Allergies are a common health problem, particularly in children. In general, allergies that cause rashes to develop do not pose a significant health problem but they can cause significant discomfort. There are some particularly common allergens to which many children are sensitive. If the allergens cannot be avoided, the resulting rashes can be treated.
Mechanism
Children can develop allergic rashes due to their immune system being overly sensitive to certain substances, which are known as allergens, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology explains. Patients who have an allergy have special proteins called IgE antibodies which are designed to bind to the allergen. When these proteins bind to the allergen, they emit chemical signals that activate the immune system, leading to inflammation which can cause a rash. Because the immune system of children is particularly sensitive, they are more likely to suffer from allergic reactions.
Triggers
Allergic rashes are usually caused by a condition known as contact dermatitis, which describes inflammation caused by irritants or allergens. Poison oak, sumac and ivy are common triggers for contact dermatitis. Children may also be allergic to rubber, latex and certain kinds of fabric or clothing. Children can also be allergic to metals such as nickel, cosmetics, certain kinds of fragrances and detergents as well as certain solvents or adhesives. Allergic rashes in a child can likewise be the result of use of certain antibiotics, topical anesthetics and other medications.
Symptoms
Contact dermatitis causes the affected part of the skin to become red, inflamed and itchy, Medline Plus explains. The skin will commonly be tender and slightly swollen as a result of the inflammation. Sometimes the affected part of the skin will feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow. Contact dermatitis can cause a variety of skin lesions including a rash, vesicles and blisters. The skin lesion may become crusty, ooze or drain fluid and become scaly, thickened and raw.
Diagnosis
The cause of contact dermatitis can sometimes be identified by a trained dermatologist who may be able to identify the allergen by examining the rash's pattern and distribution. He may also ask the child about any activities associated with the development of the rash. Patch testing, the American Academy of Dermatology notes, can also be used; with this test, potential allergens are rubbed on a patch of the child's skin. If the child is allergic to this substance, a rash will develop on the area.
Treatment
In general, mild allergic rashes can be treated with antihistamines and topical corticosteroids; both treatments work to reduce the immune system's reaction that causes the rash to develop, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. Blisters can be treated with moist compresses. More severe allergic rashes may require corticosteroids to be taken orally or injected into the affected area.
