One of the most common types of topical allergies (skin allergies) is contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis1 is another type of allergy caused by contact with substances that can irritate the skin. This irritation can cause bumps, redness, swelling, pimple-like eruptions, and also itching in the affected and irritated area.
When Does Dermatitis Occur?
Some children develop this type of allergy early on and contact dermatitis can appear from any substance2. It only takes the child coming into contact with a skin irritant to trigger a skin reaction. Contact dermatitis can appear more easily in the summer, when exposure to pool chlorine is much greater and also when children play more outdoors.
It also happens because contact with triggering factors is more frequent in the summer, since children wear less clothing. Contact dermatitis flare-ups are not always immediate after contact with the allergenic substance. The reaction may occur from 2 to 48 hours after contact and one of the first signs is redness at the site. Contact dermatitis is not contagious, so there is no problem with social interaction.
Main Causes
Anything can trigger contact dermatitis, including chalkboard chalk, crayons, cleaning products, creams, even those made for children. Even some foods like ketchup and mustard, which are more acidic than other condiments, can cause a reaction when in contact with the skin. Therefore, it’s very important to pay close attention and, if necessary, carry out tests that can identify the cause of contact dermatitis in the child.
How to Identify the Cause of Contact Dermatitis in Children?
These tests are done in a specialized laboratory and are both very simple and complex. Most tests to determine which substances can trigger an allergic episode involve practically testing some elements that an allergic child might react to.
How the Allergy Test Is Done
Small quantities of different substances are applied to small areas of the skin with adhesive patches and recorded by the specialist. It’s also important to say that these tests must be performed by a qualified and experienced professional, because sometimes a child can be extremely allergic to several components, which could worsen the contact dermatitis.
Reader Story
And who hasn’t seen someone with an inflamed ear from a type of metal they are intolerant to? Alessandra has quite severe contact dermatitis and what triggers it are certain types of metals used in some costume jewelry. Unfortunately, Alessandra’s daughter, Julia, is also allergic to metals, which means she can’t wear earrings or bracelets.
“Julia is extremely vain, she cries every day because she sees her friends wearing earrings and she can’t. I’ve had this same metal allergy since I was very young too, but I don’t mind not being able to wear trendy earrings.
Nowadays I wear a light point made of surgical material, which is the only thing that doesn’t cause an allergic reaction, but Julia can’t even use this type of metal; her dermatitis is very noticeable and she needs medication to prevent inflammation. That’s why I prefer not to let her wear anything, although she asks me very, very much…”
There are also some cases of contact dermatitis caused by fingernails. A simple scratch can get infected and cause an ugly wound. In my family, there are allergies to fingernails, condiments, bleach, and some types of perfume. In all cases, the blisters get very large and fill with fluid.
Symptoms have also occurred just from excess heat in the summer. This is because children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’. There are some babies who are allergic to certain diaper brands—this is another type of the condition and may lead the baby to use only cloth diapers as a result of the allergy.
Treatment of Contact Dermatitis
Treatment for contact dermatitis will depend on the severity and degree of the case. There are very effective ointments for mild cases of contact dermatitis. More severe cases can be treated with antihistamines (allergy medications) for significant improvement3.
But always together with a topical ointment and also prescribed by a pediatrician or dermatologist. In very severe cases where the lesion is inflamed, antibiotic ointments are used and are very effective.
Essential Care
For those with dry-type dermatitis, keeping the skin moisturized in the summer is very important. Grape seed oil-based creams are great for this purpose and can be easily found in compounding pharmacies. To prevent contact dermatitis, parents should pay close attention, as the child will certainly react to the substance they are allergic to, so removing the trigger is crucial. In cases of itchy irritation, keep the child’s nails trimmed to prevent injury. And most importantly, take your child to the doctor regularly until the lesion is completely healed and follow the treatment strictly.
See also: Diaper rash in babies: how to prevent
Photo: Care_SMC
