What does your child’s skin inflammation mean?

10th May 2023

What does your child’s skin inflammation mean?

Kids are constantly coming home with bumps and scrapes. How? We aren’t sure. But when you’re of a certain age, it’s hard not to be envious of how good they are at brushing them off. And, as a parent, we’re sure you can’t help but worry too much about these. Where have you been? I told you to stop climbing trees!

That’s the job of a parent, after all. When those skin blemishes don’t have an obvious explanation, it can make you worry even more. A rash or patch of red skin is cause for concern. More often than not, it’s related to an allergy. But where exactly do they come from? And what do they mean? That we can help with. Let’s take a look at different skin reactions in children.

Atopic vs contact dermatitis

First, it’s important to differentiate between atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Because only one is an allergic reaction, and it’s going to help put you on the right path.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that results in repeated inflammation of the skin. It’s believed to be genetic, or possibly combined with environmental factors. It tends to occur in specific places, mainly areas that are easier to scratch or irritate. Think in the folds of your skin or somewhere like your inner elbow where the two sides rub against each other.

But if it’s an allergic reaction, then it’s contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, it’s inflammation from where the skin comes into contact with an allergen. The symptoms will be similar to atopic (more on that below) but will occur where the two meet. So, in theory, it could happen anywhere on the body.

If you notice skin inflammation regularly around the same places on your child’s body, that might point towards atopic dermatitis. But if it’s rarer and happens in various spots, then it could be contact dermatitis.

Symptoms

There will be some crossover in the symptoms, as they are both skin reactions. But there are some subtle differences. First, we’ll look at where they’re similar. Symptoms of dermatitis can include:

• Rashes
• Itchy skin
• Flaky skin
• Bumps and blisters
• Swelling
• Burning
• Leathery patches of skin

In both cases, it’s your body’s way of dealing with whatever the aggravation is. As for differences, you’ll have to pay attention. With atopic dermatitis, you might notice broad, raised areas of skin that weep clear fluid. But with contact dermatitis, it’s more like small, specific fluid-filled blisters. Contact dermatitis is often more likely to burn or cause pain.

Either way, the only accurate diagnosis is to talk to a doctor. If you notice multiple instances of unexplained skin irritations, that’s your cue to visit your child’s GP.

Causes of contact dermatitis

We’ve established that atopic dermatitis is down to (at least partially) genetics. But if it’s contact dermatitis, how do you know what exactly causes it? Is it one or multiple things? We can’t say. Again, your doctor will be much better equipped to answer that. In the interest of preparing you, here are some of the more common causes.

Food – It’s no news that food allergies can be common in children. Some estimate that as many as 1 in 12 children could be diagnosed with a food allergy at some point. They don’t have to eat it to feel the symptoms. Touching it can cause contact dermatitis – or even coming into contact with airborne particles of the food.

Pollen – A symptom of hay fever could be skin inflammation, in which case it would be because of the pollen. This can also apply to similar particle-based allergies, such as with dust mites or pet dander.

Chemicals – When we say chemicals, this means anything that can have chemicals in them. Examples being detergent, soap, or perfume. This can also occur after touching someone who has used said product.

The sooner you catch something like this, the quicker you can find a solution. It’s not often that such an allergy can be dangerous to a child’s life, but we still recommend talking to your child’s GP about any unexplained skin conditions and finding out your best next steps.

If you ever have concerns about you or your child’s potential atopic or contact dermatitis, get in touch. We have a team of allergy specialists who can guide you through the diagnosis and treatment journey. To find out more, call us on 02031 433 449.

Allergic to exercise: your guide to exercise-induced urticaria

5th April 2023

Allergic to exercise: your guide to exercise-induced urticaria

Exercise is great, if a bit of a mixed bag. You can end up feeling fantastic about yourself as you’re awash with endorphins and the feel-good vibes that you’re working towards a health goal. It just so happens you also become incredibly sweaty and feel somewhat gross. And if you’re a jogger, well, we hope you enjoy your 6am runs in the rain.

