Complete Guide to Allergic Reactions

Allergic skin reactions can cause severe redness, itchiness, and swelling in skin that is naturally sensitive to certain allergens or chemicals. Irritant skin reactions can cause a similar reaction, but these reactions aren't caused by an allergic reaction. 

People who suffer from allergic contact dermatitis or other skin allergies are often allergic to certain skincare products, laundry detergents, fabrics, and environmental factors. 

It's important for all people with allergic skin reactions to identify certain allergens and triggers in their skincare routines, laundry products and other environmental factors. This can help reduce the amount of allergic reactions and lessen the uncomfortable symptoms associated with these reactions. 

Ask Your Doctor . . .

Preventing allergic skin reactions:

Should I switch the skincare products I'm using?

How do I know which products are causing my allergic skin reaction?

Is my allergic contact dermatitis contagious?

How do I cope with the itchiness after an allergic reaction starts?

Coping with allergic reaction symptoms:

Which skincare products are safe to use on my skin?

Which laundry detergents are safe to use on my skin?

How do I deal with an allergic reaction after it starts?

Are there treatments for the irritation, redness and itchiness?

TIP: Always share with your doctor any updates since your last visit—from new medicines to major life changes. These can impact your health. And be honest about how you’re feeling and whether you’re following your treatment plan. Your doctor can’t help you if she doesn’t know what’s really going on.

An allergic skin reaction, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, is a red, itchy, rash-like area on the skin that appears when the skin comes in contact with certain allergens. Allergic contact dermatitis is different from allergic reactions caused by internal forces, such as consuming certain foods or taking certain medications. It is also different from irritant contact dermatitis, which is caused by skin contact with chemicals that are toxic or irritating to human skin.

When a person with a skin allergy comes in physical contact with a particular irritant, their skin begins producing cytokines which activates the body's immune system. This immune system response causes a red, inflamed and itchy reaction on the affected area of skin.

Allergic contact dermatitis is fairly common. However, not every person with skin allergies will experience an allergic reaction to the same allergens or irritants. Each case is unique based on the skin of the individual. 

Similarly, people without skin allergies experience no reaction in their skin when in contact with common allergens or irritants. 

The most common irritants that trigger allergic or irritant contact dermatitis include:

• Nickel in jewelry
• Ingredients in certain fragrances, perfumes and colognes
• Latex
• Plants like poision ivy, oak and sumac
• Foods and household products containing Balsam of Peru
• Airborne sawdust, spray insecticides and ragweed pollen
• Topical antibiotic creams and medications
• Laundry and cleaning materials, including bleach and detergents

Learn more about common irritants for people with skin allergies.

You can help prevent allergic contact dermatitis reactions by avoiding the irritants and allergens that cause a reaction in your skin. 

For instance, if you have a skin allergy to the resin Balsam of Peru, it's important to avoid using products that contain it. 

Typically, products that are labeled hypoallergenic contain fewer ingredients known to cause allegic reactions, but it doesn't necessarily mean the product won't cause an allergic reaction in everyone who suffers from allergic dermatitis.

It is also vital to clean your skin thoroughly if you think you've come in contact with an allergen that gives you contact dermatitis. Use mild soap and water. 

Use barrier creams, such as hypoallergenic moisturizers, to help prevent penetration of allergens into the skin. 

Wear protective gloves or clothing if you are going to be in an environment with common irritants or allergens. 

TIP: Talk to your doctor about your unique triggers for allergic contact dermatitis. Your doctor can help you identify and eliminate products in your household that contain those allergens. 

Individuals with allergic contact dermatitis may not notice symptoms until 24 to 48 hours after contact with an allergen. 

The most common symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are:

• Red rash on affected area of skin
• Redness, swelling, and tenderness on affected area of skin
• Dryness, scaling or cracking in affected skin
• Burning and stinging in affected skin

Many patients with allergic contact dermatitis also experience painful blisters that may ooze. 

Prevention is the best measure for controlling allergic contact dermatitis outbreaks.  However, it's important to have treatment options to relieve your symptoms if you do experience an allergic reaction in your skin. 

Common treatments for allergic contact dermatitis include:

• Hydrocortisone cream
• Oral antihistamine
• Steroid pills for severe allergic reactions
• Prescription ointments and creams