How do allergies affect your skin?
Sara P.
A dermatologist based in Canada.
Overview
New allergies can occur in different ways, but respiratory and skin symptoms are the most common. Symptoms of a seasonal allergy can range from a runny nose and sneezing to constipation and itchy skin.
Mild allergies and rashes can result from allergic contact dermatitis, which occurs when skin comes into contact with a particular allergen such as nickel, ivy or cosmetic products.
An allergic reaction can cause or aggravate eczema and atopic dermatitis, common skin diseases resulting from a weakened or leaky skin barrier. Itchy skin is one of the primary ways allergies affect the skin, and this is often because it is the only unpleasant symptom.
What is skin allergy?
A skin allergy is a reaction of the body when it comes into contact with a foreign, harmless substance known as an allergen, such as pollen which can come into contact with the skin and cause a rash.
How do allergies affect skin?
Skin allergies occur when the immune system reacts to something harmless and causes the skin to inflame. It can also cause a variety of symptoms including red, bumpy, itchy, scaly or swollen skin at or near the contact point with the allergens.
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can occur themselves, but seasonal allergies can make them worse. In addition to hives and eczema, a symptom of an allergy can cause the skin to swell differently in certain places.
Food allergies can trigger an immune response that can cause skin diseases such as facial swelling and hives. In some skin conditions, hives form on the surface of the skin, including the back of the cheeks, tongue and throat, resulting in a stinging or burning sensation. Under these conditions, the hives tend to itch and scratch, causing long-term damage, scarring and persistent skin sensitivity.
How can I treat allergic skin conditions?
You can reduce itchy skin due to seasonal allergies by avoiding pollen as much as possible, limiting the pollen that you bring with you, drinking plenty of water, limiting the use of decongestants, taking allergy medications and using immunotherapies.
Mild cases of eczema can be eliminated or minimized by eliminating the exposure that has caused the disease, by trial-and-error allergy testing and medically recommended soap and lotion.
Another way to treat dry skin if your allergy causes your nose to run is to use tissue lotion, apply an ointment or apply a layer of jelly to the area to protect the skin.
If you suffer from dry skin due to an allergy, moisturizers or other products are used that can calm irritation.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Takeaway
The change of seasons tends to affect our skin, and we all have allergies, but not all seem to be plagued by pollen, and some are even worse. The presence of pollen and mold in the spring causes allergies to become more common and different kinds of allergies can affect people's health, with consequences such as irritation, redness, pimples, itching, rashes, etc.The best thing you can do if you have an allergic reaction that affects your skin is to take preventive measures.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
