Skin allergies,Skin allergy is a common problem. It usually causes symptoms like itching, swelling or rashes, and redness on the skin. It especially occurs when the body’s immune system starts reacting to a particular substance (food items, soap, dust or perfume) by considering it as harmful.
With the changing times, due to the increasing use of various types of pollution and chemical products in the market, skin allergy has become common. Mostly, children and the elderly are also seen as victims of these problems.
Through this blog, we will learn in detail about skin allergy, its main causes, and common symptoms. Also, what can be the effective treatment for it. If you or your family has frequent skin allergy problems, then this information is especially for you.
What is skin allergy?
Skin allergy is a special type of physical reaction system. In which the skin starts giving abnormal reactions when it comes in contact with any external substance. Generally, these are not harmful to the body, but the body’s immune system recognizes it and starts reacting.
This is such a reaction. When any allergen (like pollen, soap, perfume or dust particles etc.) comes in contact with our skin, the body releases a special type of chemical to avoid it. Due to which itching, burning or red spots as well as swelling can occur. This process is called skin allergy.
What is the difference between allergy and irritation
- Allergy: This is especially the reaction of the body’s immune system. Allergy occurs when exposed to specific substances repeatedly.
- Irritation: Generally, it starts affecting immediately when exposed to any strong or chemical product. Like soap or detergent. The immune system is not involved in this.
It is very important to understand and know about skin allergies. Because by knowing it at the right time, you can treat it better. Also, you can avoid various substances that trigger it.
Main causes of skin allergy
There can be many causes of skin allergy. It depends on the individual and the environment of the body. Here are some main causes that cause skin allergy.
Environmental factors
- Dust particles: The dust that remains accumulated for a long time inside or outside the house can cause itching and irritation in the skin.
- Fungus: Fungus that grows in places where there is more moisture can also cause allergies.
Contact allergies
- Contact with soap, shampoo and any special type of chemicals.
- Nickel, metals present in jewelry, buttons or belt buckles also pose a risk of allergy.
- Various types of cosmetic and makeup products.
All these things generally increase the possibility of rashes, itching or red spots on the skin.
Food allergies are also possible
Some people are allergic to foods such as milk, eggs, nuts, fish or wheat. This can cause skin reactions, such as hives or swelling. Some insect bites or stings can also cause allergies.
Bites of some insects like ants, bees or mosquitoes can also cause skin allergic reactions.
By consuming medicines and topical products
- By using creams, lotions or any type of ointments.
- By using some antibiotics or painkillers.
- Using these can also cause problems like skin irritation and itching.
Skin allergies can occur due to the following reasons. Knowing them and avoiding them in case of any such symptoms is the first step to prevent skin allergies.
General symptoms of skin allergies
The symptoms of skin allergies generally depend on the sensitivity of the skin and the different types of allergies. Here below are the general symptoms of allergies, which are especially visible when there is a skin allergy.
Rashes or pimples
If you have an allergy, small pimples or spots start appearing on your skin. Due to which you start feeling itchy. And it starts spreading gradually.
Swelling
As soon as there is an allergy in the skin, there can be mild or severe swelling.
Itching or redness
The most common signs of allergy are continuous itching in the allergic area and redness in the affected area.
Dry, flaky or scaly skin
As soon as there is an allergy, the skin becomes dry. Also, the affected areas start becoming flaky. Along with this, scaly skin starts appearing. There can be both itching and burning in such an area.
When should you see a doctor
Generally this problem is not very big, however, if your skin allergy:
- There is a lot of burning, pain and swelling.
- There are signs of any kind of pus, fever or infection on the skin.
- It is not getting cured even by home remedies.
- It persists for a very long time. In such a case, you should immediately contact a doctor. Especially contact a skin specialist.
Note: Skin allergy should never be taken lightly, if it is not identified on time, its symptoms can cause serious problems.
What are the types of skin allergies?
Skin allergies can be of different types. Generally, the symptoms, causes and treatment of every type are different. You have been told about the main types of allergies below.
