Baby allergy rash?

Allergy-related rashes in babies generally appear in two ways:

Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Red, dry, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches appear as the start. It usually appears on cheeks, scalp, and outer surfaces of elbows and knees. It's the most common allergic skin symptom in infancy.

Hives (urticaria): Raised, red or pale-centered, itchy rashes that appear suddenly and can change location within a few hours. If due to food allergy, it usually appears within minutes to 2 hours of intake.

Distinguishing features:

• Eczema is continuous and settles in specific areas; hives appear suddenly and move around
• Allergic rashes are often accompanied by fussiness, gas, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Rashes that appear only in the diaper area are usually irritation, not allergy

When to see a pediatrician:

• If the rash is accompanied by breathing difficulty, lip/eye swelling, or fainting → urgent
• If rash + fever, lethargy
• If rash repeats after food intake
• If it doesn't go away within 1 week despite light moisturizer

Most common food allergens: cow's milk protein, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat. Definitive diagnosis is confirmed by doctor-supervised elimination diet or allergy testing.