Allergic dermatitis in infants, diathesis, infant eczema ... As soon as they do not call an allergic reaction in the form of skin rashes in infants. This disease of an allergic nature is a fairly common occurrence not only in infants, but also in older children. If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner for effective treatment, then the disease can develop into a chronic form. Consider why there is allergic dermatitis in infants, what forms of the disease exist and how to treat.
Causes
In recent years, the number of people who literally suffer from allergies has increased significantly. The body's response to external stimuli is becoming rampant. Often there is allergic dermatitis in infants with breastfeeding. Many parents simply do not know how to properly treat. The disease itself will not go away. A thorough diagnosis and effective therapy are needed.
Causes of an allergic form of dermatitis:
- digestive disorders as a result of gastrointestinal diseases;
- dysbiosis;
- improper nutrition (the introduction of complementary foods at an early stage, the inclusion in the diet of citrus fruits, nuts, honey, fish, fatty pork, seafood);
- when using children's cosmetics and low-quality hygiene products (shampoos, soaps, creams, ointments);
- synthetic clothing with dyes on the fabrics worn by the baby;
- taking certain medications;
- infection of a bacterial origin;
- reaction to chemically active substances such as acid and alkali;
- exposure to radiation, temperature changes;
- household dust;
- plant pollen;
- hair and excrement of domestic animals.
Allergic dermatitis in infants can occur even with overeating or due to digestive problems. The intestines of a child are difficult to digest the entire amount of food consumed. If you reduce the load on the digestive tract, then the symptoms disappear. The allergic form of dermatitis is most prone to babies who have a hereditary predisposition.
Why is the baby's body susceptible to an allergic reaction? The fact is that in the body of the newborn there is a restructuring. This process affects many systems, including the immune system. Every day, the baby's body is faced with a huge amount of allergens. Since the immune system is still immature, an incorrect immune response to an external stimulus is formed. As a result, an allergic reaction on the child’s body.
There are three ways in which an allergen enters the baby's body:
- With food and drink (if food allergies).
- With direct skin contact with an allergen (household chemicals, synthetic clothing).
- By inhaling irritant (allergic to dust, indoor flowers, pollen).
The specific allergen can be determined by the reaction on the skin. If allergic dermatitis occurs in infants after eating a certain product, then it is called food. This is the most common cause of the allergic form of dermatitis. Other forms of the disease are non-food dermatitis.
Doctors identify several reasons for the development of allergic dermatitis provoked by food:
- with artificial feeding;
- in case of violation of the diet;
- with the introduction of allergenic foods (eggs, fish, citrus fruits, milk, red berries, vegetables, strawberries, raspberries and chocolate) into the diet;
- with early feeding.
The child needs to introduce new foods gradually. The digestive system should be strengthened.
Risk factors
In the list of risk factors that provoke the appearance of allergic dermatitis, there are certain diseases. List of pathological conditions of infants:
- immunodeficiencies of various etiologies;
- physiological immaturity of the baby’s immunity (a reduced immune system mainly in premature babies and with congenital diseases, as well as those who are being breast-fed);
- dysbiosis;
- digestive disorders due to a lack of pancreatic enzyme production;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- hereditary predisposition to allergic diseases.
Infants at an early feeding stage (up to 4 months of age) are also at risk. Parents smoking in the room where the child is located, inadequate skin care for the baby, unsanitary conditions and inappropriate temperature in the room. All these factors affect the condition of the child and can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
Symptomatic signs are manifested not only in the form of rashes on the skin, but also in the defeat of body systems. In particular, the digestive and respiratory systems are affected.
The main symptoms of allergic dermatitis in a baby:
- Hyperemia of the skin. Often localized on the foot is allergic dermatitis in a child. In this case, folds (on the hands also), elbow and knee bends are affected. On the face, allergic dermatitis in the baby manifests itself, spreading to the neck, back and even in the ass.
- Inflamed areas resemble acne, small vesicles.
- The affected skin is dry, peeling.
- A crust forms on the head of the baby (photo of allergic dermatitis in the baby, see below).
- Itching of the affected skin.
