A skin allergy is the body’s over-reaction to one or more allergens in
our environment. Allergic contact
dermatitis
occurs when your skin
comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or
allergic to. Jewelry metals and fragrances top the list of substances
most likely to cause serious skin rashes. It can also be triggered by a
number of factors, including plants, animals, clothing, food and heat.
Eczema is a term used for a group of skin conditions having several
things in common: dryness, itching, inflammation and thickening of
skin, and recurrence. Contact
dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas
atopic dermatitis is most often a problem in kids. Hand dermatitis is
caused by skin irritants such as detergents or
chemicals. Dry skin
occurs because of lack of water in the stratum corneum.
Some allergic reactions to wine stem from insect chemicals, new
research shows. Chemicals from Hymenoptera insects may be present in
some wines. There are four main types of skin allergy, each caused by
different allergens. Prickly heat warm weather often causes the itchy
red rash known as prickly heat. Bites and stings is irritations from
insect bites and stings can be uncomfortable but reactions tend to be
short lived. Urticaria type of allergy. Urticaria also called is nettle
rash, because it comes up as an itchy red rash, raised in the middle.
The swelling that sometimes goes along with urticaria is called
angioedema, and often involves the lips, the eyes, and the hands and
feet. Angioedema is usually not itchy or red, it tends to burn, sting
or cause a tingling sensation.
The most common treatment for allergic contact dermatitis is a
cortisone ointment preparation. Many people opt for the more effective
natural treatments such as epitrex, which can eliminate flare-ups. Some
people find that oral antihistamines like benadryl allergy relief do
the trick. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its
low potency makes it safe for self-care. Try to determine what
exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them. Wear gloves when washing
dishes or clothing, and don’t allow your hands to be constantly wet.
Allow wool clothing or blankets against your skin. use soapless
cleansers or non-alkaline (neutral) soaps. Use washable cotton or
synthetic blankets, not fuzzy surfaced ones. Use easily laundered
cotton bedspreads or coverlets; avoid chenille.
Skin allergy Diagnosis and Treatment Tips
1. Use fragrance free products when suffering from allergies of skin.
2. A good moisturising lotion will prevent the skin from drying out.
3. Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and halt the spread of rashes.
4. Using washing detergents suitable for people with allergies will not cause any damage to the skin.
5. Keeping a diary of moments when your skin is inflamed or extremely itchy with raised patches.
6. Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common medicines used for allergies.
7. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Its low potency makes it safe for self-care.
8. Try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them.