Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Skin is the body’s natural barrier that protects you from irritants and pathogens. However, sometimes, this shield overreacts, resulting in skin allergies and ending up leaving you itching and irritated. Skin allergies are perhaps more common than what you might think. In fact, skin allergies affect millions of people worldwide. In fact, in the U.S. alone, skin allergies account for approximately 5.7 million annual medical visits.

Read this article to explore skin allergies, their causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Skin allergies typically occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a potential threat. This reaction further triggers the release of histamines, leading to inflammation, redness, and itching. Some of the most common reasons behind skin allergies are

Some of the most common food allergens, such as dairy, gluten, and nuts, can cause skin reactions such as hives or eczema. In fact, in a few circumstances, merely touching an allergen can cause allergic reactions to trigger up.

There are some substances, such as nickel in jewelry, cosmetics, or fragrances, that trigger contact dermatitis. In fact, everyday cleaning products or latex gloves can also turn out to be problematic.

Common environmental allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites, also result in skin allergies, leaving you with itchy rashes or hives.

Some people might also experience skin reactions due to antibiotics such as penicillin or even over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen.

Sometimes, bee, mosquito, and other insect bites can trigger swelling in a part or show full-body allergic reactions.

While the symptoms of skin allergies can vary widely, understanding the symptoms can prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some common symptoms of skin allergies.

Fortunately, skin allergies are manageable. Here are some treatment approaches that are widely recommended.

Medications such as loratadine or cetirizine can significantly help alleviate itching and reduce inflammation. These medications simply block the histamines that cause allergic reactions.

The best approach is to cut off triggers completely. You can easily identify the allergen via patch test.

Creams or ointments such as hydrocortisone can also significantly help reduce inflammation and soothe itchy skin. If you’re suffering from severe reactions, the doctor might recommend some stronger steroids.

Another approach is to regularly hydrate your skin with hypoallergenic creams, as it strengthens the skin barrier and reduces sensitivity. 

If you want long-term relief from allergic responses, allergy shots or immunotherapy might also be recommended, which gradually helps in desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens.

While skin allergies might feel irritating, they can be managed effectively with some prevention tips. Of course, one cannot stress enough how vital it is to listen to your body and seek medical advice when needed. So if you notice any allergic reactions that you feel are severe and persistent or other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of life-threatening anaphylaxis, we recommend that you visit your doctor immediately.