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Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are a reaction that appears soon after making contact with an allergen. Another common name for this condition is dermatitis. The affected area and severity of the reaction differs from one person to another, although the symptoms can become quite serious. While some people experience an itch all over the body, others say that their skin allergies are observable only on a limited area of their body. When skin allergies are so severe they affect the entire body, people can become unable to work.

The allergen that causes the allergic reaction is not always known. This is why it's recommended that you seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear. Your doctor will either use a skin prick test or a blood test (or both) to help determine the exact allergen that's the guilty party. Treatment will genereally depend on the severity of your symptoms.

Over 70 allergens can trigger allergies of the skin. However, ten of them, which are described below, represent the cause of the majority of the cases. These are:

  • Nickel, also known as nickel sulfate hexahydrate, which is commonly used in jewelry, is considered to be a major trigger of skin allergies. This metal is also used in buttons for clothes.
  • Gold, also known as gold sodium thiosulfate, is used by jewelry manufacturers.
  • The third major trigger is Balsam of Peru. This chemical substance is extensively used in the composition of many perfumes and cosmetic products. It's obtained from resin.
  • Thimerosal, a substance based on mercury, is found in local antiseptics and in some vaccines.
  • Neomycin sulfate is an antibiotic found in most first aid lotions. In addition, it's used in many cosmetic products. Certain insecticides, antiseptics, fragrances and soaps are also known to contain neomycin.
  • Formaldehyde, the next risk factor, is typically found in paper, paints, cosmetics, and even in the composition of several medicines.
  • Cobalt chloride, bacitracin and quaternium 15 occupy the last three positions in this list.

    • When found to have skin allergies, the best way to treat this condition is to minimize your exposure to allergens. If this isn't possible, then it's recommended that you try antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and in certain cases, even immunotherapy in an effort to minimize the symptoms.