Allergic (atopic) dermatitis in children is a common disease that most often manifests itself in the first months of life. Many mothers, noticing rashes and redness on the skin of the child, ignore the problem. They are in no hurry to seek help from a pediatrician, because all babies periodically have diathesis and prickly heat appears. Indeed, dermatitis in varying degrees affects about 90% of infants. However, this pathology should not be left to chance. In the absence of competent treatment and changes in nutrition, dermatitis can transform into a chronic form. Many children do not "outgrow" the disease and suffer from its manifestations for the rest of their lives.
It all starts with diathesis
If a baby has rashes on the skin, he is diagnosed with diathesis. Translated from the Greek language, this pathology means "a tendency to something." Diathesis is not a diseasesuch. Confirmation of pathology in a child explains its predisposition to certain allergic-type reactions. Skin rashes often transform into a chronic form - the so-called atopy.
Allergic dermatitis in infants can manifest itself for two reasons: a violation of the immune system or an unformed gastrointestinal tract. Most often, the body reacts to protein foods, which are difficult to digest by the baby. Milk, chicken or fish meat, eggs, as well as citrus fruits and chocolate can act as provocative products. Why do problems disappear with age? First of all, the baby "outgrows" his illness. In a grown-up child, the digestive organs work fully, they do an excellent job with new products. In addition, a change in diet is no longer the cause of a malfunction in the gastrointestinal tract, as it can happen when switching from breastfeeding to artificial feeding.
Allergic and atopic dermatitis
Some parents find it very difficult to understand the medical terms that doctors use when making a final diagnosis. Allergic dermatitis is no exception. Photos in children of this pathology can be viewed in specialized reference books. But even in such literature there is different information. Let's try to understand this issue further.
Dermatitis is a generalized name for skin inflammations that occur in children and adults. The disease has several forms. Therefore, parents often confuse one type of pathology with another. Allergic dermatitis develops as a result of the penetration of irritants from the environment into the body, direct contact is required. Atopic dermatitis due to the name explains the reason for its appearance. "Atopos" in Greek means "strange". A similar diagnosis is made to small patients if the cause of the disease is not identified. Atopic dermatitis manifests itself up to a year, and its symptoms do not differ from the allergic form.
How to distinguish one pathology from another? Symptoms of atopy make themselves felt if one of the parents has an allergy. To prevent its development, it is necessary to monitor the he alth of the child. Pathology can appear due to a number of conditions:
- hereditary predisposition;
- unsuitable climate;
- presence of respiratory/food allergens;
- staph;
- poor hygiene;
- drug intolerance.
If parents cannot influence the first two points, then attention should be paid to the rest.
Why do children experience allergic dermatitis?
The disease develops due to hypersensitivity to certain substances, which manifests itself with each contact with an irritant. Therefore, in the body of the baby, serious changes occur that affect the immune system. After the mother's womb, he is introduced to a whole new world, where allergens and other agents are constantly trying to attack him. Gradually, the body adapts to the createdconditions. At the same time, the “correct” immunity is developed. Before the body undergoes a long adaptation, the child will be exposed to such danger as allergic dermatitis every time. Photos of children with this diagnosis allow us to assess the insidiousness of the disease.
The main reason for the development of the disease is hereditary predisposition. If both parents show a tendency to allergies, the likelihood of a pathology in a child is about 80%. Symptoms of dermatitis only in mom or dad can be repeated in a child with a 50% probability. Only 20% of babies get sick when both parents are he althy.
In a child, allergic dermatitis makes itself felt under the influence of a hereditary factor and harmful stimuli at the same time. The following agents can provoke symptoms of the disease:
- Nutritional factor (components of a certain product are regarded by the body as foreign bodies).
- Contact irritant (washing powder, hygiene products, water can act as an allergen source).
- Respiratory allergen (irritant enters the child's body through the respiratory tract).
Among the wide variety of pathologies, the contact form of dermatitis should be mentioned separately. This disease develops against the background of direct interaction of the child's skin with external stimuli. Synthetic fabric, personal hygiene products, etc. can act as a foreign agent. Contact-allergic dermatitis in children can be treated at home. To do this, eliminate the effect of the irritant on the skin and removeassociated inflammation.
