Skin Allergies
What are Skin Allergies?
Skin allergies are a kind of immune system reaction that occurs when your skin is exposed to a chemical that causes it to react in an allergic manner. A wide variety of allergens can cause skin allergies. This reaction may be minor or severe, ranging from itching and redness to hives and blisters as the most extreme manifestations. Some people are indeed more prone to developing skin allergies than others, but anyone at any age can develop an allergy.
At the IPAL Clinic, our objective is to help people get healthy and beautiful skin. If you struggle with skin allergies, you probably already know how challenging it may be to accomplish this objective. Allergic responses can manifest as various symptoms, including redness, itching, and hives; in extreme circumstances, they can even be life-threatening.
Some Common Skin Allergies
Some common types of skin allergies are:
- Contact Dermatitis: When an allergen, such as poison ivy, nickel, or perfume, comes into direct contact with the skin, a skin reaction occurs.
- Eczema: Atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder that causes red, itchy skin that often worsens with time.
- Hives: Hives are red, itchy, and raised bumps on the skin that can be triggered by a wide range of allergies, including some foods, drugs, and insect stings.
- Angioedema: Angioedema is a more severe form of hives that causes swelling under the skin, most noticeably in the face’s delicate eye and mouth areas.
- Drug Reactions: Dermatological adverse reactions to pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics and NSAIDs, are known as “drug reactions” (NSAIDs).
- Food Allergies: Allergies to foods are characterized by a skin reaction after eating allergen-containing foods like peanuts, shellfish, or tree nuts.
Treatments
Depending on the intensity and cause of an allergy, the treatment for skin allergies might change dramatically. OTC antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams, and topical anti-itch lotions can be helpful for mild skin allergies. Medical professionals may recommend stronger medicines such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics when symptoms are severe. Sometimes, more intense therapies, such as phototherapy or immunotherapy, are needed to treat skin allergies. Immunotherapy includes gradually exposing the body to increasing allergen levels to build immunity, whereas phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of UV light to alleviate itching and redness.
Each case of skin allergy is unique, so it’s essential to talk to a doctor or dermatologist about what will work best for you. Our mission at IPAL Clinic is to assist our patients in achieving radiant, youthful skin.
Skin Allergies: Common Causes
Numerous allergens exist that can trigger skin reactions. Among the most typical are:
- Makeup, lotions, and other skincare products can contain substances that are irritating to the skin.
- Clothing: Materials like wool and synthetic fibres can aggravate skin conditions.
- Insect bites: Skin reactions can occur after being bitten by mosquitoes, wasps, or another bug.
- Plants: The oils from certain plants, such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac, are known to produce severe skin reactions in some people.
- Allergens in food: Some people have severe responses to common foods like peanuts and shellfish if they come into touch with their skin.
- Drugs: Antibiotics and other drugs might trigger skin responses.