We are surrounded by numerous foreign substances that can inflict allergies. Substances such as bee venom, pollens, pet dander, certain food items, etc., cause a reaction in many people. However, our body has a well-built immune system that is capable of producing antibodies.
Sometimes, the skin allergy reaction can become extremely severe. But as it varies from person to person, it typically ranges from minor irritation and itchiness to anaphylaxis. You should know that the latter is a potentially life-threatening emergency. While all allergies cannot be cured, certain treatments can actually help in relieving your allergy symptoms.
Causes of Skin Allergies
There are a plethora of things that can promote allergic reactions whenever your skin grazes against them. Since skin allergy is very common, your ideal defence is to maintain a safe distance from any foreign object. So irrespective of how the allergic reaction is triggered, it’s important to wear your shield.
Now that you are here, please read through this section to learn about the most common cause of skin allergy.
- Nickel
While nickel is used for making almost everything right, from spectacle frames to paper clips, it’s primarily responsible for skin allergies. You are at greater risk if you are a caterer, retail clerk, house cleaner, or even a hairstylist.
And when you eat something that has nickel content, you’re likely to get bumps on your fingers. These are nothing but pompholyx or dyshidrotic hand eczema that causes allergic reactions. Since there is no treatment for nickel allergy, it’s important to keep away from them.
- Poison Oak, Ivy, and Sumac
When oak, ivy, and sumac leaves are either bruised or damaged, they release an oil known as urushiol. If your skin ever comes in contact with that oil, it can instantly inflict an itchy red rash with blisters and bumps.
These rashes can be easily treated with calamine lotion, wet compress, hydrocortisone cream, or even oatmeal baths. But if your reaction is severe, then you must get in touch with the experts of Apollo Hospitals right away.
- Clothing
If you notice red rashes after wearing your shirt or socks, it’s possibly an allergic reaction. This type of allergy is very common whenever you try out a new outfit. The allergic reaction could be to the dyes or other chemicals required to process the fabric.
In order to avoid such allergic reactions, it’s best to wash your new clothes before you can wear them. Besides, you should also switch to wearing cotton or organic cotton blends and avoid wool, polyester, or mohair.
- Rubber or Latex
The rubber tree sap is mixed and processed with chemicals for making products like erasers, rubber gloves, condoms, balloons, etc. It is possible that you might get an allergy to any of the products that are made from rubber or latex. The severity of allergy might range from mild to severe and, at times, become life-threatening.
If you ever experience a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis, it is likely to spread through your body quickly. Further, it becomes very hard for you to breathe. People who are at greater risk of latex include surgeons and healthcare workers.
- Fragrances
It is true that deodorants, perfumes and colognes are filled with fragrances. And it’s quite difficult to pinpoint any allergic ingredient as all ingredients are not mentioned on the labels. So, both physical and massage therapists are at a greater risk of experiencing fragrance allergies.
- Preservatives
Certain chemicals, including paraben and formaldehyde releasers, help make beauty products last longer. You’ll especially see them on the labels of sunscreens, shampoo, hair dye, lotion and moisturizers, fake tattoos, etc.
- UV Light
Believe it or not, there are certain products that are likely to inflict hives or rash on your skin. And this specifically happens when you use a tanning bed or go outside in the sun. Even though it might look like a sunburn, it isn’t real. The skin products contain certain chemicals that react as soon as they come in contact with sunlight. Thus it is very likely to promote skin allergy.
- Medications
You will come across certain over-the-counter ointments and creams that tend to worsen your skin problems. This happens because of specific drugs present within the cream. And when your skin is sensitive to those drugs, it automatically reacts.
So whenever you purchase ointments for scrapes, cuts, insect bites, toothaches, ear aches, cold sores, etc., check for the following drugs:
- Benzocaine
- Bacitracin
- Neomycin
- Hydrocortisone, etc.
To Conclude
If you ever notice severe allergic symptoms, you should immediately see your healthcare provider. The experts of Apollo Hospitals are always at your disposal to give you the best treatment.