Main symptoms of the disease
The development of pathology begins with reddening of the skin and the appearance of rashes. They can appear in the form of cracks, sores or spots. The clinical picture is gradually supplemented by severe itching, dryness and flaking of the epidermis. During periods of exacerbation, irritation increases, so children can scratch the wounds.
Simultaneously with the listed symptoms, the skin changes. It becomes edematous, microvesicles with transparent contents appear. After a certain time, they open up. In this place, weeping sores are formed, which quickly dry out and leave behind crusts. The disease develops rapidly. If left untreated, it can transform into eczema.
In a child, allergic dermatitis goes through three stages of development:
- Infant. Occurs on the eighth week after the birth of the child, is characterized by an acute course. The main areas of localization of rashes are the buttocks, face, shins.
- Children's. It develops by the first year of a child's life and can continue until adolescence. The main areas of localization of rashes are the elbow and popliteal joints, upper chest, neck.
- Teenage. This stage begins during adolescence or immediately after it ends.
Shapes
In medical practice, it is customary to divide allergic dermatitis into several clinical and morphological varieties foraccurate diagnosis.
- Exudative form is the most common. Often, pathology is accompanied by the addition of a secondary infection. Exudative allergic dermatitis on the face of a child brings not only physical, but also aesthetic discomfort.
- The erythematous-squamous form appears in children under two years of age. It is characterized by the appearance of a rash of a scaly nature. As the disease progresses, the number of pathological lesions on the skin increases.
- Vesicular-crustous form is characterized by the appearance of microvesicles with serous contents. When combed, they open up. Pathology is accompanied by severe itching, possibly a slight increase in temperature.
- The lichenoid form is most often diagnosed in adolescence. The disease is manifested by clearly defined lesions with a shiny surface.
- Hebra Prurigo is characterized by the appearance of itchy papules in the folds of the limbs and the lumbar region.
Only a doctor can determine a specific type of disease after a series of laboratory tests.
How dangerous is allergic dermatitis in children?
The symptoms of this disease should not be ignored. Lack of proper therapy can lead to complications. Among them, bronchial asthma is considered the most dangerous. It manifests itself as the skin of the baby is cleared. Initially, it may seem that the disease has receded. In fact, it transformed into a more complex form and went deep into the body.
Another unpleasant complication isviolation of intradermal metabolism. If the parents strictly follow the doctor's instructions and follow all his recommendations, the disease may subsequently reappear in the form of psoriasis or urticaria. The latter is a serious pathology and is difficult to treat. Urticaria is a skin lesion in which mineral metabolism is disturbed.
Diagnostic measures
Only a pediatrician can identify a child with allergic dermatitis. During the initial diagnosis, the specialist studies the patient's history, the clinical picture of the disease and conducts a physical examination. After that, he appoints a series of laboratory tests:
- Immunoglobulin test. Blood is taken from a child from a vein and the level of immunoglobulin E is determined. If this indicator is elevated, there is a high probability of allergic dermatitis.
- Blood test.
- Immunogram. Allows you to identify violations in the main links of immunity and prevent complications of pathology.
- Urine analysis. The presence of protein and increased s alt content indicates a malfunction of the kidneys.
- Blood biochemistry.
- Sowing on worms. It is carried out if there is a suspicion of a malfunction in the gastrointestinal tract, the development of which causes allergic dermatitis.
In children, the cause of the disease is sometimes difficult to determine, especially in relapsing forms. Such patients are recommended to conduct skin tests in the interictal period. The procedure itself is quite simple and painless. Solutions with certain substances and water are applied to the skin. At the injection siteirritant, redness, slight swelling occurs. If the substance does not cause allergies, the skin remains clean. This procedure is recommended for children over three years of age.
Drug therapy
How to treat allergic dermatitis in a child? Pathology therapy is a long and complex process. It should be monitored by a pediatrician until the patient "outgrows" his diagnosis. Additionally, consultation with a gastroenterologist, neurologist or nutritionist may be required.
