Skin Allergies in Infants: When to Seek Help

Q: Skin Allergies in Infants: When to Seek Help

Hello： The primary purpose of lactose-free formula is to alleviate diarrhea. <br>To prevent allergies, the best approach is to breastfeed, followed by considering hydrolyzed protein formula. <br>Allergic predisposition can be hereditary; studies indicate that if one parent has an

Skin allergy

Hello, doctor.

1.
My baby is now over 3 months old and often has skin that resembles "hives," with small red spots or patches on the hands and feet.
They appear for a while and then gradually fade.
The clinic doctor prescribed medication and mentioned to administer it if the rash occurs again.
2.
I would like to ask if it is necessary to switch from lactose-free formula to hydrolyzed protein formula?

rita, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/09/03

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Hello: The primary purpose of lactose-free formula is to alleviate diarrhea.
To prevent allergies, the best approach is to breastfeed, followed by considering hydrolyzed protein formula.
Allergic predisposition can be hereditary; studies indicate that if one parent has an allergic condition, the child has a 25% to 33% chance of developing allergies.
If both parents have allergic conditions, the likelihood increases to 50% or even up to 66%.
Despite advancements in medicine, genetic factors remain difficult to alter.
However, we can take preventive measures against allergens to reduce the occurrence of allergic diseases.
Allergic diseases in children manifest like a march, presenting different conditions at various ages, and even the same condition can change as the child grows.
For instance, atopic dermatitis in infants under one year old typically appears as red, eczema-like changes or yellow scaling on the forehead, cheeks, and neck.
Intense itching and scratching can lead to crusting.
In early childhood, the rash mainly occurs on the extensor surfaces of the limbs.
After puberty, if atopic dermatitis persists, it tends to affect the flexural surfaces of the limbs, causing itchiness and dryness, with severe cases showing lichenification.
Most cases of allergic rhinitis begin to appear in toddlers around two to three years old, characterized by itchy nose, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge upon waking in the morning, with symptoms being milder in the afternoon or evening.
Unless there is postnasal drip or concurrent asthma, simple allergic rhinitis is not typically associated with coughing.
Unlike a common cold, which presents with nasal discharge and coughing throughout the day, the nasal discharge during recovery is thicker.
Asthma is characterized by nighttime and early morning cough, persistent cough that does not resolve, and after the age of two, a diagnosis can be more confidently established.
Wheezing may be heard during breathing, and lung function may decline, affecting daily life.
Consuming hydrolyzed protein formula can reduce the occurrence of allergic diseases later on, but it may result in looser stools.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Pei Ren-Sheng.

Reply Date: 2010/09/03

More Info

When it comes to understanding skin allergies in infants, particularly conditions like urticaria (hives) or atopic dermatitis (eczema), it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms, as well as when to seek medical help. Your concerns about your 3-month-old child experiencing red, raised spots on the skin that resemble hives are valid and warrant careful attention.

Understanding Skin Allergies in Infants
Skin allergies in infants can manifest in various forms, including hives, eczema, and other dermatological conditions. Hives, characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin, can appear suddenly and may be triggered by a variety of factors, including food allergies, environmental allergens (like pollen or pet dander), or even stress. In infants, the skin is particularly sensitive, and reactions can occur quickly.

When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Symptoms: If your child’s skin reactions are frequent and persistent, it is advisable to consult a pediatric dermatologist or allergist. While occasional hives may resolve on their own, ongoing symptoms could indicate an underlying allergy that needs to be addressed.

2. Severe Reactions: If you notice swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or if your child experiences difficulty breathing, this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which requires immediate medical attention.

3. Infection Signs: If the affected areas become increasingly red, warm, or produce pus, this could indicate a secondary infection, necessitating prompt medical evaluation.

4. Impact on Daily Life: If the skin condition is affecting your child’s sleep, feeding, or overall comfort, it is important to seek help to manage the symptoms effectively.

Dietary Considerations
Regarding your question about switching from lactose-free formula to hydrolyzed protein formula, this decision should be made in consultation with your pediatrician. Hydrolyzed formulas are often recommended for infants with a suspected cow’s milk protein allergy, as they contain proteins that are broken down into smaller, less allergenic pieces. However, if your child is tolerating the lactose-free formula without any signs of allergic reactions, it may not be necessary to switch.

General Care Tips
1. Moisturizing: Regularly apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your child’s skin to help maintain hydration and barrier function. This is particularly important for infants with eczema, as dry skin can exacerbate symptoms.

2. Bathing Practices: Use lukewarm water for baths and limit bath time to avoid drying out the skin. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to minimize irritation.

3. Clothing Choices: Dress your child in loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from soft fabrics like cotton. Avoid wool or synthetic materials that can irritate sensitive skin.

4. Monitor Diet: If you are breastfeeding, consider your own diet, as allergens can pass through breast milk. If your child is formula-fed, monitor for any changes in skin condition when introducing new foods or formulas.

5. Antihistamines: If your child is experiencing significant itching or discomfort, consult your pediatrician about the possibility of using antihistamines to alleviate symptoms.

Conclusion
In summary, while skin allergies in infants can be concerning, understanding the signs and knowing when to seek help is crucial. Regular consultations with your pediatrician or a specialist can help manage your child’s condition effectively. Additionally, maintaining a consistent skincare routine and being mindful of dietary choices can significantly improve your child’s comfort and skin health. Always prioritize professional guidance when making changes to your child’s diet or treatment plan.

Similar Q&A

Seeking Help for Skin Allergies and Ulcers in Toddlers Under 3

For a child under three years old experiencing skin allergies and ulcers, it is advisable to seek help from a pediatric dermatologist or a pediatrician with experience in dermatological conditions. If the child has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and the condition ...

Dr. Xie Degui reply Pediatrics
Hello: The child has a skin allergy predisposition that leads to atopic dermatitis, characterized by redness and scaling. It is particularly prone to occur on the child's face, torso, and areas of the arms and legs that can be scratched, causing intense itching which leads t...

Understanding Allergies in Toddlers: When to Seek Specialist Help

My daughter is only 2 years old and started seeing a dermatologist about 7 months ago due to difficulty sleeping at night caused by itching. The doctor couldn't clearly identify the allergy, questioning whether it was measles or atopic dermatitis. During this time, she has b...

Dr. He Shenglong reply Pediatrics
Hello: If a child's allergies are difficult to control, it is certainly advisable to visit a major hospital for evaluation. However, sometimes it can be challenging to identify the allergens. If there are specific allergens identified, it is important to avoid exposure to th...

Managing Allergies in Infants: Tips for Parents of Allergic Babies

Hello Dr. Zhao: My son is now two and a half months old. When he was nearly one month old, he exhibited allergic reactions—his face showed severe redness and rashes, and he was diagnosed with an allergic constitution by an allergist. Since I stopped breastfeeding around that time...

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Hsiao Hsuan, 1. Allergies in young children are primarily related to a genetic predisposition to allergic conditions, combined with environmental or food allergens that trigger allergic symptoms. As you mentioned, your child likely has atopic dermatitis, which is a form...

Understanding Infant Skin Issues: Eczema vs. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Hello Dr. Wu, I have a history of allergies, and my baby may also have an allergic predisposition. My baby is almost five months old and has red, flaky, and dry skin, especially on the back. The areas that are usually scratched are the head and occasionally the chest, but the bac...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis requires long-term observation, and I also tend to think it is seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Generally, it improves around 8 to 12 months of age, but moisturizing may still be necessary. I recommend trying petroleum jelly.