Skin allergic reaction is characterized by redness, itching and swelling. There are different reasons for various forms of skin allergic reaction. Allergic reaction is different in every person.
What is skin allergy?
Skin allergy is caused due to reaction of immune system of an individual. Common symptoms associated with skin allergy are redness, itching and swelling. Though symptoms are same for every skin allergy the causes are often different. Skin allergy may be on one spot, or all over the body.
Causes of skin allergy
There are many causes that lead to the development of skin allergic reactions. Some of the common causes include food, medications, metals, chemicals, hair dyes, deodorants etc. Exposure to sun rays also cause allergy in some people. Skin allergy caused due to exposure to sun is called as photo allergy.
Types of skin allergy
There are mainly two types of skin allergy namely
1) Atopic dermatitis
2) Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis: This type of skin inflammation is caused by contact with specific material. This material when comes in contact with the skin, it irritates the skin. E.g. skin allergy caused by jewelry containing nickel or allergy cause by poison ivy.
Atopic dermatitis: The word ‘atopic’ means allergies that are hereditary and inflammation of the skin is called as ‘Dermatitis’. Atopic dermatitis is represented in the form of a condition called as eczema. There are two types of eczema-Wet and Dry. In dry eczema the skin becomes itchy, red, swollen, cracked and inflamed whereas in wet eczema skin oozes a liquid. Atopic dermatitis is mostly seen in winters. It is because in winters the air is cold and dry. Dryness causes irritation of the skin and aggravation of the symptoms.
Symptoms of skin allergic reaction
Common symptoms of allergic skin reaction include rashes, itching, redness and swelling. Other symptoms may vary depending upon the person such as some may experience running nose, headache, sneezing, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, irritating cough etc. There are no specific tests for testing the skin allergy. The health care provider examines the patient and asks about symptoms to diagnose the condition.
Treatment of skin allergic reaction
- The best way to avoid skin allergy is to avoid the contact of allergens.
- Other treatments include application of topical steroidal or non-steroidal creams.
- Antihistamines and antibiotics may be helpful for some patients.
- Patients with small skin reactions could be benefited by applying ice or wet cloth.
References:
- Guidelines for care of Contact dermatitis (J Bourke, I Coulson, J English) BJD, Vol.145, No.6, December 2001 (p 877)- British Association of Dermatologists
- Skin allergy diagnosis and treatment by Juliet kohen 2007