Skin allergy is an inflammatory reaction that can manifest in different regions of the skin, such as hands, feet, mouth, arms, armpits, neck, legs, back or belly, causing symptoms such as redness, itching and white or reddish skin. In addition, in some cases allergy to the skin can lead to other problems such as allergic angioedema, for example.
Skin allergy can have different causes such as allergy to deodorant, medicines, sun, insect bites or even allergy to sunscreen, and your treatment can be done with the use of antihistaminic medicines like Allegra or Loratadine, for example, indicated by the dermatologist.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of skin allergy include:
- Itching;
- Redness;
- Desquamation;
- Irritation;
- Presence of reddish or white spots or marbles.
These symptoms may appear a few minutes after contact with the allergen, but may also take several hours and even days to develop completely. In this way, one must try to remember the objects or substances that have been in contact with the region in the last 3 days, in order to try to find a cause.
In more severe and less common cases, skin allergy can also lead to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and throat discomfort, in which case it is very important to go quickly to the emergency room or call SAMU.
What to do when symptoms develop
As soon as the first symptoms of allergy arise, it is important that you take action quickly by washing with abundant water and soap with neutral pH the regions of the skin where allergy symptoms are emerging. After thoroughly rinsing these areas, it is important to get hypoallergenic products with calming agents, such as creams or lotions with a calming action such as chamomile or lavender, to relieve discomfort and soothe irritation of the skin, helping to maintain hydration.
In addition, Thermal Water is also an excellent option to use in these situations as it moisturizes the skin and reduces itching and irritation. Learn about other home treatments to treat skin allergy by clicking here.
However, if after washing and moisturizing the skin, the symptoms do not completely disappear after approximately 2 hours or if they worsen within that time, it is recommended that you consult your dermatologist as soon as possible so that he can prescribe allergy medicine.
What can cause allergy
Skin allergy can have several causes, including:
- Insect bites;
- Sweat;
- Bijou;
- Food poisoning;
- Medication or food;
- Plants or animal hair;
- Clothes, belts or some types of fabric such as wool or jeans;
- Irritant substances or materials such as detergent, laundry soap, cosmetics and beauty products, makeup, shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, soap, wax or even depilatory cream.
Allergy to the skin can manifest itself causing various symptoms, and it is very important to be able to identify the cause of the allergy so that it can be avoided.
Skin allergy treatment
The recommended treatment for skin allergy should be indicated by the dermatologist and the type of treatment will depend on the intensity of the symptoms. Generally, treatment is done with antihistamines such as Allegra or Loratadine, for example, or with corticosteroids such as betamethasone, in the form of syrup or tablets that serve to alleviate and treat the symptoms of allergy.
In addition, in cases where the itching is very intense, the doctor may also recommend the use of an ointment for allergy, which will moisturize the skin and relieve itching and redness.
How to know if it is allergy in the skin
The diagnosis of skin allergy can be made by the dermatologist who evaluates the symptoms manifested in the skin and the diagnosis can be confirmed through an allergy test, which consists of applying different substances known to cause skin allergies, letting them act between 24 to 48 hours.
After the indicated time, the doctor will then observe whether the test was positive or negative, noting if there was redness, itching or if there were bubbles in the skin, thus also identifying the agent responsible for causing the allergy. See how the allergy test is done by clicking here.
Is Skin Allergy More Common in Pregnancy?
Skin allergy in pregnancy can happen due to the hormonal changes and immune system that occur naturally during this period, which can make the pregnant woman more sensitive to the appearance of an allergy to unwanted skin.
In these cases, it is recommended that you try to soothe the skin with creams or lotions that help relieve discomfort and skin irritation, and it is recommended that you consult your dermatologist as soon as possible.
Generally, skin allergy in pregnancy does not harm the baby, but if allergy symptoms are severe it is recommended to go to the emergency room or hospital.
