Contact dermatitis can result from an irritant or an allergic reaction. Infants will generally be fussy with an obvious skin irritation and possibly swelling, warmth and redness. The rash may be itchy and will result from a substance that came into contact with your baby's skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is also dose-dependent. This means that each time the baby comes in contact with the same allergen, the response will be greater.
Onset
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the initial onset of an allergic contact dermatitis response is delayed. The body produces antibodies to the protein before a rash begins to develop. Sometimes a baby is sensitized with just one exposure to the substance. At other times, many exposures will occur before an allergic response develops. However, once the baby is sensitized, the next reaction will be much quicker, happening within four to 24 hours.
Identification
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic contact dermatitis is best identified by the itchy, red and blistered reaction on the skin once the baby has been in contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy. The rash can ooze clear fluid, crust over or simply swell. Sometimes the surface will harden and crack or the skin begins to lightly peel.
Causative Substances
A baby's body reacts to an allergen, which causes the red rash, bumps and blisters. According to the Mayo Clinic, this reaction can be associated with creams, lotions, new laundry detergent or cosmetics. Rashes appear where clothing has come in direct contact with your baby's skin, such as waistbands, wrists or ankles, or where the baby's skin has come into contact with a substance on another person, such as his mother's new makeup.
Prevention
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, once the baby's skin has been washed and cleared of the allergen, a second reaction from the same exposure incident will not occur. Touching the rash or the blisters will not spread the reaction. Once a baby has developed an allergic contact dermatitis, parents should keep track of the products that are in contact with both their skin and the baby's skin to prevent further outbreaks.
Solution
Treatment for an outbreak will not be effective until the baby is no longer exposed to the substance causing the problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, once parents identify and remove the substance, it can take up to four weeks for the irritation and rash to clear. In mild to moderate cases, pediatrician may recommend the use of barrier creams such as zinc oxide paste to protect the skin, or wet dressings to relieve redness and itching. Babies may also find relief from cool tub baths with colloidal oatmeal. More severe cases may be treated with oral corticosteroids or antihistamines to relieve the itching and inflammation.
