Skin Allergy

Skin allergy is a skin inflammation that may occur on the skin surface. Skin allergy is often caused by substances that are external to the body. These allergens are also termed as contact allergens. There are many types of skin allergies including contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, scabies and urticaria.

Skin allergy is a condition that causes the skin to react and become inflamed by triggers. Skin allergies can be caused by a variety of substances and the reaction can take place anywhere on the body.

Allergic reactions to substances can cause mild allergic reactions or severe allergic reactions. Symptoms of a skin allergy include:

A red rash
Itching, swelling, or hives
Blisters or bumps
Swelling of the mucous membranes

Skin allergy is usually diagnosed by examining the skin. The doctor may also test for allergies. These allergies can be caused due to various reasons, including certain foods, cosmetics, insect bites, etc.

Some of the most common causes of skin allergies are as follows:

Following a new diet
Using drugs for dermatitis
Allergic reactions to food
Referring to any kind of cosmetic products
Stomach infection
Consuming foods that you are allergic to

Some other reasons that can trigger this condition are:

Use of too much cosmetics – using too much cosmetics during the day or night can lead to such a condition. Skin gets irritated and inflamed and it starts getting cracks.

Skin conditions – an allergic reaction can be caused by any skin condition such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, etc.

Too much sun – excessive sun exposure can cause inflammation and redness of your skin and lead to such a disease as eczema or skin cancer.

Stress – stress can be a factor that may trigger skin allergy as well as other skin abnormalities. It can be caused by a job that requires too much attention or any other problem that requires you to think about it all day long.

Itchy skin can be caused due to many reasons. The reasons may include dry skin, friction against the skin, sweating, wearing tight clothes, using soap with harsh chemicals, using perfumes or aftershave, radiation therapy, too much sunlight, eating spicy food, eating certain food items, etc.

Also, the reason behind itchy skin may be due to allergic reactions due to deodorants or detergents. If you are not sure about the cause of an itchy skin allergy then it is advisable to consult a dermatologist immediately.

Home Remedies for Skin Allergy

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It has many functions, such as protecting the body against pathogens, regulating body temperature, excreting fluids, and sensation (by means of nerve endings).

Home remedies for skin allergy are effective if it has mild indications. If the skin allergy is severe, then it requires proper medical care. Home remedies for skin allergies are helpful when you are in search of inexpensive ways to fight them. Most of the time you can easily get rid of these symptoms that manifest on your skin with home tested ways.

Plants and Herbs

Natural practitioners recommend many plants and herbs to treat skin allergies including, aloe vera, rumex japonicus houtt, persimmon leaf extract and konjac ceramide. Other plants, often suggested by natural healthcare practitioners as skin allergy home remedies include chamomile, coriander, neem, basil, etc.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great source of active antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These can help soothe the itch and rash of allergic skin reactions. Popular ways to use oatmeal for skin allergy include an oatmeal bath or poultice. Both require powdered oatmeal. You can make powdered oatmeal by grinding store-bought oatmeal into a fine powder using a mixer.

For an oatmeal bath,

Add one cup of powdered oatmeal to your bathtub and pour lukewarm water.
Mix the oatmeal thoroughly into the bathwater and fully immerse your body in the tub.
After 30 minutes, rinse yourself with a gentle shower.

For an oatmeal poultice,

Add 1/4th cup of powdered oatmeal into a mixing bowl and then mix distilled water into the powdered oatmeal, one tablespoon at a time.
Continue mixing and adding water to obtain a smooth, spreadable paste.
Apply the paste to the affected area and then gently bandage the area with a moistened cloth. After 30 minutes, remove the moist cloth and gently rinse the area with cool water.
You can also add a few drops of coconut oil or four drops of lavender essential oil.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an emollient that works as an anti-inflammatory to soothe skin allergies. It can also help in balancing the pH of the skin.

For baking soda paste,

Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 12 tablespoons of distilled water to obtain a paste.
Apply the paste to the affected area.
After 10 minutes, gently rinse the area with cold water.
You can also use coconut oil instead of water.

For baking soda bath,

Mix one cup of baking soda into a bathtub of lukewarm water.
Stir until thoroughly mixed.
Fully immerse your body in the bathtub for about 15 minutes.
Follow up with a gentle shower.

Take Away

Skin allergy is the result of contact with some kind of allergen or irritant on the skin. Skin allergy symptoms may include skin rashes, hives, itchy skin, redness, swelling of the skin, and itching. Some of the most common causes of skin allergies are contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, poison ivy, poison oak, pollen, food allergy, drug allergy, latex allergy and stinging insects.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions about skin allergies or any other health issue, please consult your personal doctor about your symptoms or medical condition. The content on this website is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.