Allergic skin diseases include atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis (irritant dermatitis), hives (urticaria), and angioedema.
Seek help if your child:
• Is so uncomfortable that the condition is affecting sleep and daily activities.
• Has a skin infection caused by aggressive scratching that has broken the skin.
• Continues to experience symptoms despite trying basic remedies at home.
Atopic dermatitis is a red, itchy rash common in infants and children. It’s estimated that eczema affects 11 percent of children in the United States. Atopic dermatitis is often the first sign that a child may develop food allergies, asthma, or allergic reactions to airborne substances such as pollen and animal dander that affect their nose and eyes.
Learn more about Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory disorder caused by a substance or allergen on the skin. There are two types: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.
Learn more about Contact Dermatitis (Irritant Dermatitis)
Hives are itchy, reddened welts (bumps) that range from small spots to large patches of skin. Angioedema is a related kind of swelling that affects deeper layers in your skin.
Learn more about Hives (Urticaria)
Angioedema is swelling below the surface of the skin and fatty tissue that sometimes causes pain. It is similar to hives and can occur simultaneously. It commonly appears around the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disease (passed down in families). It causes repeated life-threatening episodes of swelling, mostly in the face, hands, feet, vocal cords, or genitals. Swelling in the airways of the lungs or the intestinal walls can be dangerous.
Learn about treatment at Brown University Health for more pediatric asthma and allergy conditions
