SKIN ALLERGIES!

What are skin allergies and how to deal with allergies!

Skin allergies :Red patches, pimples, itching: what if it's a skin allergy? In this case, know that this is not the first time that you have encountered the allergen. Indeed, the initial stage of the allergic process, known as the "sensitization phase", does not trigger any symptoms. During this time, the immune system identifies a foreign substance as a threat that must be eliminated at all costs - when in fact it is harmless to the body - and then produces antibodies specifically against it. Therefore, they will try to destroy it each time it comes into contact with your skin, giving rise to different allergic manifestations: we explain how to identify and fight them in our article!

Symptoms of skin allergy:

Symptoms often appear within 48 hours of exposure to the allergen. The skin becomes red, swollen and becomes covered with oozing blisters at the contact area. Severe itching also appears: this is the famous allergic contact eczema, which then leads to the formation of small scabs. Rest assured: they disappear in a few days without leaving scars ... But there are also faster manifestations. So, when the allergy leads to a real hives attack, symptoms tend to appear within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure. Raised reddish patches, called papules, form first in the contact area but they can extend much further in some cases. They are fleeting and go away within minutes to hours and, like eczema, can be intensely itchy.

Many possible allergies:

Although the mechanism initiating the allergic process is still poorly understood, many allergens are known which may trigger a skin allergy. Among them are:

1. nickel, a heavy metal found in many “costume” jewelry. Beware: almost one in 5 women would be allergic to it;
2. latex, in particular used to make condoms;
3. various plants. Among the most common allergies, let us quote, for example, that to asteraceae (eg: sunflower, dahlia, chamomile);
4. dyes used for clothing;
5. a very large number of allergens found in cosmetics, laundry and other household products.

But these are just a few examples, because in reality, there are several thousand molecules that can trigger an attack of eczema or hives.

Skin reactions: when to consult?

In general, allergic skin manifestations are not serious and can be easily relieved with creams sold without a prescription in pharmacies. However, it is recommended to see a doctor if:

you do not know which allergen is involved;
your plaques are spreading;
your symptoms do not improve after 5 days despite applying the creams.
It should also be noted that certain attacks of urticarial may be accompanied by angioedema. Usually the eyelids and lips swell, but other areas can be affected, such as the genitals and hands. The real danger arises when edema affects the larynx (located in the throat) because it poses a risk of suffocation. 

How is the diagnosis of a skin allergy made?

To detect skin hypersensitivity, the allergist often performs a "patch test", also known as a patch test. In practice, you should keep patches on your skin for 48 to 72 hours, while the allergens tested penetrate the epidermis and trigger a reaction ... At least if you really have a skin allergy! Keep in mind that "swallow" allergies, such as a food allergy or drug allergy, can also cause eczema or hives. You may therefore have to perform other tests, until the allergen in question is identified: sometimes the diagnosis is very quick but in some cases, you have to be patient.

How to treat this form of allergy?

While desensitization is possible for many allergies, such as pollen allergy (a(hay fever) or even wasp venom allergy, this technique is unfortunately ineffective against skin allergy. Its treatment is therefore mainly based on an avoidance strategy - hence the advantage of precisely identifying the allergen in question. But also on the relief of symptoms in the event of a crisis. Usually, the doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid or antihistamine cream to apply to the lesions for a few days. However, oral treatment may also be necessary depending on the symptoms. Again, these are usually corticosteroids or antihistamines.