick, then you give antibiotics so that your little one will recover quickly. However, what happens is that your baby has an allergy. This can happen because antibiotics are the drugs that most often cause babies to experience allergic reactions. Apart from antibiotics, babies can also be allergic to other types of over-the-counter medicines.

For that, you need to be careful when giving medicine to your little one when they are sick. If the baby shows an allergic reaction after taking medication such as itching, rashes, coughing, or swelling, immediately stop using the drug or take your baby to the doctor for proper treatment.

9. Seasonal allergies

If within a year and at certain times your baby experiences symptoms such as coughing, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and earaches. You need to be vigilant, it could be that your child has seasonal allergies.

This condition is usually called allergic rhinitis, which is a condition similar to a cold, but not like the flu. Allergic rhinitis occurs not due to a virus, but because of the body’s response to substances that can trigger allergies.