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Patients & Consumers Online Tools Find an Allergist / Immunologist Pollen Counts Diseases 101 Drug Guide Featured Resources » AAAAI Tips Brochures Topic of the Month Information Request Form Donate Now Constituencies » Patients & Consumers Contact Search by Condition (A-Z) Request a Speaker Smoke Free Homes Referral Guidelines Breakthroughs in Bioscience Other Resources En Español Just for Kids Seniors		Topic of the Month: January 2005: Examining Your Allergic Skin Condition In this month's topic you will learn: About common allergic skin conditions How to tell when you have an allergic skin condition Tips to prevent a skin condition Additional resources Red, bumpy, scaly, itchy, swollen skin - any of these symptoms can signify an allergic skin condition. Skin problems are often caused by an immune system reaction, signifying an allergy. Allergic skin conditions can take several forms and develop from various causes. Common skin conditions The most common types of skin conditions are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling). The AAAAI offers the following definitions of these skin conditions to better help you understand what to look for and how to determine if you have a skin condition. Atopic Dermatitis: also known as eczema, is a chronic or recurrent atopic inflammatory skin disease. Contact Dermatitis: is a broad range of reactions to an allergen or an irritant. Urticaria: also known as hives, are raised, red itchy bumps of varying sizes in the shallow layers of the skin. Angiodema: is a deep swelling of the skin. Common signs of skin allergy and when to see an allergist Dry Skin Rough hair follicles Honey-colored crusting Disruption of normal sleep pattern Light headedness Scratching worsens in the early evening Swelling Rash that has pressure The following checklist can help you determine if you have an allergic skin condition. If you have one or more of the following symptoms you should consult an allergist/immunologist. An allergist/immunologist will work with you to determine its cause, whether allergies, irritants, or another trigger. Tips to help prevent a skin condition reaction It is best to see an allergist/immunologist when a skin condition appears, especially if you suspect it is an allergic reaction. Listed below are some tips for controlling the reaction and preventing future ones. Contact Dermatitis Avoid the agent that caused the outbreak such as food, oils, lubricants and latex (an allergist/immunologist will help determine) Calamine lotion Oatmeal baths Milk soaks Atopic Dermatitis (eczema) Moisturize frequently Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity Avoid sweating or overheating Reduce stress Avoid scratchy materials Be aware of any food that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods Hives/Angiodema Avoid scratching/rubbing which might spread the rash Avoid foods that might trigger an outbreak (an allergist/immunologist will help determine) Take cool showers Apply cool compresses Wear loose, light clothing Additional Resources Allergic Skin Condition Tip Brochure The ADVOCATE Patient Newsletter: Spring 2004 - Skin Allergies: When should you see and allergist/immunologist This topic was reviewed on 12/28/2004 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor. <back>
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