Verified By Apollo Hospitals October 1, 2024
When the immune system reacts to something harmless, causing an allergic reaction is a skin allergy. Different allergens can cause allergies, such as pollen, plants, food, certain medications, etc. Itching, bumps, redness, and other skin conditions are common. Sometimes, their cause may not be easily identifiable. Sometimes, it can be due to medical conditions like chickenpox or measles. An allergist can diagnose the cause of an allergy. There are many preventive methods and treatment options available to treat allergies.
Skin allergy is a condition where the immune system reacts to certain harmless substances identifying them as allergens. Skin experiences a reaction when it comes in contact with a particular substance that it is allergic to. Exposure can be by any means direct contact, ingestion, inhalation, or injection. Medically, skin allergies of all kinds are called hypersensitivity reactions. The one that manifests as an immediate reaction is called a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction, and the one with a delayed onset is called Type 4 hypersensitivity reaction.
There are some types of skin allergies; a few of them include:
Urticaria or Hives: Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction caused by antibody IgE (Immunoglobulin E). It can occur due to various antigens that occur internally (e.g., from an infection inside the body) or occur from an external source.
Internal triggers that cause hives include:
External triggers that cause hives include:
Some of the symptoms of hives include:
The physician will ask for a detailed history of the onset, type of symptoms, and duration. Routine tests like blood, urine, and stool examinations are also conducted. Skin tests may also be advised.
Prevention is better than cure — this old adage holds true in the case of hives.
If the allergen is known to you, avoid it at all costs. For example, if artificial jewelry containing nickel triggers allergy, choose your jewelry with care. If you know you are likely to break out due to exposure to the allergen, take an antihistamine (anti-allergic). You can choose an over-the-counter medication containing chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine.
If a very small area of the skin is affected, a steroid ointment (hydrocortisone) applied locally will help. You could also try calamine lotion as it has a soothing effect on irritated skin.
Cold compresses and ice applications offer a temporary solution. Avoid hot water in the case of hives, as it worsens the condition.
If the cause of hives is stress or emotional turmoil, try a tea brew of peppermint or chamomile to calm the nerves.
Some of the preventive measures for hives include:
Atopic Dermatitis: If you have atopic dermatitis, stay away from irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, woolen, and synthetic fibers.
‘Dermatitis’ means inflammation of the skin, and the word ‘atopic’ refers to hereditary diseases and often occur together.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin allergy where a person experiences increased reactions to common and mild environmental factors. In atopic dermatitis, the person experiences severe itching and inflammation of the skin; this is also referred to as eczema (a general term used for many skin inflammation types). Atopic dermatitis often occurs with other atopic disorders like hay fever, allergic rhinitis (allergic cold), and asthma.
It is commonly observed in children and is not very common in adults.
Some of the skin irritants include:
Atopic dermatitis can be easily diagnosed through a physical examination. The characteristic features of the condition, such as severe itching, rashes in characteristic locations like the folds of the knees and elbows, family history or history of atopy, and recurring dermatitis, can help confirm it.
Some of the preventive measures of atopic dermatitis include:
Contact allergic dermatitis, called CAD for short, is inflammation of the skin due to exposure to an irritant or allergy-causing substance. It is classified as a Type 4 hypersensitivity reaction. It is a listed occupational disease in most parts of the world, as those in chemical, paint, and plastic industries are susceptible to it.
Some of the common allergens associated with contact dermatitis include:
The symptoms may be acute or chronic (long-standing)
A skin patch test is used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. In this test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is applied to the patient’s back, and the result is checked after 48 hours. If any swelling or raised dots appear, then the test confirms allergy to the substance.
Dust mites are a common trigger for many allergies. So, vacuum your house regularly to keep dust mites under check. A strong immune system is better equipped to fight against allergies. So, work towards that.
Stress can also cause certain types of skin allergies. Include meditation and physical exercise in your daily routine to reduce stress levels. If you have a history of allergies, carry an epinephrine injection (used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions) and learn how to use it. It can be life-saving if the reaction is extremely severe.
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Here are some time-tested remedies that can help you soothe skin allergies:
Skin diseases often go away on their own or by using simple home remedies. However, if your symptoms persist, make sure to get in touch with your doctor as early as possible. Your doctor will identify the root of your problem and treat it accordingly.
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You can consider taking an oatmeal bath, cold compresses, applying freshly extracted aloe vera gel, coconut oil, or baking soda to get relief from skin rashes. However, if home remedies do not work and the symptoms persist or spread quickly, go to your doctor.
You can apply ointments and creams like hydrocortisone or calamine to soothe skin allergies. In some cases, antihistamines can work wonders. Other remedies include – cold compresses and baking soda or oatmeal baths. However, make sure to consult your doctor, as he or she will provide you with the right treatment, according to the nature of your skin disease.
Redness, soreness, itching, and inflammation are some of the most common signs and symptoms of skin allergies. Therefore, it can be difficult for you to identify the type of skin allergy you may have. Therefore, it is highly recommended to pay a visit to your doctor if your symptoms are worsening.
References:
https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/dermatologist
https://www.apollohospitals.com/patient-care/health-and-lifestyle/understanding-investigations/allergy-tests
https://www.apollohospitals.com/patient-care/health-and-lifestyle/diseases-and-conditions/contact-dermatitis/