There are many types of allergies other than food allergies. Skin allergies can be caused by various triggers, including jewelry, clothing, medications, fragrances, plants, or makeup and skincare products. The symptoms will usually include an itchy rash, hives, bumpy skin, blisters, among others. These allergies may come and go or they could be a permanent part of life. The various types of allergies, their symptoms, and triggers can include the following:
1. Contact dermatitis
The moment one touches something, the immune system wrongly thinks that the body is attacked, takes action, and produces antibodies to fight the foreign substance. A series of events cause a chemical reaction, including histamine. It’s one of the most common types of allergies and the main triggers are mentioned here.
These triggers cause allergies that develop common symptoms like itchy skin and rashes:
- Poisonous substances like ivy, poison oak, and sumac
- Hair dyes and some hair straighteners
- Nickel
- Chemicals used in tanning leather
- Latex rubber
- The peel of citrus fruits
- Strong fragrances in personal care items like shampoos, soaps, and perfumes
- Applying certain medications on the skin
It’s advisable to first wash the area with mild soap and cool water, and hydrocortisone cream can be applied for relief. However, a doctor should be consulted in severe cases.
2. Hives, urticaria, and angioedema
These swollen and pale red bumps and patches on the skin occur due to chemicals in food, insect stings, and overexposure to sunlight. They are very itchy, and the person may also develop a burning sensation. Most often, it affects the face, lips, tongue, neck, and ears. These types of allergies are mainly triggered by direct physical stimulation of the skin or by stroking and scratching the skin.
3. Insect stings
One of the most common types of allergies, the main trigger for these is, understandably, insect stings. They begin with pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area. They can also extend beyond the sting site and cause swelling around the entire part of the body.
The symptoms of a sting allergy are:
- Pain and redness
- Pimple-like spots throughout the area
- Moderate to serious swelling
- Warm and itchy skin
Severe allergic reactions are very rare, but they can be very problematic for a person. They manifest in the form of:
- Breathing issues
- Swelling of the face
- A rapid pulse
- Hives appearing beyond the sting site
- Dizziness
- A sharp drop in blood pressure
- Wheezing and difficulty in swallowing
4. Cosmetic allergies
This is also a common type of allergy and its main triggers cause skin irritation and allergies to those with sensitive skin. It starts with rashes and advances to hives, a burning sensation with redness, and stinging. The chemicals and fragrances in beauty products can make the skin raw and damage it.
The main triggers of this type of allergies are beauty products and personal care items with a strong smell and alcohol. It is advisable to do a patch test on the inside of the elbow or wrist and leave it for a day or two before buying any product. In case any of the above-mentioned symptoms manifest, they should not be used.