How to Find Out if Your Baby’s Rash Might Lead to Asthma

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Parenting, as we all know, is a learning process. (Unfortunately, our brains don’t come pre-equipped with child rearing manuals.) As such, there are many things we learn about raising little ones along the way. One of those things worth learning is the correlation between certain rashes and asthma. 

Many studies have indicated that approximately half of children with atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology) develop asthma. Infants who present with atopic dermatitis may progress to allergic rhinitis by 18 months old and, if left untreated, may progress to asthma by four years old.

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Luckily, aggressive management of atopic dermatitis early in childhood has been found to be extremely helpful and the therapies that lessen the severity of the atopic dermatitis in infants and young children may, in turn, decrease the risk of developing asthma. The board-certified allergists at Allergy & Asthma Specialists^SM can help you identify whether your child is at risk.

If you think your child might be affected by the rash, here’s what you need to know: Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic reaction of the skin that often affects the face, elbows and knees. Symptoms include red, scaly rash, tiny bumps on the cheeks (for infants) and itching.

One of the most important management tools in treating atopic dermatitis in children is identifying the allergenic triggers and avoiding those triggers. The allergists of Allergy & Asthma Specialists^SM are experts in identifying allergenic triggers with needle-less skin testing in children as young as a few months old. The examination will include a battery of skin tests to determine if environmental allergens or foods are triggering the atopic dermatitis. Then, after evaluating the results, the allergist will determine the best course of treatment.

Though not all children with atopic dermatitis eventually develop asthma, there are many that do. For effective interventions and treatment, consult Allergy & Asthma Specialists^SM.

The fellowship-trained, board-certified allergists of Allergy & Asthma Specialists^SM are experts at treating eczema, hives and other rashes in adults and children at offices located in Center City Philadelphia, Blue Bell, King of Prussia, Jenkintown, Doylestown, Lansdale, Pottstown and Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Schedule an appointment today online at www.AllergyandAsthmaWellness.com or by calling 1-800-86COUGH, ext. 2.