As if that wasn’t enough, some people have a rare condition that makes working out that much more difficult. It’s called ‘exercise-induced urticaria’, and as the name suggests it’s a bad reaction to exercise. While it is very uncommon, it can still be serious and worth knowing about. So let’s look at what it is and how you can avoid it.

What is exercise-induced urticaria?

First, let’s look at what urticaria is on its own. It’s something we talk about every year as there is a day dedicated to it. It is a skin condition more commonly known as hives, weals, or welts. The trademark red marks and rashes can be on a specific part of the body or spread across larger areas.

The exercise-induced version will occur during or after working out. Since it’s a relatively new condition – in that we’ve only just begun to define it over the last few decades – it’s not really known where it comes from. It’s also likely your body’s reaction to the heat generated during exercise.

While not the same, there is also exercise induced anaphylaxis and the further linked food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA). This is when you exercise after eating a particular food, causing a negative reaction. What makes it different from a normal food allergy? Well, many people with FDEIA do not react to the food in normal circumstances. It’s only when they exercise that it causes the reaction.

What are the symptoms of exercise-induced urticaria?

It shares many symptoms with regular urticaria, as we mentioned above. These include:

• Hives
• Skin flushing
• Skin swelling
• Abdominal pain

These are considered more ‘mild’ symptoms, in that they shouldn’t lead to a potentially fatal reaction. But there can be more serious symptoms, such as:

• Swollen tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint

Many of these are symptoms of an anaphylactic shock which can happen. This could lead to a loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, and needs urgent medical attention.

What can you do about it?

The first obvious step if you have this condition (or suspect you do) is to avoid exercise. Given the potential dangers of it, it’s not something you can ignore. You have to talk to your doctor about it first. Once you have a diagnosis, then exercise may still be possible. You just might have to choose something less heat-intensive, such as swimming.

In the case of FDEIA, the recommendation is to stay away from exercise after eating the triggering food. So if shellfish causes FDEIA, don’t work out for 24 hours after eating it.

Whichever you have, our baseline advice is the same: talk to an expert. This isn’t something you can diagnose at home. Especially since the condition is so rare in the first place. They can work towards diagnosing you and adjusting your lifestyle post-diagnosis. Their advice will allow you to live a free and healthy life. It just might mean less jogging in the rain.

If you ever have any allergy concerns – including skin conditions and breakouts such as this or other forms of urticaria – get in touch. Our team of allergy specialists can help put your mind at ease. To find out more, simply call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Aquagenic urticaria: could you be allergic to water?

24th August 2022

Aquagenic urticaria: could you be allergic to water?

We’re having one of the hottest summers on record here in the UK. And for many, this means more time spent in water – whether it’s a swimming pool, the sea, a paddling pool in the garden, or a refreshing cold shower. But what if you didn’t have these luxuries on a hot summer’s day?

This is the reality for any aquagenic urticaria sufferers out there. In short, this condition is a skin reaction to water. You heard that right. Despite being around 60% water, humans can experience an allergic reaction simply from coming into contact with it. 

It’s a rare allergy, but it’s still worth knowing about just in case you ever experience symptoms. Or if you’re simply interested in hearing about some of the more niche allergies out there!

What causes aquagenic urticaria?

Aquagenic urticaria is a specific form of urticaria – a common skin condition associated with hives, rashes, weals, and welts. People experience a reaction after coming into contact with an allergen. The body releases histamines to fight the harmful substance. And these are what set off our allergy-like symptoms. 

In the case of aquagenic urticaria, the allergen triggering the reaction will, of course, be water. There are plenty of times we come into contact with water. But some of the more common triggers will be swimming, bathing, rain, sweat, or tears. 

What are the symptoms?

People with aquagenic urticaria can experience a range of symptoms. These include rashes, itching, red skin, burning sensations, lesions, welts, and inflammation. In more severe cases, drinking water can cause issues. With this, someone might experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, wheezing, or a rash around the mouth. 

