Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What is Skin Allergy?
Skin allergy can appear red, inflamed, bumpy, dry, itchy, or painful, causing discomfort. The most common cause is dermatitis when the skin reacts to allergens or irritants. Skin allergies can also result from bacterial or viral infections and conditions like eczema, hives, and psoriasis.
Types of Skin Allergies
Eczema
Eczema is one of the most common skin allergies, prevalent more in children than adults. That said, even adults can develop this condition. Common symptoms of this allergy include dry, red, and itchy skin that results in frequent inflammation. People with eczema may sometimes develop fluid-filled bumps on the affected area. People with a family history of this condition are more vulnerable to eczema than others.
Hives
Hives look like red bumps or welts and can develop anywhere on the body. When the symptoms are not addressed, they may last more than six weeks, sometimes even longer. The most common cause of hives is exposure to an allergen.
Contact Dermatitis
This allergy is the reaction that appears due to the skin’s contact with an irritant or allergen. It is characterized by blisters, rashes, itching, and burning sensations. The most common causes of contact dermatitis include laundry detergents, soaps, shampoos, fabric softeners, etc. Metals, nail polish, adhesives, plants, and latex gloves may also cause this allergy.
Angioedema
Most commonly known as swelling, angioedema looks like hives, but it appears under the skin instead of over it. Swelling may co-occur with hives. The most common areas where angioedema develops include the eyes, lips, hands, and feet.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis leads to thick, dark, and scaly skin rashes that may last long. This chronic condition develops on the elbows, scalp, back, knees, and genital area. The cause of psoriasis is unknown. In many cases, it is believed to be associated with family history.
Causes of Skin Allergy
Certain Food Items
Food allergies are common in people and develop when the body releases a specific antibody to a particular food. The reaction occurs within a few minutes of consuming the food, worsening symptoms until you start treating it. Food allergies may lead to itching all over the body, nausea, vomiting, hives, and swelling around the mouth.
Everyday food items that lead to allergy include eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, etc.
Perennial Allergens
- You may start experiencing symptoms when exposed to proteins in animal skin, pet dander, fur, animal urine, and saliva.
- Dust mites are a typical perennial allergen. They are not visible to the naked eye. They live in dust and the fibres of household objects, such as carpets, curtains, pillows, and other upholstery.
- Cockroaches are another cause of allergies in many people. The proteins in their spit, eggs, and faeces may trigger allergic reactions in their body.
- Molds are common perennial allergies that have spores floating in the area. Mold allergy is common in wet and cold places.
Pollen
Pollen is the cause of seasonal allergies. They are microspores from grass, trees, and weeds and appear in the dust or floating air. Allergies due to pollen are common in the spring and fall seasons.
Other Causes
Besides these, other causes of skin allergies include cosmetic products, such as sunscreen creams and lotions, certain fragrances, topical medication, anti-itch creams and antibiotics, latex, chemicals, inhalants, and some drugs.
Symptoms of Skin Allergy
The symptoms of skin allergy may vary depending on the kind of allergy you may suffer. Overall, any allergic reaction may lead to the following symptoms:
- Rashes
- Itching on the affected area or the entire body
- Swelling
- Elevated bumps
- Dry, flaky, or scaly skin
- Cracked skin
- Inflammation in the affected area
- Bruises
Diagnosis of Skin Allergy
Biopsy
The doctor takes a small portion of your skin to check for viruses or bacteria.
Allergy Tests
Scratch and patch tests check the reaction after exposing your skin to potential allergens.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be conducted to detect antibodies circulating in the blood.
Treatment of Skin Allergy
- Avoiding allergens by using a preventive treatment such as antihistamines helps instantly manage the symptoms of allergies.
- Topical corticosteroids in the form of ointments and creams help decrease inflammation and irritation. Common corticosteroids are Cordran, Pscoron, Topicort and Lidex.
- The healthcare provider may recommend allergy shots or immunotherapy if the above-listed medications don’t work. You will be exposed to small amounts of allergens with a gradual increase in their dosage over several months. Over time, your body will develop tolerance to allergic reactions.
- Nasal saline irrigation, such as a neti pot, may be used through your nasal passages to clear out mucus and allergens present inside your nasal passages.
Management of Skin Allergies
If you have been experiencing mild symptoms of skin allergies, the above-listed treatments are not necessarily required. Instead, you can take the following actions to manage the symptoms.
- Determine your triggers and avoid getting into contact with them.
- Avoid food items, medicines, or supplements that medical practitioners do not prescribe.
- Avoid kissing, hugging, or petting animals if you have animal allergies.
- Keep your house clean by regularly vacuuming rugs and carpets and washing the upholstery to avoid dust and mite allergies.
- Install high-efficiency particulate or HEPA air filters that help purify the air and remove airborne allergens from surroundings.
- Try a cold soak or compress to relieve itching, inflammation, or other symptoms.
- Do not wear tight clothes as they can worsen your condition. Wear cool and breathable fabrics like cotton and muslin.
Summary
Although skin allergies are not alarming, they may bother you with their symptoms. If you have developed a skin allergy that doesn’t go away on its own, get it checked by a medical professional. Follow their instructions for the proper management of the condition.