ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS CAN BE MORE THAN SKIN-DEEP.
When it comes to allergies, the skin doesn’t have the best of luck. Skin is commonly affected by allergies, and allergic skin reactions can be triggered by many different allergens. Depending on the allergen, skin reactions can be limited to the surface of the skin (e.g. rash or itching), or develop in the deeper layers of the skin. What’s more, the skin can react due to something it’s touched directly or as part of a larger, whole-body reaction (e.g. hives).
Read on to learn more about different types of allergic skin reactions.
WHAT ARE HIVES?
Hives, also known as urticaria, are a red, raised, itchy skin rash appearing on the skin that may be triggered by exposure to an allergen. When an allergic skin reaction occurs, the body releases histamine, causing small blood vessels in the skin to leak, leading to swelling and causing a rash.
HIVES TREATMENT
If you have hives, it is simply a matter of avoiding what triggered it (if the trigger can be identified). Allergy medications called “antihistamines” can also help control itch as a result of hives, such as Aerius®.
DON’T SCRATCH THAT ITCH!
This is easier said than done when you have an itchy rash but try to avoid or minimise scratching. This can actually make the skin more irritated and may lead to infection.
