If your 3-year-old develops a small rash on her face when she eats certain foods, she's most likely experiencing an allergic reaction. DrGreene.com says that food allergies are the most common during the first three years of life. Eczema is one of the most common allergic rashes that develop in toddlers after they eating something they're allergic to. The top five foods that cause an allergic reaction in toddlers are soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts and cow's milk. Get the rash evaluated by her pediatrician.
Background
About 3 million children in the United States are diagnosed with food allergies, according to Kids Health. Many times the allergic food is discovered when soft foods are introduced into his diet. Introducing too many foods at one time or introducing foods too early can trigger an allergic reaction. Skin rashes are a common symptom of a food allergy that can form within minutes after you toddler eats certain foods. The immune system doesn't identify the proteins in the food as safe, so it overreacts and causes the body to produce disease-fighting chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.
Common Rash
Eczema is the most common rash to form on a 3-year-old related to a food allergy. Eczema is a skin rash that often appears after your toddler eats something that causes irritation or inflammation. The most common places for eczema on a toddler's body are the cheeks, forehead and scalp; it can spread to the chest, arms and legs, according to the Baby Center. Eczema causes the skin to become bumpy, red and blistery, and ooze and itch. The rash isn't contagious. It's treatable by avoiding eating foods that trigger the condition and keeping the skin moisturized.
Hives Consideration
Hives is another rash related to food allergies. Hives are pink bumps that develop into clusters of welts on the face and other parts of the body. Kids Health says hives affect between 10 percent and 25 percent of people, and are common after eating an allergic food. Hives can appear in rings and groups that join together but can change shape and size in a matter of minutes. Hives are extremely itchy and may be a sign of a more serious allergic condition called anaphylaxis.
Warning
If you notice that along with a facial rash, your child becomes short of breath and her face begins to swell, call 911 immediately. Food allergies can cause a severe allergic reaction that could be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Anaphylaxis causes the entire body to experience an allergic reaction at the same time.
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