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Red, itchy skin can be not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing. Skin rashes and breakouts can have different causes, and it is very common to suddenly have an allergic reaction to fragrances, chemicals, or environmental factors.
Skin allergies can affect people of all ages, from babies to older adults – and they can begin at any stage of life for no apparent reason. Let’s talk about a few of the most common types of skin allergic reactions and where you can go to get your allergy under control.
What Are the Most Common Skin Allergies?
Some of the most frequently reported skin allergies include the following:
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is very common in pediatric patients but can affect people of any age. It appears as red, dry, thickened, cracked, and extremely itchy patches of skin. When scratched, these scaly bumps can open up and ooze liquid.
Eczema tends to run in families, so your risk of developing it increases if a parent or sibling has it. It is also a chronic allergic condition, which means it requires a long-term treatment plan to get it under control. It is not uncommon for people with hay fever or asthma to also have eczema.
Treating eczema involves proper moisturization of the skin, avoidance of triggers, and taking shorter baths or showers. Your allergist will recommend a moisturizer that will protect your skin from allergens while avoiding triggers, such as fragrance.
Hives
Also known as urticaria, hives appear as skin welts that are caused by a reaction to an allergen. The marks appear red and swollen, and they become white when pressed.
Hives can have many possible triggers, such as:
- Certain foods
- Medications
- Alcohol
- Insect bites
- Temperature changes
- Latex
- Pet dander
- Pollen
Antihistamines are a common and effective treatment for hives, but severe cases may require prednisone to treat it successfully.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin after coming in contact with an allergen. Contact dermatitis may appear as a rash or blister that is red, bumpy, dry, cracked, and very itchy, and it may feel like a burning sensation in the skin.
The allergic reaction may last up to two weeks before it disappears from the skin. Common causes of contact dermatitis include:
- Perfume
- Shampoo
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Jewelry
- Nail polish
- Latex
- Plants
- Food and drinks
Treating contact dermatitis requires identifying the allergen and avoiding it. Anti-itch creams and antihistamines are also part of treatment.
Allergist in Will County and DuPage County
The board-certified allergy specialists at Oak Brook Allergists can relieve your skin allergic reactions and help prevent future reactions by identifying your triggers. Skin allergies don’t tend to be life-threatening, but they can severely affect your quality of life – and even more so in children, because it can be embarrassing and frustrating. Plus, itchy skin can cause distress and interfere with sleep at any age.
To schedule an appointment with a top allergist in northeastern Illinois, call us today at (630) 574-0460 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We have convenient locations across Chicagoland in Downers Grove, Naperville, Elmhurst, and Plainfield, and we look forward to seeing you here.
