Skin Allergy: Commonly Asked Questions and Answer
When your immune system reacts to something usually harmless, the skin becomes irritated, which is how you get skin allergies. Allergic reactions can lead to rashes, itching, burning, redness, bumps, hives, or swelling. There are many skin allergy types that can be caused by things around us that may otherwise seem harmless. In this blog, we talk about skin allergies with itching and without other symptoms. We also answer some common questions, including whether skin allergy is curable or not.
What are the Different Types of Skin Allergies?
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is the most common skin allergy condition. It is more commonly seen in children as the condition affects one in five infants and only around one in fifty adults. Eczema is said to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors and results in irritated, itchy, and dry skin. It is linked to asthma, food, and seasonal allergies. For some people, certain things like soap, lotion, cold or dry air, and even stress can cause eczema to flare up.
Allergic contact dermatitis is the allergic reaction caused when something touches the skin. For example, when people allergic to nickel come in contact with jewelry made of it. Coming in contact with even a small amount of allergen may lead to red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, or swollen skin at the point of contact. Allergic reactions can be caused by touching an allergen or anything it was in contact with.
Hives or Urticaria are bumps called welts or wheals caused on the skin because of an allergic reaction. These bumps are a result of the body releasing histamines in response to the allergen. They are a sign of potentially serious allergic reactions. Besides allergies, other things like bug bites can also cause hives.
Angioedema usually happens together with hives. They are swellings caused deep in the skin on places like the eyelids, lips, and throat.
What Skin Allergy Symptoms Should I Look Out for?
The symptoms of skin allergies vary depending upon the type of allergy. Eczema causes itchy, scaly, red, and dryness with rashes, especially on the face, hands, elbows, and knees. If it intensifies, eczema can also result in weeping clear liquid.
Allergic contact dermatitis causes rashes that are itchy and painful. They may have both raised bumps and blisters. Reactions may happen right after being exposed to the allergen, or it may take up to 48 hours.
Hives cause raised, flat, itchy bumps that may be tender. Angioedema causes swelling. If it happens to the eyes, it can cause them to shut down. But when it happens to the throat, it can close up and make breathing hard, making it an emergency.
What are the Common Skin Allergy Treatments?
It is not easy to deal with skin allergies without itching. Skin allergy treatments include avoiding the allergen and using medicines, creams, and other strategies to relieve the itching, swelling, or pain. Here are some recommendations for treating allergic skin reactions.
Eczema
1. Avoid rubbing, scratching, or scrubbing the skin
2. Keep your skin moisturized
3. Use gentle soaps and shampoos
4. Take short baths or showers. Avoid hot water as it strips the body of its oils and makes the skin dry.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
1. If you come in contact with anything that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, scrub your hand with soap and water immediately. The reaction is likely to go away in 14 to 28 days.
2. Antihistamine or cortisone medicine can help the rash heal.
3. Calamine lotion and cool compresses can relieve itching and pain. Lukewarm oatmeal baths can also soothe the skin.
Hives and Angioedema
1. Try to understand your triggers and avoid them
2. Keep the skin cool and avoid tight clothes
3. Antihistamines can stop acute hives and swelling
4. Carry an EpiPen if you have severe allergic reactions
How to prevent skin allergy?
The best way to prevent any allergic reaction is to try to find out what the allergen is and avoid it. You can go to the best dermatology hospital near you and get your condition diagnosed by a dermatologist. Allergens can include soaps, lotions, and other things that go directly on the skin or certain food items and medicines. In the case of eczema, keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized can help reduce the effects of flare-ups.