- Swelling of the mucous membrane of the eye, oral and nasal cavities. These processes are clinically manifested as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. The most dangerous phenomenon is Quincke's edema. In this case, an instant hospitalization of the baby will be required.
- The functioning of the digestive system deteriorates: diarrhea, constipation, regurgitation, the color of the stool changes.
- The well-being of the child is disturbed: it becomes moody, appetite worsens and sleep is disturbed.
If you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, purulent complications may develop. Such a dangerous phenomenon is fraught with a secondary infection.
Localization
Allergic dermatitis is accompanied by severe itching. Red spots appear on the cheeks, legs, hands. If the allergen reaction is strong, then the abdomen and back are affected. Weeping ulcers may form on the affected area of the skin.
Consider a typical localization of the disease:
- On the face: diathesis is accompanied by cough, nasal congestion and lacrimation. Skin rashes often provoke fruits, vegetables, flavors, and colorings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction appear fairly quickly - within 30 minutes.
- On the hands: this is a frequent place of localization of diathesis. With direct contact with the allergen (household chemicals, cosmetics), redness appears on the back of the child's palms. The skin becomes dry, tightened. Itching and peeling are formed. Often, an allergy in the hands appears after an insect bite. Severe itching forces the child to constantly scratch the affected area. This greatly aggravates the condition. An example photo of allergic dermatitis in infants is below.
- On hands allergic dermatitis may appear after eating sweets, coffee, cocoa and some medications. Even a change in weather affects a child’s health. Wind, frost cause redness, swelling and severe itching on the hands. Therefore, it is necessary to use a special cream for the baby’s hands, put on warm gloves in cold, frosty weather.
- On the feet, allergic dermatitis in children (photo below) is localized in the main lesion sites - the area of the hips, calves, calves and knees.
- Often, allergies appear on the feet. Pimples of various shapes, pustules form. In this case, the inflamed areas of the skin swell.
- Allergic dermatitis in the pope in a child is manifested with a diaper form of the disease. A common reason is non-compliance with hygiene rules.
- Allergic dermatitis on the head of a child is clinically manifested in the form of flaky crusts.
The latter type of dermatitis usually manifests itself in seborrheic form, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Forms of Dermatitis
The clinical picture, depending on the etiological factor, may be different. Doctors divide dermatitis into the following forms:
- Seborrheic type of allergic dermatitis. On the head of the child yellow and light brown crusts form. The affected area of the skin is very flaky. The scalp is usually inflamed. If the form of the disease is in an aggravated form, then the crusts appear on the face, neck, chest, ears. This form of allergic dermatitis can be cured. Often the symptoms go away on their own, without the intervention of a doctor.
- Diaper allergic dermatitis. This form of the disease manifests itself in the form of diaper rash on the skin folds. Most often, the skin on the buttocks and perineum is affected. If you do not follow the rules of hygiene, then the baby's condition may worsen.
- Atopic form of allergic dermatitis. This form of the disease is associated with seasonal exacerbation. Rashes appear in the offseason. In summer and winter, remission usually occurs. The provocateurs of this form of dermatitis are food allergens and a hereditary predisposition.
Over the years, the baby can outgrow this disease. However, there are cases when atopic dermatitis is supplemented by other allergens. Over time, an adult child may be allergic to pollen, pet hair, dust, and other substances.
How the disease proceeds: stages
During the diagnosis, the doctor determines the stage of the disease of the small patient. Four stages of an allergic form of dermatitis are distinguished:
- Initial is manifested by swelling of the skin, peeling and hyperemia. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, then another stage may develop gradually.
- Expressed in acute and chronic forms. The characteristic rashes eventually transform into crusts and scales.
- The stage of remission is characterized by a decrease and disappearance of unpleasant signs of the disease. Remission can last several weeks, and sometimes lasts for years.
- Clinical recovery: at this stage, the symptoms of dermatitis completely disappear for several years.
Timely treatment of dermatitis brings the stage of remission and clinical recovery closer.
