Skin rashes could be embarrassing as your fingers itch to go scratch, scratch. Pankaj Khanna talks to Dr Vinay Singh to find out what causes skin allergy and its remedies  

Why do we develop skin allergies?

Skin allergies are reaction to an unwanted thing or object by the body reflected on skin. You develop redness, itching, swelling, pigmentation, thickening of skin etc. And it is repeated after every exposure to same or similar objects. Allergies of the skin is one of the most common problems we see and one of the most debilitating problems experienced by patients.

Exposure to various food articles, medicines, artificial jewellery, cosmetic products, sunlight, dust, paints etc. Some studies have deeply investigated and found following allergens:

• Nickel: A metal frequently encountered in jewellery and clasps or buttons on clothing.
• 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 sulphate: 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.

What are the different types of skin allergies?

There are various types of skin allergies depending upon the pathway and cells involved inside our body and blood circulation. Allergies expose themselves in the form of hives and rashes on your skin. They dominate on areas of your face, arms, legs and hands.

• Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder that is characterised by chronic inflammation, and pruritis. It’s often hereditary and associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Eczema which has various forms of chronic dermatitis or skin rash is very common.
• Urticaria is reactions of the blood vessels on the skin leading to changes in the skin. The appearance of acute urticaria is called hives.

You spoke of hives. What are hives and how do they occur?

Hives are a reaction by the body against an allergen in form of redness, swelling and itching as we see after a mosquito bite. They occur due to swelling of small blood vessels called capillaries due to increased blood flow to counteract the allergen, in response to chemical called histamine. Histamine is released after allergen comes in contact with body.

What are the common symptoms of a reaction?

Usually, patients develop pain, redness, itching, scaling and oozing of fluid. It is important to consult a doctor immediately because if left untreated it becomes quite a hazard.

Who are more prone to skin allergies?

People who have asthma, bronchitis, atopy, or close blood relative history of skin or chest allergy are definitely more prone to various allergies, especially skin allergy. 

What reaction does food have to skin allergies?

Food plays an integral role in all acute allergies. Food grade colours, preservatives, additives, certain foods articles which release histamine like brinjal and mushrooms all can cause allergic reactions. When your body disagrees with a certain food, it will tell you by reacting in a negative way on your skin.

First indications include rashes and hives. These symptoms may last from one minute to hours or days. Other more severe symptoms include joint pain and immobility. Any and all allergic reactions should be taken seriously and reported to your doctor.

So, should one stop eating a food if one’s allergic to it?

Unless your doctor can prescribe medications for your allergies, the best treatment is to avoid those allergens all together.

What should be the precautions and self help?

Avoid all known factors that cause you allergies. Keep a list of known allergens and dermatologists contact details handy which can be life saving in emergency situations.

If you get skin allergies, take an antihistamine and see a dermatologist immediately for tests and medication. Ask your doctor to conduct skin and blood tests that will reveal exactly what you are allergic to.

(Dr Singh is a Senior Consultant, MAX Healthcare, New Delhi)