Many individuals are bothered by skin irritations at some point in their lives. These are considered common and varied that leads to confusion. Once an allergen is responsible for instigating an immune system response, the irritation is called an allergic skin condition.
There are various types of allergic skin conditions. An allergist can determine the exact condition and develop the suitable treatment plan.
Hives and angioedema
Hives or urticaria is itchy, red-colored, elevated areas of the skin. They range in size and can appear in any part of the body. In most cases of hives, they are usually acute and vanish within a few days or weeks. On the other hand, some suffer from chronic hives with symptoms that come and go for several months or years. The doctor will prescribe antihistamines to relieve the symptoms of this allergic skin condition.
In case the cause can be identified, the individual should avoid the trigger. Nevertheless, most cases of chronic hives are not linked to allergies.
Even though related to hives, angioedema involves swelling that affects the deeper skin layers. It is not usually red or itchy and often involves the lips, eyelids, hands, tongue and feet. This condition typically occurs with hives but can occur on its own.
Dermatitis
This is an inflammation of the skin that produces a red, itchy, scaly rash. The two common types include atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin condition that typically starts in infancy or early childhood. This allergic skin condition is often linked with allergic rhinitis, food allergy and asthma.
There are certain foods that can trigger eczema, particularly in young children. Even skin staph infections can trigger flare-ups in children as well. Other possible triggers include dust mites, animal dander, sweating and contact with soap or wool.
What is contact dermatitis?
Once certain substances come in contact with the skin, they can trigger a rash called contact dermatitis. Take note that there are two forms of contact dermatitis – allergic and irritant.
- Irritant contact dermatitis occurs once a substance damages part of the skin it came in contact with. This often causes pain than itchiness. The longer the skin is in contact with the substance, the more severe the reaction will be.
- Allergic contact dermatitis is characterized by the red, itchy, blistered reaction after contact with poison ivy. This reaction can occur 24-48 hours after exposure. Once a reaction starts, it might take 14-28 days to go away even with treatment.
Tips in assessing allergic skin conditions
- Bumpy, red-colored, itchy, scaly or swollen skin indicates skin allergy
- Hives are itchy, red-colored, elevated areas of skin that vary in size and manifest in any part of the body. Angioedema involves swelling of the deeper skin layers that often occurs with hives.
- Eczema is an itchy, scaly rash that often affects the elbows, face and knees.
- Once certain substances come in contact with the skin, it can trigger a rash called contact dermatitis.