Skin irritations can be caused by a variety of factors, including dryness, sensitivity, and allergies. While some allergies are well-known, such as to shellfish or peanuts, others may go undiagnosed for years due to their ambiguous nature.

These “unknown” allergies can often be the underlying cause of skin rashes and irritations, leaving sufferers scratching their heads – and their skin – with no idea of what’s causing the problem.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction can manifest in many different ways, depending on the individual and the allergen in question. Some common symptoms include:.

Rash or hives
Redness and swelling
Itching or burning sensations
Dry, scaly or cracked skin
Blisters
Bumps or pimples
Skin darkening or thickening
Tenderness or sensitivity to the touch

What are the common causes of skin allergies?

There are many substances that can trigger an allergic reaction, including:.

Plant allergens, such as poison ivy or oak
Metal allergens, such as nickel or gold
Chemical allergens, such as fragrances or preservatives
Medications
Insect bites or stings
Food allergens, such as peanuts or shellfish

How can you identify an unknown allergy?

Identifying an unknown allergy requires some detective work, as there may be many potential allergens in your environment.

The first step is to keep track of when and where your skin irritations occur – do they happen after eating certain foods, touching certain objects, or being in certain environments? Once you have a list of potential triggers, you can try avoiding them one by one to see if your symptoms improve.

If you’re unable to identify the cause of your skin irritations on your own, a dermatologist or allergy specialist can perform a patch test to help diagnose your allergy.

This involves placing small amounts of various allergens on your skin and monitoring for a reaction.

What can you do to treat an allergic reaction?

If you’re experiencing a mild to moderate allergic reaction, there are several things you can do to alleviate your symptoms:.

Avoid the allergen if possible
Use a cool, wet compress to soothe irritation
Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling
Apply a topical cream or ointment to reduce redness and inflammation
Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and cracking

If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve with home treatment, seek medical attention immediately. Anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure, requires emergency treatment.

How can you prevent future allergic reactions?

Preventing future allergic reactions requires identifying and avoiding your allergens. Once you’ve determined the cause of your allergy, take steps to minimize your exposure to that trigger.

For example, if you’re allergic to a certain type of metal, avoid jewelry or clothing that contains that metal.

It’s also important to inform others of your allergies, especially if they’re severe. Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet or carrying an emergency epinephrine injector if you’re at risk of anaphylaxis.