Skin allergy: Types, causes, symptoms and treatments

What is a Skin Allergy?

A skin allergy is when skin becomes irritated because the immune system reacted to something that is usually harmless. This is called an allergic reaction.

Skin allergies are characterised by itching, redness and swelling and they are often accompanied by bumps, irritation, and pain.

Types of Skin Allergy

There are multiple types of skin allergy disorder, each with its distinctive symptoms. This includes:

1. Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

Eczema is one of the most commonly occurring skin allergies among individuals. It usually begins in childhood, although it may also emerge in adolescence or adulthood. Commonly affected areas are behind the knees and elbow creases in older children, teenagers, and adults; however, it may also appear on the eyebrows, hands and neck. Eczema is usually characterised by red, dry, and itchy skin and sometimes tiny fluid-filled bumps with yellowish or clear liquid can also appear along with it.

2. Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is another common skin allergy type. It happens when your skin directly comes in contact with an allergen or irritant. A lot of factors can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.

3. Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria consists of itchy, red and white raised bumps or welts that range in size and can appear anywhere on the body. The welts disappear in minutes to hours and typically heal without scarring. Acute urticaria can last up to six weeks. Chronic hives last more than six weeks and can last months or even years.

4. Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling without itch and often appears on the face around the eyes, cheeks or lips. This deeper layer of swelling can also occur on hands, feet, genitals, or inside the bowels or throat.

Hives are often accompanied by angioedema, a swelling that may affect the lips, eyes, hands, and feet but do not always lead to anaphylaxis. An odd stinging or tingling feeling is what patients with angioedema describe it as. It can also be classified into two groups, acute angioedema and chronic recurrent angioedema.

Symptoms of Skin Allergy

An allergic skin response is itchy, red, or blistered skin. Symptoms and patterns may be used to identify different kinds of skin allergies. All the following symptoms may be present: itching, a raised bump, redness, or a combination of the three.

• Rash

• Itching

• Redness

• Swelling

• Elevated bumps

• Skin that is flaky or scaly

• Cracked Skin

Causes of Skin Allergy

The causes of skin allergies can differ depending on type of allergy. For example, for individuals suffering from eczema often have a family medical history of allergies while for those with chronic urticaria and chronic recurrent angioedema, the cause is not always certain. Here are some common triggers that results in skin allergy:

1. Latex

2. Nickel-based jewellery

3. Sunscreen

4. Chemicals

5. Cleaning products

6. Certain medications and foods

7. Insect bites

8. Certain plants like poison ivy, poison sumac, etc.

9. Bug sprays

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing skin allergy symptoms, seek medical care. Your healthcare provider will inspect the affected area and ask some questions related to the issue. He may also suggest few tests to identify the cause and type of skin allergy. Most common recommended test is patch testing. Unlike allergy testing, patch test is non-invasive and does not need needles.

In this test, allergens are put in little dots on an adhesive sheet in the patch's design. There are two patches per person, each lasting for 48 hours. Showers, baths, and heavy sweating should be avoided while the patches heal. The patches are removed in the doctor's office after 48 hours. Performing this test helps the healthcare provider evaluate the reaction and detect the root allergen causing the skin allergy.

Treatment Methods for Skin Allergy

Based on the type of skin allergy, below are the common treatment methods recommended by healthcare professionals.

1. Eczema

The doctor may recommend application of moisturisers and topical ointments for treatment of this skin allergy. They may also prescribe antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection. To avoid condition from getting worse, it is suggested to not scratch the affected area.

2. Allergic contact dermatitis

For this type, the doctor may prescribe medications like oral antihistamines and corticosteroid creams.

3. Angioedema and hives

For these types of skin allergy, the doctor will prescribe antihistamine medications and ask you to stay away from known trigger points.

Home Remedies for Skin allergy

This includes:

1. Use moisturisers to ease allergic itchiness

2. Apply cold compressions on the affected skin area to reduce itch and pain

3. Apply calamine lotion on the affected area to relieve itchiness, redness, and swelling

4. Take prescribed oral medications and avoid the common triggers of skin allergy.

Recovery tips for Skin allergy

Follow these tips to enhance the recovery process:

1. Avoid scented soaps

2. Avoid rubbing or scratching the affected skin area

3. Steer clear of showering in hot water

4. Regularly apply calamine lotion and cortisone creams on the affected area

5. Make sure not to cover the rash area with a bandage

6. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals

7. Follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.