Skin Allergies

[Farfett]

For anyone who suffers for skin allergies as I do, read this article. Anyone who needs some more information please let me now.

Skin allergies can be caused by a myriad of different things ranging from environmental agents to ingredients found in personal care products like soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or even household products or pets. It is still unknown why allergic reactions to products occur in some people but not others, although it is known that people who have allergies to certain agents are genetically predisposed, so if you find yourself itching like crazy at just the sight of a specific laundry detergent, you have at least one parent to thank.

How Do Skin Allergies Manifest?

Skin allergies manifest in different ways, depending on the type. The most common and most frequently diagnosed are eczema and dermatitis and both are equally as uncomfortable. What are the signs that you may have one of these skin allergies? The first and most common sign shared by all skin allergies is that of a rash. Both dermatitis and eczema manifest themselves in the form of a rash, dermatitis having a thick, red, cracked, and sometimes bleeding or oozing rash, and eczema manifesting the same type of rash, although not as thickened.

How Are Skin Allergies Activated and What Causes the Rash?

Well, that all depends on what type of skin allergy you have. Dermatitis is mainly caused by a lack of moisture in the skin`s stratum and, therefore, understandably worsens in the winter months. The most frustrating characteristic of eczema may be its ability to be activated by any number of things including jewelry, clothing, personal care products, or airborne allergens. Some people may have very specific allergies that include such things hair dyes, body powders and perfumes, latex, metals, plants, or preservatives in household products.

Treating Your Rash: The Do`s and Don`ts

When considering what works for a rash, it`s best to follow the common-sense advice of dermatologists. If it`s a dry rash, give it moisture; if it`s a moist rash, keep it dry. Number one on the list of `Dont`s` when it comes to rashes? Don`t scratch. As strong as the urge may be to scratch a rash in response to the itch, since scratching causes further inflammation and irritates surface cells, scratching itself can actually trigger a rash. In fact, many rashes may subside without treatment just by avoiding the area altogether. Dermatologist encourage those who suffer from intense itching to keep nails trim so as to avoid the compulsion to scratch. Other things to avoid exposing rashes to include perfumes, dyes, fragrances, extreme hot or cold, and regular soaps. Additionally, prolonged exposure to water.

The do`s include applying an emollient moisturizer containing mineral oil and lanolin, using soaps and moisturizers that contain the calming benefits of oatmeal, applying a hydrocortisone cream to the irritated area twice daily, and avoidance of any identified triggers of the allergic reaction.

When to seek the treatment of a dermatologist? When at-home care provides no relief, the rash worsens, or the area opens and exposes you to infection.