The 10 ways to tell if your child’s skin rash is an allergic reaction

FOR parents, making sure your child is safe and well is always a priority.

There are some illnesses or scrapes you won't think anything of, as they seem mild.

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And while most are usually not a concern, knowing what red flags to look out for can be extremely helpful.

Kids can get into all kinds of mischief, often coming home with a new bruise or small war wound from their day.

Their skin is also sensitive, so rashes could be easily sparked.

But some rashes could be the sign of something more serious, rather than just a mild irritation.

It could mean your little one is having an allergic reaction to something.

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What are the signs to look out for?

Mild or moderate reactions:

• skin rash, like welts or hives
• complaints of tingling in the tummy, tongue or around the mouth area
• stomach ache or pain, vomiting or diarrhoea
• swelling on the face

Serious reactions:

• problems breathing
• noisy or strange sounding breathing
• the tongue or throat swelling
• a hoarse voice and/or difficulty talking
• turning pale, floppy, dizzy or unconscious
• developing a persistent cough

has compiled a number of tips on what parents should then do.

If you think your child is having a milder reaction to something remove food that might have sparked it.

Then give an antihistamine appropriate for their age and keep a close eye on smaller children for anything changing.

Make a GP appointment to get a referral to an allergist and avoid giving them the suspected problem food until speaking to a doctor.

For more severe reactions get the youngster to lie down, or sit if they are struggling with breathing.

If they have an EpiPen make sure you give that to them and call an ambulance, all while remaining with your child.

If there is no EpiPen available call 999 immediately, and adrenaline will be given to them in the ambulance.

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