Skin Manifestations of Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common diseases in the world. In allergies, the body reacts to certain substances (allergens) that do not pose a danger to other people. As a result, various symptoms occur, including skin manifestations of allergies. Skin allergies may include blisters, swelling, or severe itching. The most common skin manifestations of allergies are atopic dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema and eczema.

In case of allergies to pollen or animal fur, and in young children, they speak of diathesis, i.e. About the types of food allergies, allergic skin reactions occur quite often. In the cold season or when swimming in cold water, so-called cold urticaria can develop, in which the body becomes covered with characteristic rashes, and if there are too many of them, the person may even lose consciousness. Cold urticaria can be either hereditary or acquired. The reasons for its appearance are different, but in any case, the reason for the appearance of rashes is exposure to cold.

Sun exposure causes what is called photodermatosis in some people. Skin rashes, which are commonly called photodermatosis, can be of a different nature, including presenting in the form of urticaria or photodermatitis. The reason for the occurrence of photodermatosis can be either sunlight or, for example, a visit to a solarium or a physiotherapy session. When exposed to sunlight while using such medications, a reaction may develop from erythema (superficial inflammation) to extensive severe skin damage.

The term “urticaria” refers to an allergic reaction in the form of itchy blisters, which are swelling of a limited area of ​​the skin. With urticaria, body temperature may rise, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting may appear. The process may be accompanied by general malaise, headache and fever. It is characteristic of urticaria that blisters appear instantly, immediately after exposure to an allergen, and disappear after 1-2 hours. If hives appear regularly over a period of 3 months or more, it is called chronic urticaria.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually occurs in people who suffer from allergic reactions or those who have a hereditary predisposition to the disease. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include severe itching, redness of the skin, and the formation of blisters and cracks. The skin may become dry, flaky and thick. Crust formation and skin infection may occur. Atopic dermatitis often occurs on the face, neck, elbows, knees and wrists.

Quincke's edema (angioedema) is a rapidly developing swelling of the subcutaneous tissue that can occur on the lips, throat, face, arms, legs, genitals and other parts of the body. Angioedema causes severe itching and can lead to pain and discomfort. This type of skin reaction is often associated with allergies to food, medications, or insects.

To treat skin manifestations of allergies, doctors may prescribe antihistamines, ointments, and creams that help reduce itching and inflammation. In some cases, hormone therapy may be required. It is also important to avoid contact with allergens that cause skin allergies.