Seasonal Allergies in 13 Month Old?

Updated on March 10, 2009
A.A. asks from Washington, DC
13 answers

Hi Moms,

I have a 13 month old who has had eczema almost since he was born.I was told by his pediatrician to look out for food or seasonal allergies. So far I haven't been able to identify any food allergies but last week he started having a runny nose, wet cough, and swollen eyes. I've heard it's early for seasonal allergies but I have friends who are already dealing with symptoms.

Does this sound like seasonal allergies to you? Also, is he too young to be tested for allergies? Lastly, if it is seasonal allergies, what can I do to give him some relief?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Don't bathe him every day. And when you do, use sensitive skin dove. When he's done and dry, apply a good thick cream, like eucerine cream. If that doesn't help, he may need a prescription. My oldest had a script, but with my second I got the advice about the bathing and cream.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Washington DC on

my allergies ALWAYS start bugging me around the end of february so no, it's NOT too early plus there is always mold, dusts, etc around that can make allergies worse. i have gone through this with both my older boys as well. as for what to give them at that age i can't remember...check with your pediatrician or an allergist. for the skin i highly recommend Renew lotion which can be ordered through Melaleuca. This is an online company that you do have to place monthly orders through but if your son has allergies you might want to check into it anyway - it's a co that has all natural products that are safe and wonderful! I use the laundry detergent and other cleaning products as well and my kids haven't had hives or other skin breakouts in over a year since i've been using it. And the cleaning products don't smell bad and i don't feel nervous about using them around the kids.
good luck.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.S.

answers from Richmond on

yes, it sounds like seasonal allergies. I don't think there is a need to test him at this point. He should be able to take benadryl at night. also my girlfriend's son took a baby dose of claritin somewhere around your son's age. So ask your doc. He can get relief without the testing. That is only done down the road if things get pretty dire.

R.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi A.,

I've definitely got a solution to the eczema issue your 13 month old has. The same solution should also help with his allergies. About a year ago I eliminated all the toxins out of my house and started using safer, non toxic, no harsh chemical, house hold cleaners, laundry care, shampoo's etc, etc. The allergies are a non issue as well as the extreme dry skin. A close friend of mine who's children suffered from eczema also did the same thing and a few months ago she threw out the steroid cream she has been given by her pediatrician because her girls no longer had any issues of eczema and she has also eliminated the allergy problem her family suffered from. I know several families that have done exactly what I have done and all have seen fantastic results.

I would love to share more with you without writing a novel so please feel free to send me an email ____@____.com and we can touch base and I will get you all the rest of the information. I'll keep an eye out for an email from you.

All my best

R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.H.

answers from Norfolk on

My daughter was about 16 months old when I finally told the doctor to put her on allergy meds. He told me until the age of 2 he could not. He put her on everything but nothing helped. Finally at 18 months after us being in every 2 weeks when the meds ran out he listened and put her on Zyrtec. We have been to the doctor far less since then. I pushed because both my son and I suffer and she showed all the symptoms we did.

I don't know how this helps you but thought I would share that it could be. Talk to your doctor and good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.J.

answers from Washington DC on

My son is six now, but he also had eczema when he was a baby. I'm pretty sure he had an allergy test when he was that age. It is a simple test, and we found out he was allergic to cats and also seasonal. Ask his doctor about baby zrtec. And if it is too soon for medications, aquafor cream is the best relief for eczema. My son has grown out of the eczema stage, so it does get better.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.B.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi, A., With the crazy weather, allergies are not out of the question. There are also some cold germs still going around, so it could be that. A side note to dealing with children with sensitive skin, and respiratory issues...it might be helpful to get all of the chemicals out of your home, and off of his body. In this way, his little respiratory system will not be under attack by the indoor air quality in your home, and his allergy symptoms may not be as severe. I've seen this help many familes who deal with allergies, eczema, asthma, etc. If you need help or more information, please let me know. Good luck! N.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Norfolk on

He's not too young to have allergies and it's not too early in the "season." Besides, they may not even BE "seasonal" allergies. He could have an allergy to dust mites or pet dander or something else in the environment.

