Clinical Manifestations of Baby Allergies (Part II)

Following our previous article “Clinical Manifestations of Baby Allergies (Part I),” this article will further explore the various clinical presentations of atopic dermatitis in babies. Newborns are initially exposed mostly to allergens from food, therefore gastrointestinal reactions and skin problems are usually the first symptoms to appear. As they age, babies may gradually develop allergic reactions in the nasal and respiratory tracts. Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as morning sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes, usually start around the age of two. Subsequently, allergic conjunctivitis may develop, accompanied by nighttime or morning coughing, and persistent coughing after physical activity, which might indicate the early signs of bronchial asthma.

The Clinical Significance of the Allergy March

The progression of allergic responses, described as the “Allergy March,” shifts from gastrointestinal and skin issues in infancy to nasal and asthma symptoms as children grow. This sequence of changes reflects how the type of allergens and their impacts on the body vary with age, necessitating different prevention and management strategies for allergens at different stages.

Diagnostic Guidelines for Atopic Dermatitis

According to pediatric textbooks, diagnosing atopic dermatitis requires meeting a series of criteria, including chronic or recurrent eczema, specific shapes and distribution (common on the face and limbs in infants and children, and typically on the flexor sides of joints in adults), and a family history of atopic diseases. Additionally, these symptoms may be accompanied by dry skin, vitiligo, keratosis pilaris, and elevated serum levels of allergen-specific IgE.

Special Distribution and Disease Progression of Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis in infancy primarily affects the scalp, face, and limbs, and as age increases, symptoms spread to the neck and the inner sides of joints in the hands and feet. The disease distribution usually shows symmetry and varies with age, with more severe symptoms often appearing on the upper half of the body, especially the face and back, in adolescents and adults.

Preventive and Treatment Strategies for Atopic Dermatitis

In preventing and managing atopic dermatitis, avoiding known allergens (especially food allergens), using mild neutral cleaning products, and using antibiotics to treat skin infections when necessary, are key measures to control disease progression and alleviate symptoms. These methods not only help maintain skin health but also effectively reduce the risk of skin damage and infections caused by itching.
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