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As it is obvious and we all already know, a baby’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s. So they are more likely to get a rash triggered by even the tiniest irritant.
For parents, starting to feed newborns solid food is a significant milestone. However, it raises a slew of problems and concerns, particularly about food allergies. What foods are the most likely to induce allergic reactions in infants? Does my baby have a food allergy rash on the belly? How do you prevent them?
This article sheds light on everything you need to know about food allergy rashes.
What is a Food Allergy Rash?
A food allergy rash is a reaction caused by our body’s immune system overreacting to a certain food.
Our immune systems are designed to keep us safe from germs, viruses, and other harmful invaders. A food allergy develops when the body responds to an otherwise innocent substance, causing havoc in our systems, as it does with other types of allergies.
What Does it Mean to be Allergic to Certain Foods?
If you have a food allergy, your immune system treats the proteins in a particular food as alien invaders. The body, as a result, over-defends itself against them.
Your immune system now produces specialized antibodies, known as IgE antibodies, that identify dietary proteins and aid in the battle against them. If you eat a food to which you are allergic, these IgE antibodies cause symptoms of an allergic reaction.
If you are allergic to soy, for instance, you’ll have IgE antibodies that recognize and fight soy proteins, causing allergic reaction symptoms (such as a potential food allergy rash) if you eat any soy-related foodstuff.
Food Allergens
Any time your little one tries a new food, keep an eye out for any allergic responses. There are over 160 foods that are allergic; certain foods are more allergenic than others. The following eight foods and dietary groups have been identified as potentially causing allergy responses in up to 90% of cases.
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Walnuts, almonds, or other tree nuts
- Wheat
When your infant is ready to eat his or her first solids, new nutrition recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest it’s alright to introduce these allergy-causing foods. There is no proof that waiting till the baby is older can prevent food allergies. If you suspect your child is having an allergic reaction to a meal, such as diarrhea, rash, or vomiting, see your child’s doctor about the best diet options.
Your baby’s daily diet should contain a range of foods within a few months of starting solid meals, such as
- Breast milk, formula, or both
- Cereal
- Eggs
- Fish
- Fruits
- Meats
- Vegetables
What are the Types of Food Allergy Reactions and Symptoms?
Food allergy symptoms can range from minor to severe, and they can even be fatal. However, keep in mind that a minor reaction might sometimes turn into a serious one.
Also, the indications of a food allergy reaction can differ from one to the next. As a result, it’s tough to anticipate what symptoms your baby may experience each time they have a food allergy rash on the baby’s belly or anywhere on their body.
Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Food Allergy Rash
A mild to moderate rash, that is red and has raised bumps, is caused by a food allergy concentrated in one part of the body.
- Vomiting
- The face, eyes, or lips swell.
- Itchiness
- Congested nose
- Sneezing
- Some stomach discomfort
- Some nauseousness
- Coughing that is not too severe
- Eczema getting worse
Symptoms of Severe Food Allergy Rash
A severe rash caused by a food allergy spreads to various parts of the body.
- Swollen tongue
- Throat swelling
- Coughing that is both frequent and severe
- Breathing or wheezing
- Struggling to express yourself verbally
- Pale skin tone
- Diarrhea
- A fast heartbeat
- Swallowing problems
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blood pressure drops
- Vomiting on a regular basis
- Becoming unconscious
Food Allergy Rash on Baby Belly: What Do They Look Like?
As mentioned as the symptoms, the rash of a food allergy is elevated, itchy, and generally red or pink.
- The skin develops red, raised bumps. These bumps are normally spherical and surrounded by crimson flares.
- Hives are the most common name, however, they can also be called wheals, urticaria, or nettle rash.
- Food allergy rashes can sometimes show as raised, itchy lumps on those with darker skin.
- The lumps, on the other hand, appear to be the same color as the person’s skin. There aren’t likely to be any red flares around the bumps, though.
- When a food allergy rash emerges on a person with dark skin, it may still have a slight red hue or a stronger red color.
Food Allergy Rash on Baby Belly: Do they only appear on the belly?
Food allergy rashes can be localized in one or two places of the body, or they can be widespread. Food allergy rashes are most commonly seen on the
- Face
- Arms
- Hands
- Belly
- Legs
- Feet
- Back.
The bumps (wheals) can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches across. However, because food allergy rash normally emerges in batches or clusters of bumps, a rash area may be much larger. At any given time, a person may develop several rash regions.
The food allergy reaction is modest if the rash is focused in one place. However, if the rash covers a large portion of the body, it is considered a medical emergency.
Food Allergy Rash on Baby Belly: Treatment for Rashes
Not every reaction in a baby needs treatment. A small rash, for example, is likely to dissipate within a couple of hours and may not bother the baby during that period. Treatment may be required if the indications of response are causing evident discomfort.
