How Do I Know If I Have A Skin Allergy?
Most people are bothered by skin allergy at some point in time. When an allergen is responsible for triggering an immune system response, the allergic reaction can result in irritation of the skin.
Is this a skin allergy?
A reaction to a skin allergy usually appear within 48 hours after the exposure to the allergen and may become apparent as:
Rashes
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Blistering
Weeping
What are the most common skin allergies?
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, contact dermatitis, urticaria, also called hives, and angioedema, also known as swelling under the skin, are the most common allergic skin conditions.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a dry itchy inflammation of the skin. It’s a long-lasting condition that may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Atopic dermatitis may affect any area of the skin, but it typically appears on the face, elbows, behind the knees, and on hands and feet. It tends to flare periodically and then subside. The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, but it may result from a combination of inherited tendencies for sensitive skin and malfunction in the body’s immune system. Self-care measures, such as avoiding soaps or other irritants and applying creams or ointments, can help relieve itching.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when substances touching the skin cause irritation or an allergic reaction. For instance, if you have a nickel sensitivity and your skin comes in contact with jewelry made with even a very small amount of nickel, you may develop red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, or swollen skin at the point of contact. Culprits in everyday life include soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Some occupations involve exposure to substances that may cause contact dermatitis. Successful contact dermatitis treatment consists primarily of identifying what’s causing the reaction. If the offending agent is avoided, the rash usually resolves in two to four weeks. Self-care measures, such as wet compresses and anti-itch creams, can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Urticaria and Angioedema
Urticaria is a reaction that causes itchy red or flesh-colored welts, which can range in size from small spots to large blotches several inches in diameter. They can be triggered by exposure to certain foods, medications, environmental factors, or other conditions. Angioedema is a related type of swelling that affects deeper layers in the skin, often around the eyes and lips. In most cases, hives and angioedema are harmless and don’t leave lasting marks, even without treatment; however, serious angioedema can be life-threatening if swelling causes the throat or tongue to block the airway. The most common treatments for hives and angioedema are antihistamines and corticosteroids.
For more information, see our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages.
- Michelle Rubin, ARNP
If you enjoyed this article, see our recent one on The Most Common Skin Allergy, ACD & The Brown Spots You Need To Know About.
The post How Do I Know If I Have A Skin Allergy? appeared first on Mid Florida Dermatology Associates.