Beat the heat: Understanding summer skin allergies

28th June 2024

Beat the heat: Understanding summer skin allergies

Imagine spending a perfect day at Brighton Beach. The sun is shining, the waves are inviting, and you’re ready to soak in the summer vibes. But by the end of the day, your skin is red, itchy, and covered in tiny bumps. This unpleasant surprise is a common experience for many who suffer from summer skin allergies.

Summer promises sunny days, beach outings, and outdoor adventures. However, the increased heat and sun exposure can also trigger various skin allergies. Understanding these allergies and knowing how to manage them can help you enjoy the season without discomfort.

What causes summer skin allergies?

Skin allergies affect approximately 15-20% of the UK population. The prevalence of contact dermatitis is particularly high, with many cases linked to occupational and environmental exposure. If you’re struggling with skin issues, don’t panic; you’re not alone. Signs you might be experiencing summer skin allergies include:

1. Heat rash: Also known as prickly heat, this occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat gets trapped under the skin. It often appears as red, itchy bumps.
2. Photodermatitis: This sun allergy can cause itchy, red rashes after sun exposure. It is often triggered by a reaction to certain medications, cosmetics, or plants combined with sunlight.
3. Chlorine sensitivity: Swimming pools are a summer favourite, but for some, chlorine can irritate the skin, causing rashes and dryness.
4. Insect bites: Mosquitoes, bees, and other insects are more active in the summer. Bites can lead to allergic reactions ranging from mild redness to severe swelling.
5. Contact dermatitis: This occurs when the skin reacts to a substance it comes into contact with, such as certain plants (like poison ivy), sunscreens, or fragrances.

Tips to manage summer skin allergies:

1. Stay cool and dry: To prevent heat rash, stay in air-conditioned areas during peak heat, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and keep your skin dry.
2. Sun protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against photodermatitis. Wear protective clothing and hats, and avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
3. Rinse after swimming: Shower immediately after swimming to remove chlorine from your skin. Apply a gentle moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Prevent insect bites: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and avoid areas with high insect activity. If you get bitten, apply an antihistamine cream to reduce itching and swelling.
5. Identify and avoid triggers: Be aware of plants and substances that cause contact dermatitis. Perform a patch test with new skincare products to ensure they don’t cause a reaction.

Take control of your skin health

If you experience persistent skin allergies, consider allergy testing to identify specific triggers. Our tests are precise and patient-friendly, providing valuable insights into managing your allergies effectively.

Don’t let summer skin allergies keep you from enjoying the sunshine. By understanding your triggers and taking proactive steps, you can keep your skin healthy and comfortable all season long. Take one of our tests today or register as a new patient to take the first step towards clearer, happier skin.

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.

Different allergy reactions and what they mean

9th November 2022

Different allergy reactions and what they mean

If you’ve never experienced an allergic reaction before (at least as far as you know), you might not be aware of how they present themselves. Because there’s no such thing as one single “allergic reaction”. Symptoms are wide and varying, and will differ from person to person, allergy to allergy.

But it’s always worth being aware of what they look or feel like. Either for yourself if you ever develop one later in life, or to recognise when someone else is facing an allergy attack. Now, we’ll say this: this blog isn’t a list of every allergy. That’s impossible since there are so many of them! Instead, we’re going to look at the most common ways allergies can appear in a person – and what they might mean.

Skin allergies

Some allergies will present on the skin. These are usually the easiest to spot as the evidence will be quite obvious. The reaction we see is the result of our immune system attacking the skin cells where something has come into contact with it. Symptoms may include:

• Rashes
• Hives
• Blisters
• Itching
• Burning sensation

Common triggers of a skin allergy include soaps, shampoos, cleaning products, detergents, and fabric softeners. And it might happen even if it’s not direct contact with the product. For example, your skin might react when wearing a jumper that was washed with a particular detergent. You may also see a reaction break out when you come into contact with metals, jewellery, or even latex.

Food allergies

Most people will be familiar with food allergies as they’re often in the news, for better or worse. You’ll likely know the most common ones – peanuts, soy, and shellfish being some of the biggest culprits.

Symptoms of food allergies can vary, and can include skin reactions that we mentioned in the last section. But what many people will think of when it comes to food allergies is the effect it has on our respiratory system. They can cause:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen lips and throat
• Wheezing
• Coughing

And, at its worst, food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis. This is a potentially fatal symptom where a person’s blood pressure drops, their breathing becomes laboured, and they can pass out. This can eventually – and quickly – lead to death, and has to be treated with an immediate epinephrine injection (i.e. an EpiPen).

Seasonal allergies

Some allergies only present themselves at certain times of the year. These are called “seasonal allergies”. The main one you’ll hear about is hay fever, and most seasonal allergies are lumped together. But in truth, different people are affected at different times.

