Skin allergies can be caused by many different factors that include heat, medications, infections and immune system disorders. A skin allergen will trigger an immune systems response and several different types of skin allergies are the result.
Dermatitis or contact dermatitis generally happens when your skin comes in contact with an allergen. If you are allergic to the nickel content in jewelry you will develop scaly, swollen and bumpy skin at the point of contact. Atopic dermatitis more commonly known as eczema is a skin allergy that is caused by immune dysfunction in the layers of the skin. Eczema is often associated with food allergies, hay fevers or asthma. Skin allergies that are the result of touching poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are called allergic dermatitis.
Skin allergies are also called urticaria or hives. This skin allergy is triggered with the immune system releases histamine that causes blood vessels to leak and the skin to swell. Exercise, heat and allergic reactions to medications, insect bites and foods may cause a sudden outbreak of hives. Chronic hives seem to “just happen” and may last for months.
To treat common skin allergies there are over the counter medications that will sooth your symptoms. These include moisturizers and calamine lotion. You can also use topical steroids or topical immunomodulators. Try cortisone ointments that provide temporary relief for itchy skin rashes. These preparations have a topical analgesic that provides instant relief to itchy and swollen skin. Try using cool water to help with skin rashes. The coolness will reduce inflammation of allergies. Cool water tends to close up the pores which prevent further irritations. Add oatmeal to your bath to help with skin rashes. Pour one cup of uncooked oatmeal in a tub of water. You can also steep chamomile tea bags in your bath water before adding oatmeal.
Try herbal remedies to smooth skin rashes. Boil two or three teaspoons of fresh chamomile and wash the rash. Apply olive oil and or aloe vera oil to the rashy area. This will diminish discomfort and help cure the rash.
If you find your skin allergies are particularly difficult and irritated you may need to seek the expertise of an allergist or immunologist. These are physicians with the training and knowledge to diagnose your condition and possibly prescribe topical ointments for your skin allergy.
Different medications can also include oral steroids. These are short courses for severe or even moderate skin allergies. You can also ask your physician for antihistamines that can help you sleep though itching and scratchy skin allergies. You can also find antihistamines over the counter. Do be aware that these antihistamines often cause sleepiness.
