Skin allergies in toddlers can occur due to external or internal sources. External sources can be foods, objects, clothing, environment and others. Internal sources can be genetic, internal organ malfunction etc.
It is very important for you to identify the correct sources of allergy at the right time so that right treatment can be provided. Many of the external allergies are temporary as they depend on the skin contact period with the allergens. Once the skin contact with the object ends, the allergy symptoms will naturally go away.
For example you can consider skin allergy for woollen clothes in some toddlers. As long as they are wearing clothes they may exhibit skin allergic reactions like itching, irritation and so on.
However some types of allergies can be long lasting in nature. Allergy to synthetic cosmetics, chemicals and medicines are examples for this type. These allergies need proper treatment from your dermatologist.
You may also treat your toddler at home when the intensity of allergic reactions is mild or moderate.
Skin Allergy Treatment for Toddlers
Treatment methods for toddler skin allergies depend on the type of their skin, skin allergy type and its intensity. Skin allergy in many cases may lead to infections when the contact with allergen persists over a long time. When you wish to provide the right kind of allergy treatment for your toddler you need to her diagnosed by the skin specialist.
The Cytotoxic Test
The specialist conducts a “Cytotoxic test” on her and determines most of allergic factors. This test can be used to determine allergic reactions to inhalants, dyes used in foods, chemicals and other substances.
The test is conducted by exposing the white blood cells in your toddler’s body to the substance which is suspected to be allergen. Once the cause of allergy has been identified it becomes easy to keep away from it.
Skin Allergy Symptoms and Treatment
In this section you can read about some of the common allergies in toddlers and ways to treat them. As specified above you can choose to have a skin specialist cure it when the symptoms are severe or chronic. When the symptoms are in mild or moderate stages you can try out the homemade recipe explained here.
1. Poison IVY
Sensitive skin in your toddler can make her skin vulnerable to this skin allergy called poison IV. It causes round red bumps on her skin with pus fillings. Initially the skin starts itching with appearance of red spots. As days progress these spots develop into bumps.
Since the skin pores get blocked in these regions, the dirt and toxic elements have no way to go out. Hence they get clotted within these bumps and form pus. Most common causes in USA for this type of allergy are the poison plant. Three types of such plants namely Ivy, Sumac and oak cause skin allergy leading to infections.
How to treat it?
- If the symptoms are in initial stages you can wash the skin with pure water several times and then dry it. Keep her away from the plant and she will feel fine.
- When the allergy is in the stage of red spots you can apply a combination of Aloe Vera gel, essential oil, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Mix one teaspoon of each ingredient in a bowl and apply onto the affected regions of skin.
- Even if the allergic reactions were to be in moderate stage when the bumps are filled with pus and leaking, you can try the same combination after washing the bumps with a skin disinfectant like vitamin c serum. If the symptoms persist without break you need to consult your skin specialist for clinical treatment.
2. Skin Tenderness
Toddlers often experience tenderness in skin due to medicinal allergy. Sometimes this allergic reaction can also occur due to hormone imbalances. It can result in pain in the affected regions. In some cases it may also lead to fibrocystic types of reactions resulting in lumps.
You can treat it by applying vitamin E oil in the initial stages. When it is in moderate stage you need to use selenium for treatment. Consult your doctor before using selenium as it may cause side effects if your toddler’s skin is sensitive or allergic to it.
3. Nettle Rash
This is a skin allergic reaction to nettle plant stings. It can result in swellings leading to itching and burning sensation. Dairy products, chocolate, egg and other forms of food allergens can also be responsible for this type of allergy. Salt water treatment at home can reduce the symptoms to a considerable extent.
4. Insect bites
Insect bites can result in allergic reactions like red spots, swelling, skin inflammation and probable bumps. If your toddler’s skin is sensitive she can also experience swelling in bumps with breathing issues. Honey bee, fire ants, wasps and centipede bites can cause this type of allergic reaction.
If it is honey bee bite the stinger will remain in the skin. You need to pull it out and wash the areas with cold water. Then apply antiseptic gel like Aloe Vera. If the irritation persists you need to consult your skin specialist for clinical treatment.
You can also use an active charcoal tablet for treating the insect bites. You need to crush the tablet and convert into fine powder. Apply it onto affected area and lightly bandage it. The skin condition should return to normalcy within a few hours.
5. Itch Mites
Itch mite is a type of allergic reaction due to contact with mites from birds. Pigeons could be the major carriers of these mites. The reaction may start after a few minutes of contact or after several days.
You need to identify the cause and provide the right sort of treatment. Burdock root is the recommended treatment for this. By mixing it with one teaspoon of yallow and yellow-dock root you need to boil the mixture in water. Add cocoa fat powder and continue to boil it for 30 minutes.
Once the liquid gets cooled to room temperature you can use it for relieving and eliminating the effects of itch mites.