Skin Allergy: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Max Lab

Nov 02, 2022

Skin allergies are one of the most common sources of discomfort, causing symptoms like redness, bumps, itchiness, dry skin, and scaly skin. Over time they can aggravate other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Find out this article what your early warning signs are!

What is a Skin Allergy?

Skin allergies are caused when the immune system of the human body mistakenly reacts to something harmless. Different types of allergens can potentially cause skin allergies, such as pollen, food, medication, plants, and others. According to research, more than 3700 skin allergies exist. When the immune system is triggered by a harmless substance, mistakenly identifying them as an allergen, it results in a rash, bump, itching, or redness on the skin. Exposure to these substances can be through ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact. Sometimes it is easy to find the reason behind skin allergies, and sometimes it takes several allergy tests to know the exact cause. In medical terms, any type of skin allergy is called a hypersensitivity reaction.

Types of Skin Allergies

There are many types of skin allergies. Some of the most common skin allergies are:

• Urticaria or Hives

Urticaria is a skin allergy commonly known as hives, which is caused by the antigen Immunoglobulin E. It is a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. This allergy can be caused by various antigens found inside the human body, such as bacterial infection, infestation, and systematic disease. Some of the external triggers that can cause urticarial are inhalants, certain foods like poultry and meat, injury, and particular medications.

Symptoms of Hives

• Swelling on the dermis and lips
• Itching
• Heaviness in the chest
• Abdominal pain
• Some people experience runny noses, breathing problems, and wheezing.

Diagnosis of Hives

The skin doctor may ask the person about their medical history, symptoms, and duration. They may recommend routine tests and skin allergy tests to diagnose the type of skin allergy and suggest treatment. One can get a full-body allergy test at Max Lab at an affordable rate. The test can be booked online at the official website of Max Lab.

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as eczema. This skin disease is usually inherited from genetics. In this skin condition, the person’s skin reacts to mild environmental conditions. It is a type of skin inflammation that may lead to severe itching. This skin allergy commonly shows symptoms in children. It may also occur along with other atopic conditions such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. Some of the common causes of eczema are environmental factors, genetics, chemicals, and stress. Common irritants that are the causes of this skin allergy and itching are animal fur, soaps, dust, smoking, and other irritants.

Symptoms of Eczema

• Dry and itchy skin.
• Redness on the skin
• Skin pigmentation in children
• Eczematous lesions

Diagnosis of Eczema

Atopic dermatitis can easily be diagnosed by physical examination as it has visible symptoms. Some of the common treatments for this skin allergy at home are to avoid getting in contact with the allergen if known, apply steroid cream recommended by the doctor, use mild soap, avoid chemical-based products, and avoid skin dryness.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused when the skin is exposed to an irritant. In this skin condition, the person suffers from skin inflammation and is considered an occupational disease in different parts of the world. People who are at high risk of this skin allergy are those who work in the chemical, paint, and plastic industries. It is a Type 4 hypersensitivity reaction. Contact dermatitis can be caused due to exposure to pollen, certain chemicals, the sun, topical antibacterial ointment, fabric, or any other irritant.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

• Inflammation on the hand and back of the palm.
• Itching
• Skin lesions
• Rashes

Diagnosis of Contact Dermatitis

The doctor usually recommends a skin patch test for the diagnosis of this skin allergy. During this test, the suspected allergen is applied to the patient’s back and the area is checked after 48 hours. If the area has unusual swelling or inflammation, then it confirms contact dermatitis. The doctor prescribes anti-itch lotion to calm the inflammation. The remedy for this skin allergy is to wash the area with clean water and avoid getting in contact with the allergen as much as possible.

What are the Causes of Skin Allergies?

There are thousands of allergens found. However, these are some of the common allergens that cause skin allergies:

• Nickel

It is a metal found in jewellery, hooks, and belts.

• Fragrance

It is found in most cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions.

• Chemicals

Chemicals are found in household cleaners, cosmetics, antiperspirants, and others.

• Latex

It is a natural rubber found in balloons, gloves, and baby bottles.

Treatment of Skin Allergy

Most skin allergies fade out on their own when they are not triggered. Once the person has identified what are the symptoms of the skin allergy, it is recommended to see a doctor who will ask them to get a skin allergy test. This is the cause of the allergy. Here are some of the common remedies that work in the case of skin allergy:

• Wear loose clothes.
• Apply cool compresses to the affected area.
• Use recommended topical medications.
• Milk bath