While hay fever is a reaction to pollen, what type of pollen is the key factor. Some react to tree pollen in the spring. Others react to grass pollen in the summer. And some might react to weed pollen in the autumn. Whichever it is, the symptoms tend to be similar:

• Blocked nose
• Itchy eyes and throat
• Sneezing
• Tiredness

This is just scratching the surface of how allergies can affect us. We haven’t begun to look at all of the potential triggers. Insects, drugs, chronic urticaria, cow’s milk allergies in babies – all worth talking about. If you want to find out more, take a look at the rest of our blog. Or get in touch with us to ask any burning questions you might have.

When you need an allergy specialist to help you with your symptoms, get in touch with us. You can register as a new patient or simply call us on 02031 433 449.

Urticaria Day 2022: promoting a better quality of life

28th September 2022

Urticaria Day 2022: promoting a better quality of life

That time of year has come around again. Every year on the 1st of October, we raise awareness for Urticaria Day. By marking the occasion we want people to speak up about their life with the condition, and how we can make it an easier burden to bear.

This year is all about a “better quality of life”. While chronic urticaria is a physical condition, we don’t always pay attention to the effects it can have on our mental health. The focus of Urticaria Day 2022 is about how we can deal with the mental health challenges that arise and support those who need it.

If you’re not aware of urticaria and its far-reaching effects, we’re here to give you all the information you need.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin condition that you may also know as ‘hives’. You can notice it by its characteristic pale red weals that it leaves on the skin. It might not seem serious, but the intense itching that comes along with it can take a real toll on a person’s day.

This can be present on a specific part of the body for some, but for others it can spread across larger areas. And, while it can be acute and temporary, for many it is a chronic condition that flares up repeatedly. If you want to read more, we’ve talked about Urticaria Day in previous blogs, which you can find here, here, and here.

What is Urticaria Day 2022?

As we said before, this year’s theme is a “better quality of life”. Because even though it’s a skin condition, it can affect all aspects of a person’s life. As anyone living with the condition will attest to. They can compromise your ability to work, stop you from doing physical activity, or strain your relationships.

This is how it can affect a person’s mental health. People with chronic urticaria may feel isolated because their friends and family don’t understand. Or, by preventing someone from physical activity, it might stop them doing something they love. If the aim is to improve quality of life, then mental health has to be a part of the conversation.

The Urticaria Day website has some fantastic short videos that show just how chronic urticaria can affect our lives. From disturbing sleep to increasing anxiety, these videos are well worth showing someone who doesn’t understand how you feel.

What can you do?

The reason why Urticaria Day exists? To raise awareness. So if you want to do something to help, spread the word! There are a number of ways the organisers suggest you can help out. Why not look to see if there are any events in your local community? Just search “Urticaria Day” and your area and see what comes up. Take a look at social media, too.

Speaking of which, if you can’t take part in an event, you can still post about it on social media. The Urticaria Day organisers ask you to use the #UrticariaDay2022 and #UDAY2022 hashtags to join in with the conversation. Just showing that you’re paying attention can go a long way. And let your friends and family know all about it and how serious it can be.

For anyone suffering with acute or chronic urticaria, just know that you’re not alone. Urticaria Day 2022 is here to show you how much people care. If you’re ever concerned about your condition, talk to a skincare or allergy specialist to discuss the right course of treatment for you.

We’re a comforting shoulder for anyone with urticaria. We raise awareness about this condition every year because we acknowledge the effect it has on people. To discuss your urticaria, you can book an appointment with us, or simply give us a call on 02031 433 449.

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.

How to handle your contact dermatitis

26th May 2021

How to handle your contact dermatitis

If you have contact dermatitis, you’re probably more than familiar with that feeling of hot sandpaper being dragged over your skin that can arise simply from washing your hands. And in the past year, your skin is probably red raw after we were advised to sing happy birthday, not once, but twice, while scrubbing our palms to stop the spread of the virus.

Contact dermatitis can be extremely painful and cause real problems for sufferers. If you’re looking for ways you can help mend your dermatitis, we recommend talking to your doctor. Ask them what they can do for you.

Preventative measures 

The only effective way to treat contact dermatitis long term is to identify the trigger and avoid it. While steroids and other creams will definitely help, they don’t get to the root of the problem.

If you come in contact with any irritants, wash the area and dry it thoroughly. It’s much easier said than done, but avoid scratching the area. If you really can’t hold it any longer, rubbing or lightly slapping the affected area is a good middle ground. It offers relief but isn’t as damaging as scratching. 

Using a moisturiser or barrier cream is a fantastic preventative measure too. With regular application, the area stays moisturised, instead of turning dry, itchy, and painful. Just ensure it isn’t fragranced.

Treatments 

Your doctor or allergist will likely prescribe you a steroid cream and/or barrier cream. But here are some other treatments you can try. 

Contact dermatitis can often feel hot to the touch and a cold compress can provide relief. And for the days when you can’t stop yourself from scratching, over-the-counter antihistamines might help too. Though when it comes to medicine, we recommend talking to your doctor first.

