Generally, whether a child has an allergic constitution can be observed from infancy. Since an allergic constitution can significantly impact a child's health, it's important to identify it early and provide appropriate care. So, let's take a look at the symptoms and care for infants with allergic constitutions.
Early Symptoms of Infant Allergies
Rough skin and frequent scratching. If a child's skin becomes coarse, they scratch incessantly, resist being held, dislike wearing clothes, or cry at night, it may indicate infant eczema.Severe cases may present with redness, rashes, blisters, and peeling skin. This condition primarily stems from intolerance to ingested, inhaled, or contacted substances, influenced by environmental factors like humidity, sunlight, UV exposure, or allergies. Most children develop symptoms between 2-3 months after birth, typically resolving by ages 3-5.
"Horizontal nasal creases" and "saluting hands." Frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and nose-rubbing are classic signs of allergic rhinitis. This chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa is extremely common in children. Unlike the common cold, allergic rhinitis often flares upon waking, when exposed to odors, cooking fumes, or airborne dust.Spring (tree pollen) and autumn (grass pollen) are peak seasons for allergic rhinitis. Due to nasal itching, many children frequently rub their noses, leading to horizontal wrinkles on the nasal tip and bridge. To alleviate itching and clear nasal passages, some children repeatedly rub their noses upward with their palms, developing the allergic "saluting gesture," or exhibit restless sleep and sleeping on their stomachs.Additionally, red, itchy eyes with tearing and dark circles under the eyes may indicate allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinitis. Poor appetite, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. Children experiencing loss of appetite, irritability, fatigue, repeated vomiting, or prolonged diarrhea may have food allergies.Food allergy-induced anorexia accounts for a significant proportion of anorexic children. After consuming allergenic foods, they may develop symptoms such as perioral erythema and macules, along with varying degrees of abdominal distension, diarrhea, irritability, and failure to gain weight. In severe cases, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed as digestive or neurological disorders.Without identifying the food allergy, parents often persist in coaxing or forcing the child to eat the allergenic food, exacerbating the allergic reaction and creating a vicious cycle that worsens the anorexia.Many infants with prolonged diarrhea may exhibit red or white blood cells in their stool, or stool with streaks of blood or blood itself, yet show no signs of infection. If repeated antibiotic treatments for infection yield little improvement, consider milk protein or other food allergies. Promptly seek medical evaluation for food allergy testing.
Persistent dry cough. If a child experiences recurrent coughing and wheezing without fever or cold symptoms, asthma should be suspected. Asthmatic children do not always present with wheezing initially; there is often a period of precursor symptoms requiring careful parental observation. For example, a cough lasting over a month, predominantly occurring in the morning upon waking or at night.The cough is often irritating and dry with little phlegm, accompanied by a "wheezing" or "barking" sound in the throat. Coughing worsens after inhaling cold air or consuming cold drinks. Following physical activity, coughing may intensify and be accompanied by wheezing. If these symptoms appear, a visit to an asthma clinic is necessary.
Care Principles for Infants with Allergic Constitution
Desensitization Therapy: For patients with severe symptoms, desensitization therapy may be employed to help modify the allergic constitution.
Dietary Management: Avoid allergenic foods. Maintain regular meal times and portion sizes while ensuring nutritional balance. Limit greasy, sweet, or irritating foods, tobacco, and alcohol. Prioritize high-protein, high-calcium foods with adequate caloric intake. Strictly avoid cold foods.
Selecting Appropriate Skincare Products: Individuals with allergies should exercise caution when purchasing skincare products. Avoid items with strong fragrances, and use products containing alcohol or fruit acids with care. Refrain from using deep-cleansing scrubs or exfoliating creams, as these can exacerbate allergic reactions. When purchasing, choose products labeled "for sensitive skin," "hypoallergenic," or "dermatologist-tested."