It can alarm parents to see their child with a red swollen face. It can be a symptom of a number of conditions, finding out the cause is necessary for treatment.
- A child with a swollen face may or may not be in pain
- The swelling can also be itchy or warm to the touch
- In some cases, the swelling goes away on its own, but it could also require immediate medical attention, especially when it is allergy related
Child Swollen Face Cause
Here are some of the possible causes of a red swollen face in children
- Sunburn
- This is of mild concern and is easily identifiable when the cause can be pointed out
- Sunburns are first degree burns that can be very painful and irritated
- They can also be very itchy
- Kids with sunburns on any part of the body are likely to be restless
- This can be prevented with proper skin protection
- Allergies
- An allergic reaction is an autoimmune condition
- When a child is exposed to an allergen, they could develop different signs
- Some common signs include:
- Swelling of eyes
- Runny nose
- Puffy appearance
- Teary eyes
- Generalized itching
- A swollen face may also be accompanied by symptoms of an anaphylactic shock may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Syncope
- Swelling of tongue, mouth, and throat
- An allergic reaction should be taken seriously and parents must seek immediate medical attention for their child
- Fifth Disease
- This is a contagious viral infection caused by the parvovirus
- It gives patients swollen and red cheeks that are warm to the touch
- The symptom is often described as having cheeks that look like they have been slapped
- The rash on the cheeks will gradually spread with a lacey pattern throughout the rest of the body
- The disease is often, but certain groups are have serious consequences, these groups include:
- Kids with sickle-cell anemia
- Pregnant women
Other Possible Causes of Swelling Face Include:
- Bacterial infections
- Mumps
- Orbital Cellulitis
- Cysts and Tumors – facial swellings is usually gradual in these conditions
Certain genetic conditions may also lead to the swelling of the face.
Treatment for Swollen Face in Children
Treatment of facial swelling is going to be dependent on the underlying cause of the condition. Aside from the main treatment course, patients can expect the following supportive treatments to be prescribed where they apply.
- Pain medication
- Antipyretics
- Cold/Warm Compresses on Swollen Area