Imagine having to -- literally -- scratch your way through the day. That is what many kids have to go through because of sensitivities to common household items such as bath soaps or laundry detergents.  

Food considered as healthy such as seafood, peanuts, milk, or soy can also be taboo because they cause symptoms ranging from itchy skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea to more severe and life-threatening reactions such as swelling of the mouth and throat and decreased blood pressure. Things that cause allergies are called allergens. 

Skin allergies was discussed in detail at the Del Hypoallergenic Fabric Softener launch by dermatology expert Dr. Nenita Lorenzo-Alberto. Alberto adds that conditions like these do not only cause discomfort to the patient, but also hamper children's quality of life, and can even affect the way they interact with other kids and participate in school activities.

Because they are uncomfortable, children with allergies may have difficulties focusing in school. They might find it hard to get a good night’s sleep, or are embarrassed to socialize with peers. Children who suffer from allergies are often observed to be irritable or grumpy. 

According to Dr. Lorenzo-Alberto, allergies are actually immune system disorders, which means that it is not caused by bacteria or virus. However, heredity is not the sole cause. Changes in exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood, environmental pollution, allergen levels, and dietary changes can also trigger or encourage this condition to develop.

She adds that some factors like too hot or cold weather; skin infections caused by bacteria, virus or fungus; and emotional stress can aggravate the symptoms. So it is important for parents to always be on the lookout.

Allergy alert

Dr. Lorenzo-Alberto enumerates the type of allergies and their common symptoms:

1. Atopic Dermatitis or skin asthma

This is a chronic skin disease that is hereditary, recurrent, and requires long term treatment. It is usually seen in patients with bronchial asthma or with family history of bronchial asthma.

The symptoms are: dryness of skin; itchiness; rough skin; and rashes on cheeks, arms, legs, neck, and/or armpits.

2. Urticaria or Tagulabay

This is characterized by itchy wheals (pantal) that are red or pink in color, either raised or smooth, and can be small or big in size. Antihistamines are usually prescribed to treat this condition, but Dr. Lorenzo-Alberto advised that patients be brought to the emergency room if the following symptoms are present:

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Noisy breathing or “wheezing”
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Weakness
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

3. Contact Dermatitis

This is an itchy condition that occurs when the skin is exposed to a substance that the patient is allergic to such as strong soaps, perfumes, lotions, laundry detergents, powder, fiberglass particles in toys, henna (used for the popular temporary tattoos), or when allergenic foods are ingested.

What to do

When a member of the family suffers from an allergy attack, Lorenzo-Alberto gives these simple ways you can alleviate the symptoms.

• Use lukewarm water, not hot water, in bathing
• Avoid using rough towels, loofahs and rocks in lathering or drying the skin
• Use a mild and gentle soap
• Apply a moisturizer within three minutes after bathing
• Avoid allergens as much as you can
• Watch your child's food intake closely
• Use hypoallergenic products