Allergic reactions affect the body in different ways. Some people experience excessive sneezing and nasal congestion, others develop irritated eyes, and some experience itchy and inflamed skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or the AAAAI, states that an allergist can determine the cause of an allergic reaction and the best treatment to soothe itchy skin. Most cases of allergic skin reactions include itching, redness and inflamed areas of skin.
Description
According to MedlinePlus, when the body experiences an allergic reaction, it releases antibodies to fight off the intruding substance. This results in mast cells releasing the chemical histamine. Histamine causes a disruption in the skin, leading to inflammation, irritation and an itching sensation.
Causes
Skin allergies can result from different allergen triggers that affect the body, according to the AAAAI. Food allergies, medications and airborne allergens can all cause an allergic skin reaction. Itchy skin allergies from foods are typically related to a nut, dairy or egg allergy. Any medication can cause someone to breakout in hives, which is a sign to discontinue use of that medication. Airborne allergens such as pet dander, pollen or mold spores can aggravate the skin.
Types
Allergic skin reactions can cause different responses depending on the individual's allergy condition. One of the most common allergic skin reactions that causes itchy skin is hives. Hives are raised bumps that are red and extremely itchy, according to MedlinePlus. Dermatitis is another common allergic skin reaction that causes a breakout of itchy skin anywhere on the body, according to the AAAAI. In severe cases, dermatitis can ooze and crust over, causing scarring. Contact dermatitis is an allergy to a particular substance that comes in contact with the skin, whereas atopic dermatitis is triggered by airborne allergens and environmental conditions.
Testing
Allergy testing is an effective way to determine the reason for allergic skin reactions that cause the skin to itch, according to MayoClinic.com. Allergy testing is performed by an allergist by placing small amounts of an allergen under the skin. The allergist observes the skin to see which of the injections cause a minor allergic reaction.
Treatment
Treatment of itchy skin from an allergic reaction includes taking a daily oral antihistamine, keeping the skin moistened with a hypoallergenic lotion and using a prescribed corticosteroid topical cream to soothe the inflamed skin, according to MedlinePlus. If allergens are the cause of the allergic skin reaction, avoid all known allergens.
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