Skin Allergies: Avoiding the Pain and Discomfort

Itchy rashes, unsightly red bumps, stinging swollen lumps, and painful hives: all of these can be caused by skin allergies. Of the 50 million Americans suffering from all types of allergies, 7% have skin allergies as their primary complaint, and it’s no wonder; the irritation, pain, and discomfort that accompany skin allergies can make life unbearable, and at times it may seem impossible to avoid their effects. Thankfully, there is hope with a number of steps you can take to avoid the pain, discomfort, and unattractive appearance of skin allergies.

Some common types of skin allergies include:

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Contact dermatitis
• Urticaria (hives)

Skin allergies such as those listed above can be caused by a wide variety of triggers. The best way to determine the type of skin allergies you suffer from is with a skin allergy test from your health care provider. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition but is one of the more common skin allergies. Often beginning in infancy, eczema usually continues for life. Contact dermatitis refers to skin allergies caused by fragrances, jewelry containing nickel, poison ivy, oak, and sumac, among others. This type of allergy is caused by external contact with an allergen, and it often results in an itchy, red rash on the exposed area. Affecting about 15% of all Americans each year, skin allergies known as urticaria (hives) can be due to a variety of factors, including food allergies.

As with seasonal and pollen allergies, the effects of skin allergies are best reduced by simply avoiding the allergen that triggers them. For example, wearing long pants and sleeves in forests and fields containing poison ivy can help you avoid triggering contact dermatitis. Further, taking a natural allergy medication such as Växa Aller-Sine can provide relief from symptoms of skin allergies before they even occur.  However, if you simply cannot avoid the allergens, or you are in the midst of symptoms of skin allergies, natural remedies such as mineral soaks can provide itch relief, reduce bumps and redness, and soothe skin. Steroid creams and other topical anti-itch creams and lotions such as calamine lotion can also provide temporary relief. With proper preventative techniques and quick treatment, you can reduce your skin allergies and truly live life to the fullest.