Diagnostics
Before prescribing effective therapy, the doctor must identify the nature and localization of the exacerbation. Diagnostics includes such laboratory tests:
- blood and urine tests;
- immunological and serological analysis;
- tissue analysis for histology;
- biopsy;
- transcript of tests for allergens.
Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will be able to establish the cause of the development of allergic dermatitis in the baby. After that, specific therapy is prescribed. If medical recommendations are followed, a period of remission can be assumed.
Therapy
With allergic dermatitis in infants, treatment should be immediate. The main thing is to eliminate the cause of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive.
Doctors recommend the use of such drugs from pharmacological groups:
- Antihistamines, which are aimed at reducing itching, hyperemia and swelling of the skin of the child. Cure allergic dermatitis in the baby "Fenistil", "Zodak", "Suprastin" in the form of gels, ointments or tablets.
- Immunomodulators, a vitamin and mineral complex are recommended to be used to normalize immunity and restore metabolic processes in the body.
- Enterosorbents: Smecta, Lactofiltrum, Polysorb. These drugs are prescribed to remove toxins, allergens, and toxic metabolic products from the body.
- enzymes to restore digestion.
- Pre- and probiotics to normalize the composition of the gastrointestinal microflora.
- Ointments that accelerate the regeneration of the skin: Sudocrem, Radevit, Depanthenol.
- Glucocorticoids in the form of ointments: Advantan, Elokom, Futsikort. Breastfeeding - strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Antiseptics and antifungal drugs as a prophylaxis and treatment of secondary infection or in case of complication.
It is recommended to consult a dermatologist (if symptoms are mild) and an allergist (if you are allergic to food).
Physiotherapy
If the baby has allergic dermatitis, treatment may include physiotherapy. This method applies to those babies who are in stationary conditions. The most effective physiotherapy procedures: laser therapy, electrosleep, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, reflexology, ultraviolet radiation, PUVA therapy.
We treat at home
If the baby's mother knows which allergen provokes rashes, then it is necessary to protect the child from contact with him. If an allergy is caused by a certain food product, then it needs to be removed from the baby’s diet.
Often, an allergy in a child occurs due to exposure to an external stimulus. The main task of mom is to maintain cleanliness in the house and a certain temperature, humidity. It is better to get rid of carpets and feather pillows. And give pets to good friends.
How to treat allergic dermatitis in infants? A baby up to a year needs to be transferred to a hypoallergenic diet. Doctors recommend the use of gentle antihistamines, which are prescribed from birth. For example, gel and drops "Fenistil." And from half a year you can use Zirtek drops.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine for allergic dermatitis is practically ineffective. However, it’s worth a try. To prepare a herbal decoction, you need such components:
- 3 tbsp. l dried shredded plants (a string, periwinkle, celandine, hops are suitable);
- 1 liter of boiling water.
It is necessary to fill the grass with hot water and let it infuse for 4 hours. An infused broth should lubricate inflamed skin areas or make lotions.
Mom's diet
It is necessary to remove allergenic products from the diet of not only the baby, but also the mother. So, you must limit yourself to the use of flour, sweet and salty. Do not eat honey, nuts, citrus fruits, strawberries, chocolate and seasonings. Seminal or oatmeal porridge, as well as those products that contain gluten, can provoke an allergy.
In the first feeding should be zucchini or cauliflower. Then you can add dairy-free cereal. When the child turns 8 months old, you can introduce him to the meat of turkey or rabbit.
Prevention
Doctors noted that children who are breastfed are less likely to be allergic. Therefore, mother must follow a diet and not deviate from the rules for the introduction of complementary foods.
As soon as the baby's parents noticed dermatitis on his body, it is immediately necessary to see a doctor. If you identify the disease in time and treat it, then you can soon forget about the painful itching and redness.
As a preventive measure, be sure to ventilate the room, observe the temperature regime in the baby's room. It should be from 18 to 20 degrees, and air humidity should not be less than 60%.
Forget about smoking in the same room with the baby. Daily hygiene procedures, the use of only high-quality natural hygiene products, a change of bedding and underwear for the baby will help protect the child from the onset of the “enemy” - dermatitis.