Your skin is the largest organ in your body. As with other parts of your body, it can develop varies problems based on factors ranging from stress and diet to exposure to allergens. Skin that breaks out, develops dry spots, or is otherwise problematic is a nuisance, and it can also signal more significant issues, including allergies. Since skin issues may stem from a number of sources, it takes a Las Vegas allergist to pinpoint the cause and help you get your skin looking and feeling its best again.
Is it Allergies or Something Else?
It may sound surprising, but you may encounter some of the most offensive Las Vegas allergies right at home. In fact, the source of your allergies may be lurking in your beauty supplies. Mascara, powder, eye shadow, and other types of makeup can contain chemicals and harsh ingredients that cause your skin to have a reaction. Since the skin may develop the same symptoms from allergies and other problems such as acne, it can be difficult to tell which ailment you are suffering from. If your skin suddenly breaks out at random, if you have chronic dry patches, or if you develop red or itchy patches on your skin, the culprit may be allergies. If your symptoms appeared shortly after you started to use a new product or switched your daily beauty routine, allergies may be the underlying culprit. However, allergies may suddenly develop after you have used the same product for years, in which case it can be nearly impossible to tell whether you are suffering from allergies or another skin condition. Visiting an experienced Las Vegas allergist will help provide some clues as to what may be irritating your skin.
Symptoms of Skin Allergies
Skin allergies – also commonly called “allergic contact dermatitis” – presents with a few classic symptoms, regardless of the product that you are allergic to.
The following symptoms are commonly associated with skin allergies:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Itching
- Stinging
- Rash
Symptoms of skin allergies may start soon after you use a new product that is causing the irritation. Other times, it may appear days later. Sometimes, it can take years for the negative effects of a product to show! Regardless of how long it takes to develop symptoms, the underlying problem is that your skin perceives some ingredient in a product that you are using as an offender that it needs to protect the body from. As with other allergies, the skin develops a response to a perceived foreign substance.
Along with the symptoms above, you might find that the condition does not improve even if you apply copious amounts of moisturizer.
Types of Skin Allergies
Skin allergies may appear in one of two common forms. The first is called allergic contact dermatitis. The other is irritant contact dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is a response that involves the immune system. Some of the most common symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are swelling, itching, redness, and hives. The skin may also develop red or raw patches. While allergic reactions can appear anywhere on the body, they are most common on the face, lips, ears, neck, and around the eyes. As with other allergic reactions, allergic responses that involve the skin can range from mild to severe.
The other common type of reaction with skin allergies is called irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when there is damage to your skin. You may develop oozing from the pores and blisters, which closely resembles other skin conditions such as acne. The skin may also sting, itch, burn, or turn red where you have applied the product. This type of allergic reaction is a common response to certain beauty products.
Who is at Risk of Developing Skin Allergies?
Skin allergies can surface in anyone. However, people who have a personal or family history of eczema, seasonal allergies, or asthma are at the highest risk of developing allergic contact dermatitis.
What Products Contain Allergens?
Skin allergies are commonly attributed to specific ingredients, including chemicals. They may also arise from preservatives and fragrances. A word of caution is that even products labeled as “unscented” may contain fragrances and other ingredients that harm your skin. Products labeled as “unscented” can also have fragrances that are used to disguise the smell of chemicals, even if you can’t actually smell the fragrance. To avoid problems with fragrances and perfume, look for a product that is labeled as “without perfume” or “fragrance-free.” Another good tip to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid products that have water, as they generally contain at least one preservative. Additionally, you can check the ingredient list for chemicals commonly linked to skin allergies, including: hydantoin, parabens, formaldehyde, phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-15, imidazolindinyl, and methylchloroiosthiazolinone. All of these ingredients have been attributed to skin allergies.
Beauty Products Associated With Allergies
Many beauty products are linked to allergies. Some of the most common sources include detergents, eye makeup, bath soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, nail polish, fingernail glue, and lip stains. Hair lighteners and hair dyes can also cause allergic reactions that involve the skin, as they can make contact with the skin on your scalp. Be aware that sunscreen can also be a source of ingredients that cause problems with contact on your skin. Products with an alpha-hyrodxy acid (AHA) level above 10% are common culprits of skin allergies, according to experts at WebMD. If you find that you are allergic to a sunscreen, which is one of the most common skin allergies, you may also want to work with a dermatologist to identify sun protection that you can safely use.
How are Skin Allergies Treated?
Skin allergies are often treated with hydrocortisone cream, which is a topical cream that calms skin irritation. A dermatologist can also recommend creams, lotions, and other products that don’t have fragrances and are most likely to keep your skin adequately moisturized.
When to Ask Your Allergist About Skin Patch Testing?
Skin allergies are diagnosed through a skin patch test, which is a standard type of allergy testing. Additionally, an allergy doctor Las Vegas will likely recommend using ingredients with the fewest number of ingredients possible. If you are wondering “where can I find an allergist near me that accept Medicaid” or “where is the best allergist near me?”, contact the office of Dr. Tottori today. You can visit our website to make an appointment or call (702) 240 4233 to seek relief today.
