Are Seasonal Allergies Affecting Your Skin?
Seasonal allergies are annoying at best and downright unbearable at their worst. While we’re used to allergies affecting our eyes and noses, it’s also possible for them to affect your skin. Not sure if that skin rash is a result of allergies? Here’s how to tell if seasonal allergies are affecting your skin.
How Seasonal Allergies Affect Skin
Eczema Flare Ups
While eczema isn’t necessarily an allergic reaction, it can definitely be aggravated by seasonal allergens in your environment. When you have eczema, your skin’s protective layer is abnormally sensitive to external irritants. As a result, your skin may often be dry and irritated even when there aren’t any seasonal allergens around.
Of course, that also means that when your skin is exposed to seasonal allergens, your eczema may flare up and turn into a nasty dry skin rash. You may also experience swelling and patches of skin that appear crusty or ooze when scratched. If you have eczema and you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s crucial that you seek a dermatologist’s help managing your condition.
Of course, it may happen that your seasonal allergies don’t affect your eczema to the point where it’s affecting your daily life. Moisturizing is absolutely essential, as well. If you’re not taking care of your skin, your inflamed eczema rash may require prescription medication for treatment.
Hives
Hives are one of the most common skin symptoms of allergic reactions. If you’re unsure whether you have hives or it’s just contact dermatitis, be on the lookout for groupings of red, raised bumps on your skin that itch. You’ve likely had hives before if you’ve experienced a bug bite. They’re an inflammatory reaction to anything you’re allergic to — and that includes bug saliva!
The best way to treat hives is to fully understand what triggered them in the first place. Having a sound understanding of what you’re allergic to and how it affects your skin is the best line of defense you have against allergic reactions like hives.
Once you understand what’s causing your hives, it’s possible to avoid those particular triggers. If you can’t avoid them 100% of the time, it’s important to talk to your dermatologist about potential itch relief solutions. Your dermatologist may recommend an antihistamine or a hydrocortisone cream to help relieve symptoms of itching and inflammation.
Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Watery, itchy eyes are a trademark reaction to seasonal allergies. Did you know that the skin around your eyes can also get irritated and become inflamed as a result of allergies?
The most important thing for you to remember when the skin around your eyes is irritated is not to touch it. Touching already irritated skin is a surefire way to make your allergic reaction worse. The best way to mitigate and prevent this symptom from affecting your daily life is to speak with your dermatologist about possible treatments or forms of relief that they would recommend.
Seasonal allergies are no joke, especially when they start affecting your skin with different types of rashes. If you think your seasonal allergies are having a negative effect on your skin and you need answers, contact NEDA to consult with one of our doctors today.