Links Between Allergies, Eczema & Asthma in Children

If your child has hay fever, asthma or other allergies, he is more likely to develop eczema. Eczema may be caused by the same type of weakened immune system as asthma and allergies.

Hay Fever

• Hay fever is generally a seasonal affliction that causes itching, irritated eyes and sneezing. It can be caused by allergies to pollens or other allergens such as mold or dust. It afflicts almost one in three people and sometimes disappears as a child gets older. It can also aggravate other conditions, including asthma and eczema.

Eczema

• Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is the name for a group of skin irritations that cause redness and swelling. The best treatment is to identify and avoid the allergen when possible. Left untreated, dermatitis can develop into more serious skin conditions including bacterial infections.

Asthma

• Asthma is caused by constriction of the airways that lead from the lungs to the throat. It is indicated by wheezing, shortness of breath, extended exhalation and chronic cough. Acute attacks can be life-threatening if left untreated. Identify environmental triggers of asthma and avoid them.

Hay Fever and Asthma

• The respiratory effects of hay fever can lead to or aggravate asthma attacks. While hay fever can be extremely irritating, asthma attacks can be horrifying. They cause the child to feel he cannot breathe, and it is difficult to tell whether the severity of an attack will continue to increase, or whether it will abate. There are several medical remedies for asthma attacks including inhalers. Talk to your doctor about asthma if your child has chronic hay fever.

Hay Fever and Eczema

• Irritation from hay fever can include itchy skin. When a child scratches continuously, this can lead to infection and dermatitis or eczema. When your child has hay fever, give them a soft cloth to soothe the itch instead of letting her scratch the area. This will reduce skin irritation and lessen the chances of your child developing eczema.