Medical facts on allergies, symptoms and diseases!
Skin allergies
Skin allergies are the result of many different factors. It may be a pet,
a particular food, or a reaction to medications. Skin allergies can be
embarrassing as well as itchy and painful. While they can't be eliminated,
they can be treated. There are several types of skin allergies.
Dermatis is the inflammation of skin. It is generally a rash resulting
from contact with metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, and pets. Symptoms of
dermatis are redness, swelling, burning, stinging, itching, and blisters.
These symptoms generally appear on the face and hands.
Prickly heat can result in a rash that appears for no apparent reason.
It can be itchy, and generally goes a way in a few days. Some people do
not even feel it, but other notice it. This is common in small children
who take medication for seasonal allergies. Often, the back is the only
area to break out.
Uritcaria settles in the middle of the skin. It is caused by eating
a food you are allergic to or a side effect of taking a medication.
The area often looks burned because it is light red on the outer edges,
and very red in the middle.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. The skin becomes dry, itchy,
and flaky. A red rash and blisters often appear. It affects the face,
arms, elbows, and the back of the knees. Eczema may be hereditary, but
it is not known. The symptoms generally begin in childhood. People with
eczema often experience hay fever and asthma as well. Eczema is the
hardest skin allergy to treat.
Hives are red and itchy blotches. There are 2 types of hives.
Acute hives last up to 6 weeks. They are caused by food allergies,
medications, bug bites, and signs of diseases. Chronic hives are
not very common. The last indefinitely, on and off over long periods
of time. The cause is not known. Some doctors believe them to be stress related.
What causes it?
Here are the top 10 causes:
- Nickel: A metal frequently encountered in jewelry and clasps or
buttons on clothing.
- Gold: A precious metal often found in jewelry.
- Balsam of Peru: A fragrance used in perfumes and skin lotions,
derived from tree resin.
- Thimerosal: A
mercury compound used in local antiseptics and in as a preservative in some
vaccines.
- Neomycin sulfate: A topical antibiotic common in first aid creams and
ointments, also found occasionally in cosmetics, deodorant, soap, and pet food
- Fragrance mix:
A group of the eight most common fragrance allergens found in foods, cosmetic
products, insecticides, antiseptics, soaps, perfumes, and dental products.
- Formaldehyde: A
preservative with multiple uses. It's found in paper products, paints,
medications, household cleaners, cosmetic products, and fabric finishes.
- Cobalt chloride: Metal found in medical products; hair dye; antiperspirant;
objects plated in metal such as snaps, buttons or tools; and in cobalt blue
pigment.
- Bacitracin: A topical antibiotic.
- Quaternium 15: A preservative found in cosmetic
products such as self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish, and sunscreen or in
industrial products such as polishes, paints, and waxes.
What is the treatment?
Skin allergies can be embarrassing and painful. They are time consuming
to treat. It is recommended that you see a dermatologist for any skin
discomfort. They can treat it with over the counter products such as
Benedryl, cortisone creams, and allergy shots.
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