Symptoms will kick in shortly after exposure, usually around 15 minutes. And luckily, mild symptoms don’t tend to stick around for long either. After drying yourself off, symptoms can fade within the hour. 

Is there a treatment?

While some triggers are easy enough to avoid, others are impossible. You can’t exactly tell your body to stop producing sweat or to never cry. So where it’s unrealistic to avoid contact with water completely, the key is to prevent or minimise your symptoms post-exposure.

Antihistamines can be taken daily to reduce your body’s allergic response. Severe cases that impact your breathing may require an EpiPen. And you may also need to be mindful of the water content in the foods you eat. 

You’ll also want to reduce your contact with water wherever possible. For example, taking shorter, less frequent showers. You can also opt for moisture-wicking clothing to prevent long contact with sweat. And become more mindful of the rain forecast.

Aquagenic urticaria is an incredibly rare condition. And if you experience symptoms, it’s easy to blame something else. The chlorine in the pool or a new product you’ve used in the shower. But if you’re noticing a persistent pattern between water contact and skin irritation, it might be worth investigating it a little further.

You don’t have to navigate your allergies alone. Our experts are always on-hand to answer any questions or concerns you might have. To get in touch with us, or to book an allergy test, call 02031 433 449, or register as a new patient.

Urticaria Day 2021: everything you should know about this skin condition

29th September 2021

Urticaria Day 2021: everything you should know about this skin condition

It’s almost October 1st again, which means Urticaria Day is just around the corner. This day is a great time to highlight a condition people don’t talk about enough.

So we thought today we’d answer some frequently asked questions about this common ailment, as well as sharing how you can get involved in this year’s event, building awareness and sharing your support.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin affliction which you might more commonly know as hives, weals, welts, and nettle rash. It involves raised, extremely itchy rashes and bumps on the skin.

These rashes might be present on an isolated part of the body or spread across larger areas. They can also vary from being a few millimetres in size to being around the size of a hand. 

The condition has two varieties: acute and chronic urticaria. The former is when the rash clears completely within six weeks, while the latter is if the rash persists for more than six weeks.

Who does it affect?

Urticaria is a common condition that affects around 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Most frequently, it’s experienced by children, women aged 30-60, and those with a previous history of allergies.

What causes it?

Urticaria appears when something triggers the body to produce high levels of histamine and other chemical messengers. This causes the blood vessels to open and leak – causing redness and itchiness, respectively.

Triggers might include an allergic reaction, infection, heat/cold exposure, or certain medications. Caffeine, alcohol, stress, and warm temperatures can also make symptoms worse.

Can it be treated?

If you experience urticaria, and your symptoms don’t go away within 48 hours, you’ll want to speak with your GP. The same goes for anything you find distressing, distracting from your daily life, or appearing in combination with other symptoms.

In milder cases, rashes will usually clear on their own within a few days. But you can always take over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve some of the itching and discomfort.

What is Urticaria Day?

Taking place every October 1st since 2014, Urticaria Day is all about building awareness, establishing communities, and showing solidarity with those struggling with urticaria. 

A lot of people find their symptoms distressing, embarrassing, or isolating, making it even more important to encourage widespread education on the condition, its cause, and its prevalence.

To get involved, why not share your experience with others? If you haven’t experienced it yourself, you could take some time to learn the key facts or share information using #WorldUrticariaDay.

Urticaria is an incredibly common condition that will impact many of us throughout our lives. And because of this, it warrants greater conversation and awareness. To read more, you can check out some of our previous posts in honour of Urticaria Day here and here.

If you believe an allergy might be triggering your urticaria flare-ups, or are suffering any other symptoms of a reaction, get in touch with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre to book an allergy test. Call us today on 02031 433 449. And to show your support for Urticaria Day, head over to the official website to find out how you can help.

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

12th February 2020

Strange signs you might be having an allergic reaction

It’s crazy what the human body is capable of. There are people who have mastered the art of echolocation – using sound to figure out where things are around them. Some people have synesthesia, meaning they can taste words and colours, or literally see music. 

