Skin Allergies and How to Treat Them

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person. Many people experience congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing and dry throat. Others have serious symptoms such as, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing and shock. However, many people don’t realize that along with these symptoms, skin allergies could be present.

When you have skin allergies, you experience different kinds of symptoms. You may get some of the above mentioned symptoms but you will also get some form of topical reaction. Hives or a rash are the most common forms of skin allergy reaction.

Hives are red, itchy welts that can occur in a small area of the body or spread throughout the entire body. This type of skin allergy is commonly caused by food allergies, but can be brought on by anything you are sensitive to. Hives will typically only last for a few minutes, but can last for up to 24 hours. Many times people will experience the hives on their lips, hands and feet. This can become a very uncomfortable and sometimes painful problem. Even though hives are an unwanted symptom, they are not serious and will not lead to further health problems.

There are many types of rashes that you can contact from having skin allergies. Eczema and contact dermatitis are two of the most common forms. Eczema is a dry, itchy rash that can sometimes ooze a pus-like substance. Its causes are numerous, but usually is present in people that suffer from other skin allergies. Eczema usually starts at a young age and will affect the person for the remainder of their life. There are many treatments and ways to avoid an outbreak, but the ailment will always be there. Contact dermatitis is a skin allergy that arises when you come in contact with a substance that causes a reaction. Poison ivy is one common cause of this skin allergy.  It will cause an itchy, dry, red rash that can lead to blister-like welts.

Skin allergies are easy to diagnose and also easy to heal. Most symptoms will disappear after the use of a topical cream and oral antihistamine. However, if the skin allergy is not treated it can spread and cause more problems. So if you notice a skin allergy forming get treatment right away.