Topically applying vitamin E to the affected area may help as it’s an anti-inflammatory and provides relief from itching. Honey can also be applied topically as it’s a powerful, natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties. Honey also keeps skin moist, but not oily. Again, anything applied topically can make it worse, especially if your dermatitis is severe, so consult with a specialist first.

Contact dermatitis can cause serious pain and discomfort. If you suspect you have contact dermatitis, get in touch with a doctor or allergist as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening.

Need help managing your contact dermatitis? Get in contact with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. Our team of experts can help you manage any allergies and regain control of your life. Call us now on 02031 433 449.

Face masks and hand sanitiser: could they affect your allergies?

14th October 2020

Face masks and hand sanitiser: could they affect your allergies?

In recent months, we’ve all become accustomed to wearing face masks while out in public and constantly washing our hands with hand sanitiser. This is to prevent us catching and spreading the coronavirus, keeping us and our loved ones safe.

But having to follow these steps might make some people with allergies or sensitive skin worry. From breakouts to dried, painful skin, people with contact dermatitis will be wary of what comes into contact with their face and hands.

Hand sanitiser

To protect you against germs, the alcohol content in hand sanitiser needs to be at least 60%. The problem is that alcohol breaks down the protective barrier on your skin too. For people with sensitive skin, it could lead to more symptoms they don’t like. Things like flaky skin or maybe even blistering.

You should also look at the other ingredients in hand sanitiser, such as dye and fragrances. There may be an ingredient in there which can cause painful flare-ups. If this happens, consider putting it to one side for now and consult with your doctor. They may have a more ideal product for you. 

If you have contact dermatitis, you may already be familiar with products you can use to keep your hands safe. Keep them well moisturised and talk with a specialist if anything changes.

Face masks

The government has mandated we must wear a mask when out in public. For the majority, this is fine. But those with sensitive skin might be wary about wearing something new. When buying a new mask, see if you can find out the material it is made from to see if you would react to it.

If you have a reusable mask that needs washing, you should also be careful about what detergent you use. Though you most likely have something ready that you use on your other clothes.

Something that has become a new problem is being referred to as “maskne” (mask acne). Maskne refers to bumps, rashes, and other skin problems that people get around their nose and mouth, likely due to face masks. Those with existing skin problems are most likely to develop maskne, so be careful when using your mask for long periods.

Protecting yourself and others is extremely important. Unfortunately for some, it may be the case that that irritation is more sinister than it seems. If this is you, then don’t feel you have to suffer just because it’s what the government says. Talk to an allergy specialist who should be able to give you the advice you need to live comfortably and safely.

If you’re looking for more insight into your allergies or would like an allergy test, or simply need advice, get in touch now on 02031 433 449.

What you need to know about contact dermatitis

29th July 2020

What you need to know about contact dermatitis

Fun fact: your skin is the largest organ of your body. You should love the skin you’re in and treat it right. Keep it well moisturised, don’t damage it with too much sun, and enjoy what life gave you. But, for some people, it isn’t that easy.

Their skin might be more sensitive than other people’s and they might be prone to breaking out in a condition. For some, it may be bouts of acne. For others, it could be eczema. Or it might be contact dermatitis, a reaction to certain materials or substances coming into contact with your skin. 

It affects 15 to 20% of people during their lifetime and can be caused by an irritant on the skin or something they are directly allergic to. So how do people cope with contact dermatitis and how can you minimise its impact on you?

Symptoms

First, let’s look at what contact dermatitis can do to your skin. Signs of the condition include dry, itchy skin, potentially with painful blisters and cracks. There might be a noticeable red rash and it could happen within a few hours of coming into contact with an irritant or maybe even a few days.

While it can affect any part of your body, it tends to happen mostly around your hands and face. These are the areas most likely to come into contact with the irritant, so that makes sense.

Can you prevent contact dermatitis?

While you can’t 100% guarantee never having a reaction again, there are ways you could potentially decrease the chances. What’s helpful at this point is knowing what causes your reactions. Some people, for example, react to metals, such as those in jewellery. Or it could be because of a certain perfume or detergent you use.

If you know what causes your reaction, it’s easier to avoid it. If you aren’t sure, then it’s best to talk to a doctor or allergy specialist about it. They can take you through the process to discover what causes your reactions. It’s best to seek professional help rather than trying to figure it out yourself.

Other than that, you should always treat your skin right. Wash your hands in warm water, not hot water, and use soap gently. Do the same when drying them. Talk with your doctor about what soaps to use and any moisturisers they recommend.

Living with contact dermatitis isn’t nice, but it is manageable. If you ever need help, your doctor will always be happy to help.

For more advice, talk to one of our allergy specialists. We have the expertise to deal with a range of allergies and give you the advice you need. To find out more, get in touch on 02031 433 449.