There are many types of skin allergies, from atopic dermatitis toangioedema. MThese kinds of skin allergies can occur because the immune system overreacts to certain substances that are usually harmless or cause reactions in other people.
If a person has allergies, including skin allergies, it means that their immune system is sensitive to certain substances known as allergens. Allergens can be food, latex, animal dander, insects, or drugs. Other things such as cold, heat, and sunlight can also trigger skin allergies.
Skin allergies are divided into several types. Each type can be handled in a different way.
Types of Skin Allergies Commonly Happens
The following are the types of skin allergies that are commonly found in allergy sufferers:
1. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Eczema is a type of skin allergy that usually occurs in children. However, this condition can also occur in adults. Common symptoms of eczema are dry, red, itchy and irritated skin. If the skin is infected, usually a small lump will appear filled with clear or yellowish fluid.
Most cases of eczema are caused by genetic factors or a family history of eczema. In addition, eczema is also often associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies.
2. Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen. As mentioned above, allergens can be anything, including latex, metals, perfumes, and plants.
For example, if you have an allergy to nickel (an ingredient in jewelry) and your skin comes into direct contact with jewelry or other objects made of nickel, you could experience symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis, such as itchy, red, swollen, and scaly skin.
3. Dyshidrotic dermatitis
Other named disease pompholyx This is a type of dermatitis that occurs on the hands and feet. Symptoms are dry and itchy skin, sometimes like blisters. The blistered skin will feel very itchy and painful.
The cause of dyshidrotic dermatitis is not known with certainty. However, this condition is more risky for people who have other types of skin allergies, have damp hands, or sweat easily.
4. Urticaria or hives
Urticaria is inflammation and swelling of the skin's surface. This condition occurs when the body is exposed to certain substances or objects that cause the immune system to release histamine. Histamine is what then causes the symptoms of urticaria.
Urticaria or hives can be recognized by the appearance of red bumps on the skin that feel itchy. These lumps can appear in one or more parts of the body. The size and shape of the lump can also vary, from small to large and wide. Not only as a skin allergic reaction, hives can also be caused by a viral infection.
There are two types of urticaria, namely acute and chronic urticaria. The most common urticaria is acute urticaria. Usually, this type of urticaria occurs after you eat food or touch objects that act as allergens. However, acute urticaria can also be triggered by heat, medications, or insect bites.
Chronic urticaria is quite rare. Most chronic urticaria has no known cause. Chronic urticaria can last for months or years, whereas acute urticaria usually lasts no more than 6 weeks.
5. Angioedema
Angioedema is an allergic reaction that occurs on the skin. In this condition, there is a buildup of fluid on the skin, causing swelling. The difference with hives is that the swelling of angioedema occurs under the skin.
Angioedema often occurs in soft tissues, such as the eyelids, lips, throat, or even the genitals. Angioedema usually occurs with urticaria.
Angioedema is called "acute" if the condition lasts for a short period of time, such as within minutes or hours. Acute angioedema is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a drug or food, whereas chronic angioedema is recurrent and usually has no definite cause.
Skin Allergy Treatment
The principle of treating allergies, including skin allergies, is to determine what things you are allergic to and avoid them as much as possible. If allergy symptoms are resolved but the trigger persists, allergy treatment will not be effective. Therefore, it is important for you to find out what type of skin allergy you have.
If your skin has an allergic reaction to something, you can consult a dermatologist. Your doctor may advise you to do an allergy test, either a skin test or a blood test.
After that, the doctor will also prescribe a cream or oral medication, such as an antihistamine or corticosteroid, to help relieve the discomfort caused by an allergic skin reaction.
In treatment, it is important not to scratch the part of the skin that is experiencing an allergic reaction because it can cause further irritation or even infection.
In addition, the cleanliness and moisture of the skin must also be maintained. So, bathe regularly and apply moisturizer on the allergic areas after bathing. Moisturizing ointments can also help reduce itching, irritation, and dry skin that occurs with skin allergies.
If the skin allergy does not seem to improve after the above treatments, for example it is getting dry, red, itchy, and peeling, consult a doctor for further treatment.