Depending upon the nature of the rash or reaction, the treatment may differ. The following treatments, in general, may be beneficial:
1. Avoid chemical triggers
Chemical cleaners such as soaps, detergents, and scented creams can irritate a baby’s skin, so it’s better to avoid them and go for hypoallergenic alternatives instead.
2. Avoid products with fragrance
Pat the baby’s skin dry after using a moderate, scent-free soap, and avoid rubbing too hard since this might irritate the skin.
3. Keep your baby’s skin moisturized
Using a sensitive moisturizer after a bath can help prevent dry skin in babies. Moisturizers also act as a barrier against irritants, protecting the skin.
4. Eczema treatment
Hydrocortisone cream can be used to treat skin rashes caused by eczema cream or even other allergic reactions. Although it is normally safe for newborns to use for short amounts of time, it is necessary to consult with a doctor first.
5. Limit scratching
Scratch mitts keep a baby’s fingernails from scratching a rash. Scratching too much might cause skin irritation and infection.
Treatment for Mild Rashes
Antihistamines are one of the most effective treatments to cure a rash. Antihistamines help to clean up the rash by blocking the histamine response. Before giving your baby antihistamines, talk to your doctor about the different types and dosages.
Treatment for Severe Rashes
You should contact your doctor right away if your infant develops a spreading rash all over his body immediately after eating. They could be suffering from an allergic reaction that, if not addressed promptly, could be fatal.
As you make your way to the doctor, keep an eye on your infant to let them know if you notice any new symptoms.
Preventing Food Allergy Rash on Baby Belly
Although it is impossible to control all allergic responses in babies, parents and caregivers can take precautions to lessen the risk. These are some of them:
- Use fragrance-free shampoo, moisturizers, soap, and other baby products to wash the baby’s garments in hypoallergenic detergent.
- To minimize the risk of dust mites, wash the baby’s bedding in hot water once a week.
- Vacuuming frequently and gradually introducing new meals.
If a baby experiences an allergic response after being breastfed, keeping a food diary may be helpful in determining the underlying cause. Dairy is a common cause, particularly before the infant reaches the age of one year.
It may be advisable to avoid eating this product during breastfeeding once the allergen has been identified. Before making any dietary adjustments, however, it is best to consult with a doctor.
Consult a Doctor
Many allergic responses in babies can be treated at home. However, in some circumstances, seeing a doctor is the best option.
You should take your baby to a doctor if the rash grows or worsens over time. If the skin develops symptoms of infection, such as blistering, bleeding, or seeping fluid, it’s also important to get medical help.
A rash can sometimes indicate the presence of another condition. People should see a doctor if they notice a rash coupled with the symptoms listed below:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- A lack of nutrition
- Coughing and wheezing
- Incessant crying
Babies who experience allergic responses such as wheezing, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing should seek medical help right away. They could be having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Final Thoughts
If your child gets a rash after eating something, make a note of what it was and stop feeding it to your child immediately away. You might wish to establish a food journal to keep track of your child’s food intake as well as any possible rashes or other signs.
Parents may be concerned when their child develops a food allergy, but there are numerous options for managing food allergies in children. Parents can prepare themselves by learning more about food allergies, their origins, indications, and effects, as well as how to manage them.
FAQs: Food Allergy Rash on Baby Belly
1. What does a food allergy rash look like on a baby's belly?
2. Can food allergy cause a rash on a baby's belly?
3. How do you treat a baby with a food allergy rash on the belly?
4. How long do food allergy rashes last in babies?
Reviewed By:
Jessica - Nutritionist Dietician
Jessica is the owner and registered dietitian nutritionist at Nutrition That Heals, LLC. She started her dietetics career working in acute care where she gained a great deal of invaluable experience, learning all about different disease states and their appropriate nutrition interventions. She then worked in long term care where she was able to develop her skills and knowledge base dealing with the elderly population. Following long term care, she worked as an outpatient dialysis dietitian, working with patients to help them eat their best for their kidney failure and often other health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.). She then made the jump back to be an inpatient clinical dietitian. There, she was able to work with patients with strokes, cancer, orthopedic issues, as well as the pediatric population. During her most recent time working as an inpatient clinical dietitian, a great opportunity presented itself and it was a great way to move into focusing more on her dream of opening a private practice. She currently works full time as a contract dietitian with Dietitians on Demand conducting 1:1 nutrition counseling sessions while also working with patients here at Nutrition That Heals, LLC. She has been grateful enough to know how powerful good nutrition can be, but after being diagnosed with endometriosis in March 2022, she had to fully focus on the importance of anti-inflammatory foods, proper hydration, and self-care. This diagnosis motivated her to put pen to paper and get her business started - she wanted to teach what she had learned to others - food should be nourishing. Jessica wants to show you how you can heal with good nutrition, and feel your absolute best!
