Skin Allergy, Symptoms, Treatment, Management, Eczema

Symptoms of Skin Allergy may be very irritating

Skin Allergy

Skin Allergy occur when an allergen causes triggering of immune response leading to allergic symptoms. Following are the varieties of allergic skin disorders:

Atopic Dermatitis /Eczema
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Urticaria /Hives
Angioedema
Hereditary angiodema (HAE)

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis:

is a common skin condition in children. It affects 10 to 20 percent of children. In adult incidence is less, 1 to 3 percent.

Cause of Eczema/Atopic dermatitis

Disruption of the skin barrier leads to dry skin
Food sensitization
Faulty gene in their skin called filaggrin.

Most common symptoms of eczema

Dry Skin
Skin redness
Scaly and thick skin
Irritated and itchy skin
Fissured and oozing skin

Itching in atopic dermatitis can be very severe and extremely irritating.

Location of rash in infant and children

Scalp
Knees
Elbows
Cheeks

Location of rash in Adult

Wrists
Elbows
Ankles
Knees
Face
Neck

There may be personal or family history of any form of allergic disorder.

Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis

Consultation with an allergist is necessary.

Symptoms and signs
Skin test
Allergen specific IgE

Eczema treatment & management strategy

The major goals of treatment are

Improve quality of life.
Ability to maintain normal daily activity.
Feel healthy and satisfied with skin appearance.
Minimal side effects from medication.
No sleep disturbances.

Avoidance of Possible Triggers

Irritants: like chemicals, detergents, soaps, fragrances, and smoke.

Steps to perform to reduce irritant exposures:
Wear suitable and comfortable clothing.
Wash garments prior to wearing.
Cut fingernails short and smooth

Use broad-spectrum UV protective sunscreen lotion (SPF of 15 or higher).
Bathe immediately after swimming

Inhaled Allergens:

House dust mites are most important. Follow HDM preventive measures.

Foods:

Certain food can aggravate eczema symptoms. Consult with allergist. Do allergy testing. Then elimination of certain food can be done as per your doctor’s advice.

Stress:

Stress, including anger and frustration, can aggravate itching. So be stress free.

Treatments

Topical Moisturizers

Topical Steroids

Wet-Wrap Therapy

Antihistamines Drugs

anti-histamines will not control the symptoms.

Sedative antihistamines are sometimes used.

Treatment of Associated Infections

Stress-Relieving Therapies

Vitamin D supplements

Biologic Medicines

Consult with allergist

Probiotics

Immunotherapy

In conclusion, eczema is usually treatable condition. Consultation with an allergist is important. Proper management strategy enable someone to lead normal life style.

CFAA