What are skin allergies?
An allergic skin reaction occurs when your immune system has an unusual reaction to a harmless substance. Your immune system cells are supposed to protect you and find foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, and get rid of them.
If you have a skin allergy, your immune system is reacting to something. Many people with overly sensitive immune systems react to certain substances.
Allergy and Asthma Consultants treat different types of skin allergies, such as hives and angioedema.
Eczema
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a condition resulting in inflamed patches of cracked, red skin. Blisters might sometimes appear.
Around half of the people with eczema have inherited filaggrin, a faulty gene in their skin. Eczema is frequently associated with a food allergy, allergic rhinitis, or asthma.
Hives
Hives or urticaria refers to a red, itchy skin rash that might be triggered by an allergen, such as medications. Hives are often brought on by stress.
Allergic contact dermatitis
When your skin comes in direct contact with an allergen, you have contact dermatitis and can develop red, scaly, and itchy skin at the point of contact.
Angioedema
Angioedema refers to swelling in the deeper layers of your skin. Angioedema is often present with hives, and it usually occurs in soft tissues, such as the mouth or eyelids.
What causes skin allergies?
Allergic skin conditions usually appear after exposure to different allergens, such as:
- Latex
- Pollen
- Food
- Certain medications
- Pet dander
- Poison ivy
- Sunlight
- Insects
At Allergy and Asthma Consultants, your provider can help you determine what’s causing your allergies and the best ways to treat it.
Some of the most common allergic skin conditions include eczema, hives, and angioedema.
What are some of the signs of skin allergies?
If you have skin allergies, you might notice:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness
- Raised bumps
- Scaling or flaking of the skin
- Cracked skin
Your skin might also feel dry and have a rougher texture than you normally have.
How are skin allergies treated?
After sufficient testing, which is typically comprised of skin allergy testing and review of your medical and family history, your provider might suggest a number of ways to treat your skin allergies, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatories
- Special topical creams and ointments
- Immunotherapy to build your body’s tolerance to the allergen over time
- Lifestyle modifications like stress management and nutrition
- Antibiotics and antifungal medications
Skin allergies can lower your self-esteem, leave scarring, and damage your skin, become extremely uncomfortable, and more. Visit Allergy and Asthma Consultants for top-notch care for your skin allergies. Call the nearest office for an appointment, or use the online scheduling tool.