Contact dermatitis
- Its common causes: soap, detergent, nickel present in jewelry and perfume etc.
- Its symptoms especially include redness, itching and blisters.
Urticaria(hives)
- Suddenly red or pink pimples start appearing on the skin.
- Usually it is caused by food, medicines, stress or insect bites.
Angioedema
- Usually occurs along with urticaria.
- In severe cases, breathing problems may occur. Which can be life-threatening.
- It causes swelling in the deep layers of the skin, especially in the eyes, throat and hands and feet.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Usually it is associated with a family history of allergy or asthma.
- It can cause itching, dryness, redness and cracks on the skin.
- It is a long-term skin disease that often begins in children.
Note: If you see any of the symptoms mentioned here, then you can control skin allergy by paying attention to it in time.
How can you identify skin allergy?
If skin allergy is not identified at the right time, it can become a serious problem. Therefore, correct identification is the first and most important step towards treatment. Through this, the doctor tries to know the cause and types of allergy in many ways.
Through physical examination
The doctor carefully observes the symptoms of the skin by looking at it. Symptoms such as: skin rashes, blisters, swelling or itching. Through these symptoms, the initial symptoms of allergy can be guessed.
Allergy testing procedure
If the cause is not clearly confirmed by the doctor, then the following tests are conducted for it.
Patch test:-
Small patches of different allergy-causing substances are applied on the affected areas. Where it is known on the basis of the reaction after 48 hours. Which substance is causing the allergy.
Pick test:-
In this, the allergen is put on your skin with a small needle. If there is swelling or redness at that place, it means that you are allergic to that allergen.
The patient’s history and symptoms are also observed
- In this, the doctor takes some information from the patient such as when did this symptom start, how often it occurs, and under what circumstances it occurs, etc.
- Along with this, information is also taken about the medicines the patient is using, food, cosmetics and questions related to the environment.
- If the symptoms are not known soon, it is also advised to write a diary for more information.
Treatment and treatment of skin allergy
1. Home remedies
- Cold compress: – It gives relief from swelling and irritation.
- Aloe vera gel: – It gives natural relief.
- Oatmeal bath: – It cures dry and irritated skin.
2. Prescription medicine:::
- Strong steroid creams or tablets: – It is used only after medical advice.
- Immunose Processants:- These slow down the immune system response in severe cases.
3. Over the counter treatment
- Corticosteroid cream:- It provides relief from problems like swelling, itching and rashes.
- Antihistamine medicine:- It reduces allergic reactions.
4. Lifestyle modification
- Keep the skin clean and moisturized.
- Avoid allergens (eg, perfume, dust, metal)
- Use Hypo L Generic (allergy free) products.
Ways to avoid skin allergies
- Use clean clothes. -You should wear full sleeve clothes to avoid dust, sunlight and chemicals.
- Always keep the skin moisturized. -Dry skin is prone to immediate allergies. So always keep the skin moisturized.
- Do a patch test before using new products – Do a patch test before using any new product.
- Consult a dermatologist. – If you are facing frequent allergy problems, then definitely consult a dermatologist.
- Avoid reusing the things that you are allergic to.
Conclusion
Skin allergy is a common problem but due to some special reason, it can sometimes become a serious matter. In this we learned:
- What is allergy, what are its main types
- Causes of allergy: dust, cosmetics, food and medicines kept in the fridge.
- Its common symptoms: like itching, rashes, swelling or blisters.
- Home remedies to avoid allergy and finally how to avoid allergy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is skin allergy an infection?
Ans. No, it is an individual immune reaction. Which is not a contagious disease.
Q. How long does skin allergy last?
Ans. It depends on the type of allergy. Usually it gets cured in 1-2 days but in some cases it can take weeks.
Q. Do food items also pose a risk of skin allergy?
Ans. Yes, especially food items like milk, egg, seafood, peanut, soy and wheat can also cause allergies. But it depends on the individual.
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Written by Suraj Horo