The first step in treating dermatitis is to eliminate direct contact with the allergen. Then it is necessary to remove the symptoms, namely the unpleasant itching. After all, because of him, small children are constantly naughty and do not sleep at night. For this purpose, Claritin, Zirtek, Telfast are usually prescribed. Antihistamines used in modern practice do not cause side effects.
Hormonal ointment is used to treat skin manifestations of the disease. With allergic dermatitis in children, Sinaflan or Celestoderm are especially effective. If the clinical picture is mild, it is better not to use hormonal drugs.
Very often, the treatment of the underlying disease is accompanied by the treatment of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. If the failure in the immune system is due to intestinal dysbacteriosis, the patient is shown taking prebiotics. The most effective among them are Linex and Probifor. In the case of an infection of bacterial etiology, antibiotic treatment is required.
Principles of Diet Therapy
The life of a baby with confirmed dermatitis has its own characteristics. It must be constantly protected from contact with possible irritants. Therefore, a special diet is selected for small patients. When breastfeeding, it should be followed not only by the child, but also by his mother. If the baby is on artificial nutrition, mixtures are selected with hypoallergenic components. In this case, it is necessary to additionally consult with a pediatrician.
Diet for allergic dermatitis in children involves the use of the safest foods in the diet. These are green varieties of apples, various cereals, cabbage, lean meat. To prevent skin rashes from the diet, it is necessary to remove foods that increase the level of histamine in the blood. These include mayonnaise, various smoked meats, canned food, cheeses. All products containing dyes and stabilizers are banned. I'll have to give up my favorite treats for a while - strawberries, citrus fruits and chocolate.
Recipes of folk healers
What does allergic dermatitis look like in children is known to almost all mothers. However, not everyone knows that it is possible to deal with its manifestations at home, but only after consultation with a pediatrician. Among the most popular recipes of folk healers are the following:
- Decoction of oak bark. You should prepare a mixture of calendula flowers, oak bark and ivy-shaped budra (two tablespoons of each ingredient). Herbal collection pour a glass of vegetable oil and boil. The resulting remedy is insisted overnight, after which it can be applied. To do this, gauze must be moistened with medicine and applied to the affected area. The procedure can be repeated several times.
- Ointment with sea buckthorn oil. In a child, allergic dermatitis can be cured by the favorite treat of many people. Two tablespoons of oil must be mixed with a glass of melted animal fat. The resulting medicine lubricates the foci of inflammation.
The presented recipes quickly relieve the symptoms of the disease, reduce itching and redness.
Prevention measures
How to treat allergic dermatitis in a child, we have already told. How to prevent its occurrence? The main preventive measures for allergic dermatitis are reduced to the elimination of factors that contribute to overdrying of the child's skin. Plentiful drink and cool air in the room help to keep the baby from sweating heavily. It is necessary to ensure that the child does not overeat. Undigested food can lead to reddening of the skin and rashes. When overeating, the body releases a large amount of antibodies, which leads to the formation of toxins. They adversely affect the fragile systems of the child from the inside. During the period of remission, it is not recommended to feed the baby with allergen products (citrus fruits, sweets). They can aggravate the clinical picture and lead to prolonged treatment.
Allergic dermatitis in a child under one year old often appears against the background of physical contact with irritants. Therefore, pediatricians recommend that parents use hypoallergenic powders,diapers and personal care products. It is better to buy clothes from natural fabrics (cotton, linen). It should be as comfortable as possible to wear, not restrict movement.
Parents should take care of their baby's skin every day. It must not be allowed to dry out. Moisturizing and softening the skin has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the baby. Special lotions and bath products help maintain the right pH level. This prevents diaper rash, excessive sweating and helps the affected skin heal faster.
Conclusion
One of the most common problems many parents face is allergic dermatitis. Symptoms and treatment in children of this disease cause a lot of controversy among pediatricians. The basis of its development is most often a hereditary factor. Among the main symptoms that accompany this insidious pathology, one can distinguish a rash on the skin, its swelling and severe itching. Treatment of dermatitis is usually complex. Therapy includes the use of antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs of local action. In especially serious cases and according to the doctor's recommendations, the use of hormonal ointments is indicated. Sick babies for a long time need to follow a special diet, limit contact with a potential irritant. Only in this case can we hope for a full recovery without complications in the future.
