Allergic reactions in babies and infants can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening.
Emergency symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) can develop within minutes.
Topical treatments such as corticosteroids may be prescribed by your pediatrician to relieve symptoms.
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Its especially common in toddlers and young children.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Common symptoms are extremely red, itchy bumps in the affected skin area.
These may develop into fluid-filled blisters and, eventually, scars (especially if scratched excessively).
Bug bites can be avoided with protective clothing and baby-safe insect repellent.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Hiring an exterminator may be necessary if you have bugs in the home.
Hives
Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy bumps that are typically red or otherwise discolored.
You may notice just one or twohiveson your babys skin, or they may appear in clusters or rashes.
Hives can develop in response to any allergy trigger.
Food Allergies
Food allergies, including formula allergies, are common in babies and young children.
In rare cases, food allergies are life-threatening.
These reactions require emergency care and are typically treated withepinephrine.
Keeping your baby indoors during these times can help to reduce their symptoms.
In babies and toddlers, the first signs, such as drooling and scratching, may appear mild.
For example, you might track what foods they eat and their reactions afterward.
Take note of when the symptoms worsen and when they seem to subside.
In the meantime, there are many ways to help your infant find relief.
However, your healthcare provider might prescribe nondrowsy antihistamines, such ascetirizine, if your infants symptoms persist.
For skin conditions like eczema or papular urticaria, your healthcare provider could prescribe topical creams such ascorticosteroids.
Summary
Allergic reactions in babies and infants are relatively common and range from mild to severe.
Symptoms may range from sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing to a skin rash or itchy bumps.
If you notice any signs of anaphylaxissuch as difficulty breathing or swelling in the faceget emergency assistance right away.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Prevention of allergies and asthma in children.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to treat eczema in babies.
National Eczema Association.Baby eczema: Causes, symptoms, treatment and more.
The Society for Pediatric Dermatology.What is papular urticaria?
National Health Service.Rashes in babies and children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Food allergies and intolerances in newborns and infants.
National Health Service.Food allergies in babies and young children.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Food allergy anaphylaxis in infants and toddlers.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Outdoor allergens.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Indoor allergens.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma in infants.
