Skin Allergies
Diagnosing the Different Types of Skin Allergies
A person’s first protection to harmful bacteria and other organisms is their skin. It takes care of its responsibility very well, but there are times when allergens get on the skin and cause skin allergies. This condition is unpleasant and irritating for sufferers.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of skin allergies include the following reactions:
• Rashes
• Scaly skin
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Hives
These symptoms occur after contact with a trigger, also known as an allergen. These substances can even be foreign substances carried on the air.
Types
There are two main types of skin allergies: contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema). Both are caused by allergens and need to be diagnosed in order to prevent future skin irritation.
Diagnosis & Prognosis
When you suffer from skin allergies, you need to have a skin test to help determine the trigger responsible for your allergic reaction. Only an allergy specialist can conduct these tests and can diagnose your allergy. If properly diagnosed, people who have skin allergies can learn to combine preventative treatments and antihistamines, as well as avoidance therapies, to have a good quality of life.
Treatments
As mentioned above, treatments for skin allergies usually include avoiding contacting with the identified triggers. You also need to learn to reduce environmental and emotional factors which can worsen skin reactions, such as stress. Finally, antihistamines can sometimes be used to reduce the symptoms.
Allergy Management
If you have skin allergies, you need to wear a medical bracelet or carry a medical card that lists your type of allergy and the triggers for the reaction, as well as any medications you take for the condition so you can make sure health care professionals know this information about your history.