Knowing the Causes and Ways to Handle Skin Allergies
Skin allergies can develop in minutes or gradually after several hours have passed. Although most allergic reactions are mild, serious allergic reactions can also occur suddenly. The cause can vary, therefore to prevent skin allergies, it is important to recognize the allergic triggers and avoid them.
In medical terms, skin allergies are called allergic contact dermatitis. Allergies can be triggered by several causes. The appearance of allergies is caused by exposure to allergens, which are foreign elements that are mistakenly considered dangerous by the immune system so that if exposed can cause allergic reactions.
Knowing the Causes and Ways to Handle Skin Allergies
Someone who has sensitive skin is very susceptible to allergies. Some of the signs that can be identified include reddening, rash, itchy and swollen skin.
Causes of Skin Allergy
There are several things that can generally cause and trigger skin allergic reactions, including:
- Cosmetic products, such as facials, lotions, deodorants, soaps, shampoos and hair dyes.
- Cleaning products, such as floor cleaners, laundry soap, disinfectants and detergents.
- Medications that are applied to the skin, such as creams or antibiotics.
- Accessories made of metal, such as nickel or gold.
- Plants, which can include leaves, stems, or pollen.
- Latex, which is the material used for rubber gloves, condoms, and balloons.
- Insect spray.
- Perfume.
You are also at greater risk of developing skin allergies if you have a skin condition called eczema (eczema), inflammation of the lower limbs due to disturbed blood circulation, or itching in the intimate area.
Allergic reactions do not immediately apparent when the body is first exposed to allergens. At the first exposure, the immune system will only remember it then make antibodies as a reaction. If the body is exposed to the next allergic trigger, an allergic reaction will occur. The process of forming an immune reaction to allergens takes at least 10 days.
If you already have allergies, in a matter of minutes, the patient can immediately experience symptoms of skin allergies when in contact with allergens. However, symptoms can also occur 1-2 days after exposure to allergens. In some cases, allergies can cause a fatal or anaphylactic reaction
Although rare, we still need to be aware of allergic reactions in the form of anaphylaxis. In addition to reddened skin, anaphylaxis can cause shortness of breath, abdominal cramps, sudden weakness, swelling in the throat and mouth, and loss of consciousness. If not treated immediately, anaphylaxis can cause death.
How to Handle Skin Allergy
If you have skin allergies, find out the cause and avoid contact with allergens whenever possible. In addition, there are several tips that can reduce the risk of skin allergies.
- Use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream: Both types of cream serve to reduce itching. However, the use of drugs such as hydrocortisone creams needs to follow the doctor's recommendations.
- Use clothes that are loose and soft: Tight clothing can aggravate the rash on the skin. Therefore, when the body experiences itching in skin allergies, wear comfortable and loose clothing.
- Bathe with cold water: This method is useful for reducing rashes on the skin or can also use cold water compresses. After that, dry the skin with a clean towel and then use a moisturizer. Avoid bathing or soaking in hot water, because it can aggravate the symptoms of skin allergies.
Allergy test
To find out someone has an allergy to certain objects or foods, an allergic test needs to be done. This test is done by giving a certain amount of exposure to various substances to see the body's reaction.
Skin allergy testing is usually done if the patient has a special medical condition, such as if there is eczema. Another condition is if you feel itchy or swollen and experience dermatitis that does not improve even after treatment. In addition, allergy testing can also be done if we have a history of allergies to food, pollen, and drugs.
If you experience skin problems, it is advisable to check with a dermatologist. Avoid scratching an itchy rash because it can cause infection to the skin and inhibit the healing process.
