Content reviewed by Marcy D. Markes, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Skin allergies are skin reactions to an allergen that cause irritation, itchiness, swelling, and puffiness. Skin allergies sometimes have a known cause, but other times, the cause of the skin allergy is unknown. Our allergy specialists in Columbia, MO, help by providing accurate allergy tests and multiple allergy treatment options for each of our customers.
Please note that if ever are experiencing hives all over your body or are having trouble breathing, you should seek a doctor as soon as possible. Skin-related allergic reactions can be very serious, so you need to take immediate precautions when you are noticing the symptoms of a skin allergy. Feel free to learn more about each skin-related allergic reaction below or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Types of Skin-Related Allergic Reactions
Each type of skin-related allergic reaction has different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Below, each type of skin-related allergic reaction is broken down to help you understand which possible skin allergic reaction you are experiencing or could experience in the future.
Being knowledgeable on the various types of skin allergies can be beneficial in the case that you, or a loved one, experience one of these skin-related allergic reactions. To learn more about each type of skin allergy, please feel free to read the corresponding sections about Hives, Eczema, and Angioedema listed below.
Hives
Hives are small red bumps that are caused by the release of histamine in the body. Hives are either due to an allergic reaction or a nonallergic cause. An allergic reaction might include your body reacting to certain types of food or medication. A non-allergic cause might include a reaction to sun exposure or exercise.
When evaluating hives, our allergy specialists take a thorough family history and patient history into consideration. After evaluation, an allergy test might be necessary to eliminate the source of your hives. If the allergy test were to turn out negative, our allergy specialists would consider and evaluate other possible causes.
The two most common types of hives are acute hives and chronic hives.
- Acute hives mostly occur because of an allergic reaction but can sometimes be caused by a nonallergic cause. Acute hives last less than six weeks.
- Chronic hives are not typically caused by a specific allergen, which makes them hard to evaluate and treat. Chronic hives are recurrent hives that last longer than six weeks.
Through each of these types of hives, there are various treatments available. To learn more about the treatment options available, please contact our allergy doctors. Please note that if you ever are experiencing trouble breathing or hives all over your body, you should see a doctor right away.
Eczema
Eczema is a type of skin allergic reaction that causes your skin to turn red and feel itchy. Eczema is common in children but can also affect adults as well. Some causes of eczema may include allergies, environmental factors, and food. If the source of your eczema is known, it is best to avoid the source so you can decrease the symptoms of your eczema.
There are various types of eczema, which affect each person differently. The main types of eczema include the following:
- Atopic dermatitis is a chronic and inflammatory type of eczema that is caused when the immune system continuously tries to fight off an allergen within or outside the body.
- Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, and can cause your affected skin to burn, itch, and become red.
- Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that causes your fingers, toes, palms or soles of your feet to produce small itchy blisters. Dyshidrotic eczema can be caused due to stress, allergies, or moist skin.
- Additional types of eczema can occur due to various allergic reactions. If you are experiencing a foreign skin reaction, please contact our allergy specialists so that we can help treat your type of eczema or skin allergic reaction.
If you or your child is experiencing eczema, please do not hesitate to reach out. Swollen, itchy, red skin, is no fun for anyone, but our allergy specialists can help by providing you with the right treatment options. Contact us to schedule an appointment today so that you can reduce the symptoms of your eczema.
Angioedema
Angioedema is an allergic reaction that is like hives, but the difference is that angioedema affects a deeper layer of skin. Angioedema can be caused by food, medications, allergies, environmental factors, and more. It is common for angioedema to appear around your eyes, cheeks, or lips.
The most common type of angioedema is acute allergic angioedema. Acute allergic angioedema occurs because of an allergic reaction, which causes your body to release certain chemicals that cause the skin to swell.
If you believe you might be experiencing angioedema, please contact our allergy specialists today. We can help evaluate the severity of your skin allergy and can provide the proper skin treatment for you angioedema.
Skin Allergy Treatment Options at Our Columbia, MO Clinic
For each skin-related allergic reactions, we have various skin allergy treatment options available. The main two treatment options to skin allergies are to avoid the substance causing the allergy through environmental control measures and to use allergy medications and creams to relieve the itching, swelling, and pain.
Other treatment options include strategies specific to each type of skin-related allergic reaction. Please contact our allergy specialists if you are experiencing a skin allergy and would like to find the right treatment option for you.