Skin rashes can be particularly vexing when the victim is a child. Few creatures are as self-sabotaging as an itchy kid. The urge to scratch can be overpowering to a young child, and the effects of over-zealously raking dirty fingernails over open sores and blisters can lead to more serious complications such as infections. Knowledge of the types of allergic rashes to which children are subject can help identify allergens that provoke cause them.
Hives
Hives, known by the medical term "urticaria," are red, raised patches of itchy skin that can pop up anywhere on the human body. Hives can result from allergies to foods or medications to which a child has developed an allergic sensitivity. The ingestion of these allergens can result in the development of hives that persist for several days.
Besides ingestion of allergens, children can develop allergic contact urticaria, a type of hives that is caused by physical contact with an allergen. DermNet NZ describes allergic contact urticaria as arising within five minutes of contact with the allergen, and vanishing about half an hour later. Cosmetics, textiles, latex, saliva, fish and vegetables have all been observed to cause contact urticaria in those who have an allergic sensitivity.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is also caused by contact with an allergen, though DermNet NZ notes that it is differs from allergic contact urticaria in that its effects appear later, becoming apparent hours after allergen exposure and lingering for days. Nickel metal is one of the main causes of allergic contact dermatitis. This metal is commonly present in costume jewelry as well as many other household items to which children may be exposed.
Contact allergies are not present during a child's first exposure to a particular allergen, but subsequent exposures may provoke a reaction. In some cases, the reaction may not occur until after a prolonged period of exposure.
Eczema
The red scaly patches associated with eczema are most frequently seen in young infants and those with family histories of allergy. This type of allergic skin reaction often affects the face, elbows and knees, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Certain types of food, as well as cat dander and house dust, are known to trigger attacks of eczema.