But the same complexity that makes these superhuman abilities possible is the same one that sometimes makes it hard to understand. With allergies, there are certain things to look out for to help you make sense of the madness. Here are some symptoms to be aware of.

Skin tumours

Some people who get permanent tattoos develop strange growths on their skin. However, they may not realise these result from an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. Red tattoo ink is the most common ink responsible for these reactions. 

Itchy rash

Allergic rashes can come in many forms, even bumpy, itchy ones. Some people who are allergic to certain metals like nickel get these skin rashes and don’t really know why. The metal is in mobile phones, jewellery, and even braces, so it makes knowing the cause of your symptoms difficult. 

A red butt

People who have allergies to certain metals, plants, or medications can develop Baboon syndrome. It’s a real condition, caused by dermatitis because of an allergic reaction. It is usually a reaction to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin.

A swollen tongue

A swollen tongue during an allergic reaction isn’t uncommon. However, when you don’t expect it, it can lead to panic. This can be especially true for people with hay fever. They may not realise they’re at risk of oral allergy syndrome as fruits and vegetables contain similar proteins to those in pollen. Therefore, when you eat them, the body reacts to the food and may cause a swollen tongue. 

Black spots on the skin

One study showed some people develop black spots on their skin as a reaction to poison ivy or poison oak. An itchy rash in response to these plants is common, but the black spots are less so. What’s strange about these spots is that they peel off over time. 

An allergic reaction can take on many forms. If you’re experiencing strange symptoms, you shouldn’t rule out an allergy just yet as you never know what the cause could be. 

If your symptoms are getting in the way of your life, it’s time to get tested to see if they’re because of an allergy. All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of the consultants at the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today.

Are cosmetics affecting your allergy?

12th September 2018

Are cosmetics affecting your allergy?

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with an allergy or not, finding cosmetics that don’t leave your skin an oily or dry, angry, rash-covered mess can be complicated. It can affect your entire day and ruin a good night’s sleep. They are one of many items that make living life with an allergy hard. It’s not as easy as putting down the makeup, as irritants are in everything from soaps to baby wipes.

Everyone is different

Unfortunately, even gentle ‘hypoallergenic’ products can leave your skin red and itchy, or you eyes swollen. So many new products hit the shelves each year that it can be difficult keeping up with what is and isn’t right for your skin. The fact is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to what you should use. However, some ingredients will benefit you more than others.

If you think you’re reacting to a product, the first step is to eliminate as many products from your routine as possible and start to re-introduce them by patch testing.

What is a patch test?

If you aren’t familiar, this simple test can be carried out at home. All you have to do is apply a small amount of product to a ‘patch’ of your body (such as the inside of your elbow) and after a few hours, look for any signs of irritation. If your skin reacts, you’ll notice some itching or swelling in the area you applied the product too. Patch testing can help you identify which chemicals are causing your skin to react.

Irritant vs allergy

If the patch test leaves your skin looking angry, it could be either an irritant or an allergy. An allergy is likely to affect your skin several hours or days after being applied. This delayed reaction is known as allergic contact dermatitis. An irritant causes a response in less time, sometimes even immediately, which is known as irritant contact dermatitis.

Chemicals

Next time you want to try a new product, be wary of the ingredients. Even cosmetics that claim they are unscented may contain fragrances to mask the plain or chemical smell. Opt for fragrance-free toiletries instead and make a list of the ingredients you already know can irritate your skin. They may sound similar, but unscented products can also contain alcohol, parabens, and preservatives which are common irritants.

Plant extracts

Be wary of products that also contain plant extracts. You might believe them to be ‘natural’ and therefore less irritable, but that isn’t the case. While plant-based products are a fantastic alternative to perfumed cosmetics, plants may also be an irritant or allergen to your skin.

Although toiletries and bathing products for children aren’t usually as harsh on the skin, you may want to have your child tested for allergies too; if your child suffers from eczema, there is a greater risk of allergy.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your skin to itch and swell, book a test with one of our consultants today to limit your exposure to irritants.