Testing is tricky, most seasonal and environmental allergens won't be tested for accurately until after age 3. RAST testing (blood work) can be done for some of the most common environmental things (cats) and many, may foods but if allergies are mild, it may be more worthwhile to just try treatment (zyrtec or singulair or both) first. IMO, who cares if you are allegic to Bermuda grass and pine trees? If the meds work, that's all you really need, unless you really plan to cut down all the pine trees and pull up all the Bermuda grass you find...

I would take him to your doc to find out if there is some other cause of the symptoms and if they are allergy symptoms, see if your doc wants to do the antihistamine or the singulair first. Both are approved in this age group.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.X.

answers from Richmond on

Hi, I have learned a lot about allergies in the last 3 years. Both my sons (2.5 yr.old and 9 months) have food and environmental allergies. If your baby has had eczema since he was very young it is very likely allergies are involved. If you nursed, foods you ingested could have been the culprit and just as likely, allergies to formula. Indoor and outdoor allergies can be big factors as well: animal dander, molds, dust/dust mites, pollen, detergents, household cleaners etc....

My suggestion would be go for the allergy testing. You will receive enormous amounts of information that can help you deal with your baby's everyday symptoms and hopefully get to the root cause of the allergies. Both my sons were tested before 1 year. It is an intense process but allergies affect quality of life in many ways and knowing what the causes are can really improve how your child feels each day.

In the meantime, you can take some preventative measures: air purifiers with HEPA filters make a big difference (place in the baby's room and play areas), make sure animals are not in any sleeping areas, use the A/C in spring/fall/summer during high pollen and mold count days b/c it filters the air, encase your child's bedding with allergy covers, clean relentlessly w/o your child in the same room your cleaning, check out Little Noses new "allergy block" - little tube of non-medicinal ointment to block allergens around nose, Saline also by Little noses works wonders to flush out allergens (non-medicated, safe to use all day as much as needed).

You can also talk to your doctor about using Zyrtec or Claritin children's medicine. If you decide to go the allergist route they will be able to help you choose the best medicine to use and will give you information about non medical interventions to help prevent and alleviate symptoms.

If you are near the Richmond, VA area, I'll be glad to refer you to the allergy practice my boys see. Feel free to contact me directly ____@____.com
I wish you and your baby well!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Washington DC on

It is not too early to get him tested, and in fact, I would demand it. My oldest had very bad eczema and stuffy nose. I never could tell any food that I thought he was allergic too either. The first time I gave him a peanut at 2 he went into shock. We went and had him tested and it turns out he was allergic to a bunch of foods (which were causing the eczema) and had animal and seasonal allergies. With my other sons, I went ahead and testing done at age 1. Your son could have mild food allergies that is causing the eczema and seasonal allergies as well. I would not go ahead and give him anything without talking to an allergist. They will give you a protocol to make him feel better. My son is on Zyrtec since he was young and the doctor adjusts the dosage as he ages.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Denver on

Sounds like seasonal allergies. Is the mucus clear? Does he have dark circles under his eyes.

For relief keep the a/c on, change your filters, use good filters, keep the house dusted and his sheets clean. Ask your dr about anything else you can do. A humidifier when it is dry will help him sleep. Also letting him sleep on an incline helps too.

There is a cold going around too.
R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Dover on

My daughter had eczema for 3-4 years before we finally realized it was related to an allergy. She is 6 now and was tested in January...she has a egg allergy (along with lots of others!) that was causing all the itching. We have alliminated egg from her diet, and can see the difference.
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Washington DC on

A.,
Sounds like allergies, and yes, allergies are kicking up again (I have seasonal allergies that started last week). Give your pediatrician a call, there are a few things your son can take, but you need to get the correct dose from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can tell you if your son needs allergy testing, but most likely he won't need testing yet.
Hope your son feels better soon!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches