How does an allergic skin reaction develop in babies and children??Pustules, wheals and co.The search for the trigger of an allergic skin reaction in babies and children can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Read about the potential triggers and how the rash develops here.
– Development of skin rash – symptoms – cause – measures – treatment
Development of skin rash in children and babies
Basically, the immune system's job is to fight off harmful invaders, such as flu viruses, to prevent the outbreak of disease. In the case of an allergy, however, the body also acts on harmless substances such as animal hair and foods. These triggering substances are called allergens. The reaction will then manifest itself in your baby in the form of various symptoms such as an allergic skin reaction, rhinitis or itching. But how does an allergic skin reaction develop?
1. If an allergen hits the skin or mucous membrane in the mouth, throat and intestines, peptides – tiny protein compounds – are released. 2. The peptides penetrate the skin barrier and dock onto so-called Immunoglobulin E antibodies. In general, antibodies are special proteins that are responsible for defense against intruders. 3. The IgE antibodies have previously mixed with mast cells associated. These are mainly found in the skin, respiratory tract and intestines – i.e. everywhere where they can encounter allergens. 4. The mast cells store histamine, a substance that, when combined with an IgE antibody, triggers inflammatory processes. 5. Among other things, the inflammatory substances lead to allergic skin reaction. The skin swells, itches and a visible rash forms.
Basically an allergy can be inherited. Up to 80 percent of children born to parents with a history of allergies also develop them. However, it is not only the genetic predisposition that matters. Special life circumstances, environmental influences, time of first allergen contact and the amount of allergens also play a decisive role in the development of a skin rash in babies and children.
Pustules, redness and wheals in children
A skin rash in children and babies can vary greatly in appearance, duration and severity. While in some children it is manifested by isolated pale pink dots, in others it can cause large wheals all over the body. The following signs of illness indicate an allergic skin reaction in your baby:
– pink or red spots – redness and swelling – dry, scaly or reddish patches – itching – nodules, blisters or wheals
What are wheals?
Urtica (wheals) in children are itchy elevations of the skin, which are dot-like to palm-sized, and consist mostly of water. The appearance of wheals is often compared to the appearance of the skin after touching stinging nettles.