Irritated skin is more than just a nuisance; it can affect your overall health-related quality of life, keep you from being social, negatively affect your sleep, and more. Allow us to explain four types of skin allergies and available treatment options:
Skin Allergy: Allergic Contact Dermatitis
If you are sensitive to a certain product and it contacts your skin, your immune system may overreact and produce histamine to combat the “invader”. When you first contact the allergen, your skin may not produce any signs that there is a problem. However, after a few interactions with the product, your skin may start showing symptoms of an allergy. Discover the symptoms and common triggers of allergic contact dermatitis:
- Symptoms: itchy, red rash
- Common Triggers: poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, nickel, leather, latex rubber, fragrances, and citrus peels
Skin Allergy: Hives (Urticaria)
There are two types of hives that afflict people – chronic and acute. Chronic hives can last for weeks or months while acute hives can appear and disappear within minutes. Both are frustrating and painful, and they need to be treated with care. Let’s take a look at the symptoms and common triggers of hives:
- Symptoms: raised, red and white bumps on the skin’s surface; these bumps can itch, burn, and/or sting
- Common Triggers: medications, food allergies, latex rubber, pet dander, pollen, excess heat, insect stings or bites, and viral/bacterial infections
Skin Allergy: Angioedema
Many people will experience hives and angioedema simultaneously. Angioedema occurs when your body contacts an allergen and produces histamine. The histamine will cause swelling on your skin. Discover the symptoms and common triggers of angioedema:
- Symptoms: swelling of the deep layers of the skin; commonly appears on the face, hands, or feet
- Common Triggers: food allergies, medicine, insect bites/stings, latex rubber
Skin Allergy: Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
It is estimated that roughly 30 million Americans have eczema. This frustrating skin allergy can negatively affect your sleep, distract you throughout the day, and make you want to hide under layers of clothing. An effective, personalized treatment plan is a must. Let’s take a look at the symptoms and common triggers of eczema:
- Symptoms: itchy, red rash or scaly patches of skin; commonly found on the face, wrists, behind knees, on elbows
- Common Triggers: asthma, hay fever, food allergies, stress, skin irritants, indoor or outdoor allergens, and the environment
Dealing with frustrating skin allergies? Talk to the Langford Allergy team today.
A wet, cool compress or anti-itch cream may relieve the signs and symptoms for a short period. But ultimately, figuring out the root of the problem is a must in order to effectively manage your skin allergies. Call the Langford Allergy team today: 478-787-4728