Chemical Allergies In Children
As allergies go, chemical allergies in children occur less frequently than other types of allergies such as seasonal child allergies and child food allergies. Chemical allergies in children do occur, however, and it takes a targeted effort to combat them.
Child Chemical Allergy Basics And Diagnosis
Chemical allergies can be difficult to diagnose because there is not always an immediate reaction that can be directly linked to a known, specified chemical. Many times, the chemical allergen is one of many that exists within a formulation of a product or one that has traveled within reach of a child with chemical allergies. Chemicals can travel great distances in outside air, and often go completely undetected. Due to their elusive nature, some doctors and professionals do not characterize reactions to chemicals as allergies at all, and instead may refer to the condition as chemical sensitivity.
Complicating diagnosis of chemical allergies in children is the fact that symptoms can vary widely. Symptoms of chemical allergies in children may present as common nasal allergy symptoms—itching, redness, sneezing, and congestion—or they may present as asthma symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. chemical allergies in children may also mimic skin allergies, particularly those that cause contact allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and hives; reddened skin, swelling, blistering, scaling, flaking, and skin irritation might present.
Chemicals that cause chemical allergies in children are not completely avoidable. As mentioned, chemical allergens can be in the outside air or they can be found in homes, schools, and buildings. A pointed effort should be made to identify chemical allergens whenever possible, but some allergens causing mild to moderate chemical allergies in children may remain unidentified, and efforts will have to center more on medication and/or symptom management.
Managing Child Chemical Allergies
When a chemical allergen can be accurately identified and diagnosed, allergy shots may be an option. Allergy shots desensitize the body to an allergen so that the immune system does not over-react to the substance, effectively immunizing the child against allergic reaction to that targeted chemical.
Management of recurring chemical allergies in children relies on identifying the triggering allergen, as discussed above, and limiting exposure and/or contact to offensive chemicals. Nearly any chemical has the potential to cause chemical allergies in children, but a few that are commonly found in the home include:
• Disinfectants and cleaning products
• Aerosols, including air fresheners and hairsprays
• Beauty products, including soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, baby powders, and cosmetics
• Foam and foam rubber
• Glues and adhesives
• Chemicals found in newspaper and other papers
• Paints and stains
• Tobacco smoke
• Fuels and oils
• Pesticides
• Preservatives
Children with chemical allergies will benefit by using more natural products. Many skin and beauty products have safer, natural alternatives such as
• Milk based beauty products
• Natural oatmeal products
• Products containing natural oils such as olive oil (mineral oil is a petroleum derivative that may cause or contribute to chemical allergies)
• Hypoallergenic products
• Products that are dye, fragrance, and perfume free (especially laundry soaps and products)
• Products free of formaldehydes and paraben
• Natural deodorant products such as mineral salts
• Petroleum free products
Chemical allergies in the majority of cases function in the same manner as other allergies. Small amounts of an allergenic chemical or chemicals can be tolerated, but when a child with chemical allergies is exposed to sizable amounts of a chemical allergy-causing substance, or several different allergenic chemicals, the body builds up immune antibodies and allergic reactions occur. Limiting exposure to chemical allergens will help in reducing the frequency and severity of chemical allergy reactions in children; so even though there is no way to escape chemicals in the home or outside environment, eliminating exposure as much as possible may be enough of a defense to minimize chemical allergy responses.
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