Skin Allergies in Orange County

What Are Skin Allergies?

Skin allergies may include the following symptoms: a rash, hives, swelling, itching, and/or cracking of the skin. Our skin comes into contact with hundreds of potential allergenic substances every day. The most common parts of the body that come into contact with these substances are the arms, hands, face and neck, but no part of your body is immune. The contact with an allergen results in a skin reaction called allergic contact dermatitis. In contrast, contact with a substance that is harsh or caustic results in a skin reaction called irritant contact dermatitis, and does not involve allergies or the immune system.

If the causative agent is known, usually simply avoiding contact provides its own solution.  If symptoms persist, worsen, or lead to anaphylaxis (swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing, etc.) occur, immediate medical intervention is required.

Some other causes of allergic reactions seen on patients’ skin in Orange County are manifestations of other allergies. Food allergies can manifest on the skin and can produce hives or itching and some medications may cause itching.

Discovering the Skin Allergy Culprit

Many allergens leave a trail to follow. The location of the rash, hives, or itch will help you to put the suspects in a lineup for your own detective work.

For example, let’s say your ears itch. What comes in contact with them? Earplugs, headphones, earrings, perfumes, hair products, and lotions might be major suspects.

How about a rash that develops under your arms? The possible causes: lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, elastic straps in clothes, a bra’s underwire, new fabrics, etc. Like so much in the allergy world, a little observation can go a long way toward discovering what is irritating you.

Pinpointing and avoiding contact with the allergen is the primary treatment for allergic contact dermatitis. However, if the rash spreads or if you develop hives or experience uncontrollable itching and the skin becomes red, tender, and damaged, see your physician.

Perfume Allergies

Have you read the ingredient list on the back of your favorite fragrance bottle? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require fragrance manufacturers to list ingredients or secret formulas on the label. You may smell sweet, but your skin may also suffer from potentially irritating chemicals. If you develop a rash of unknown cause, one of the first substances you should suspect — and stop using — is perfume.

Is it Eczema?

Eczema can occur in all age groups and is a continuum of various types of skin rashes and eruptions. These conditions include atopic dermatitis, body or hand neurodermatitis, prurigo nodularis, and other dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis symptoms include red, itchy, dry, scaly patches most frequently on the face, arms, legs, and scalp. Infants and children are particularly susceptible to eczema, but the vast majority of children who have eczema will outgrow it. It’s clear that there’s a connection between eczema and allergies, since 70 percent of those who have this skin condition have a family history of allergies or asthma. And one-third of those with eczema eventually will develop allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies) or asthma.

There is no cure for eczema. The ideal preventive measures are to moisturize your skin so it doesn’t dry out, and to pinpoint and avoid substances that seem to irritate your skin or trigger the rash. Additionally, topical medications containing steroids can help control itching, as can oral antihistamines. Newer creams and systemic therapies can also help dermatitis.

Schedule a Consultation in Orange County for Skin Allergy Treatments

You’ll enjoy a relaxing dermatology visit where you can ask questions, meet our staff, take a tour of our office and surgical suite and view additional photo results of our patients.

Your assessment is with a Natural Image OC provider. Fees and procedure preparations are discussed with our patient care coordinator, who will detail the experience with you.

We look forward to meeting with you and helping you find the simplest solution to achieve the goals you desire. If you believe you are suffering from skin allergies in Laguna Niguel, contact us at our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sikorski. Call or use our online form.