Allergy and Eczema

Causes, Symptoms, and Management of Allergy and Eczema in Children

Allergies and eczema are prevalent conditions among children, often interconnected. Many children with eczema also experience allergies such as asthma, hay fever, or food allergies. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for managing these conditions effectively.

Prevalence in Australia

Australia has one of the highest rates of allergic conditions in the world, with around 1 in 5 children affected by eczema. Food allergies affect about 10% of infants and 4-8% of children up to the age of 5, contributing to the rising incidence of allergies.

Causes of Allergies and Eczema

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition influenced by genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, pollen, pet dander, and food allergens.
Food Allergies: Common triggers include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Food allergies can worsen eczema, and reactions may include rashes, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Environmental Allergies: Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can cause allergic reactions, leading to eczema flare-ups, sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.

Symptoms of Eczema and Allergies

Eczema:
- Red, dry, itchy patches of skin
- Rash on the face, hands, or inside elbows and knees
- Skin infections from scratching
Allergy Symptoms:
- Hives or swelling
- Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting (especially with food allergies)
- Severe cases can cause anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Condition

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It typically occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen and requires immediate medical attention. While allergies can cause mild reactions such as hives, anaphylaxis presents with more serious symptoms.
Signs of Anaphylaxis:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat, tongue, or face
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Dizziness or fainting
- Drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with epinephrine, often administered via an auto-injector (such as an EpiPen), and emergency medical assistance.

Difference Between Allergy and Anaphylaxis:

Allergy: Refers to the body’s immune system reacting to a substance, often leading to mild to moderate symptoms like itching, sneezing, or a rash.
Anaphylaxis: A severe, rapidly progressing allergic reaction that affects multiple systems in the body, including the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, requiring immediate intervention.

Managing Eczema and Allergies

Eczema Care:

1. - Moisturise the skin regularly with fragrance-free products.
  - Use mild cleansers and avoid hot water.
  - Identify triggers like dust mites or certain foods and avoid them.
  - Medicated creams or ointments may be recommended for flare-ups.
2. Allergy Management:
  - Work with your doctor to identify triggers through allergy testing.
  - Eliminate or reduce exposure to allergens, whether they are food-based or environmental.
  - Antihistamines can help manage allergic reactions, while an epinephrine auto-injector should be carried for children at risk of anaphylaxis.
3. Prevention:
  - Introducing allergenic foods early in a child’s diet (under medical supervision) can reduce the risk of food allergies.
  - Breastfeeding for the first six months may reduce the likelihood of developing eczema and food allergies.

Shire Doctors and Dentists Can Help

At Shire Doctors and Dentists, our experienced team can provide expert guidance and management for allergies and eczema in children. We work with families to create personalized treatment plans to help your child thrive.

Your Trusted Paediatrics & Child Health GP in The Shire

When you contact your Paediatrics & Child Health GP at Shire Doctors and Dentists, we help to diagnose your child’s health issues, and most importantly, find treatments and ways to manage these conditions to ease your concerns.

Sometimes all it takes is 10 minutes time with a Paediatrics & Child Health GP and it can save countless hours of worry, so please don’t hesitate to reach out – make an appointment online or by calling 02 9063 8650 to see a children’s health GP at Shire Doctors and Dentists today.