Volume 2, Issue 1, 15 December 2007, Pages 9-22

doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2006.10.019 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI    Cited By in Scopus (101)

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Article

Symptoms of Skin allergy & its Treatment

Rocío Sotillo1, Eva Hernando2, Elena Díaz-Rodríguez1, Julie Teruya-Feldstein2, Carlos

Cordón-Cardo2, Scott W. Lowe3 and Robert Benezra1, ,

Author: Scott W. Lowe (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor,
USA)

Referred to by Rb Loss Causes of Skin Allergies

: skin Cell, Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2007, Pages 1-3,

Allergies: Introduction

Allergies are caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to a particular substance or

allergen. Allergies, also called allergic reactions, are common, and there are a variety of types
of allergies. They include food allergies, respiratory allergies and skin allergies, which can result
in such conditions as eczema and contact dermatitis.

The immune system is made up of special cells that circulate throughout the body to defend the
body against foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. For people with allergies, the
immune system is overzealous and reacts when they inhale, swallow or touch normally
harmless substances, such as pollen or dust. This results in the release of the chemical
histamine, which causes the swelling, inflammation, and itching of tissues that is characteristic
of allergies.

Almost any substance can cause allergies in a person who is sensitive to that particular
substance. People with allergies are often allergic to more than one substance. Common
allergies include those to dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, bee stings, and cockroach
or dust mite droppings. Some people may also have allergies to certain plants, some
medications, such aspirin or penicillin, certain foods, such as eggs or milk, or chemicals and
other substances, such as latex.

When a person has allergies, exposure to an allergen can cause a wide variety of symptoms,
depending on the specific allergies, the type of exposure and the severity of the allergies.
Symptoms can affect the respiratory system, the skin and/or the gastrointestinal system. A very
severe allergic reaction is called an anaphylactic reaction, which can be fatal. For more
information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of allergies.

Making a diagnosis of allergies includes performing a complete evaluation that includes a

medical history, including symptoms, and physical examination.

Diagnostic testing may include skin patch testing. In a patch test, small amounts of common
allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering an
allergic response. A blood test called a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) may also be done to
help identify the substances that are causing certain allergies. For suspected food allergies, a
patient may also be asked to keep a log to record the types of foods that trigger an allergic
reaction.

It is very possible that a diagnosis of allergies can be missed or delayed because symptoms
can be similar to other conditions. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis
of allergies.

Patient compliance with a good treatment plan can control symptoms of allergies to a degree
that allows a person to live a normal active life. Treatment may include a combination of lifestyle
changes, medications, and other measures. For more information on treatment, refer to
treatment of allergies. ...more »

A respiratory allergy or allergic reaction is an over-reaction by the immune system to a

particular substance, or allergen. The immune system is made up of special cells that circulate
throughout the body to defend the body against foreign substances, such as viruses and
bacteria. This is a normal protective response, but for people with allergies, the immune system
gets overzealous in its job and reacts when they inhale, swallow or touch harmless substances,
such as pollen or dust. Almost any substance can become an allergen and cause an allergic
 reaction in a person who is sensitive to that particular substance. People with allergies are often
allergic to more than one substance.

A severe reaction, also called an anaphylactic reaction, can become life threatening and
requires immediate medical intervention. Respiratory allergies can also become serious for
people with asthma. Allergens can trigger an asthma attack which results in constriction of the
airways in the lungs, inflammation, and build up and blockage by mucus. This results in
wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, which can become severe and life
threatening. ...more »

Allergies: Symptoms

People who have allergies can experience a wide variety of symptoms that can affect the
respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal system, and in severe cases, the cardiovascular
system. Symptoms can occur alone or in combination with other symptoms. Respiratory
symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sinus pressure,
and headache. Hay fever is a ...more »

Allergies: Treatments

The most effective treatment plan for allergies uses a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans
are also individualized to best address the specific cause and severity of the allergies, and the
patient's age and medical history. In general, allergies are highly treatable, although they are
generally not curable. On occasion, some young children might "grow out" of allergies.

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Allergic rhinitis: Signs and symptoms

(Handbook of Diseases)

With seasonal allergic rhinitis, the key signs and symptoms are paroxysmal sneezing, profuse
watery rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction or congestion, and pruritus of the nose and eyes, usually
accompanied by pale, cyanotic, edematous nasal mucosa; red and edematous eyelids and
conjunctivae; excessive lacrimation; and headache or sinus pain. Some patients also complain
of itching in the throat and malaise.
With perennial allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and other extranasal effects are rare, but chronic
nasal obstruction is common and often extends to eustachian tube obstruction, particularly in
children.

With both types of allergic rhinitis, dark circles may appear under the patient’s eyes because of
venous congestion in the maxillary sinuses. The severity of signs and symptoms may vary from
season to season and from year to year.

Some patients may develop chronic complications, including sinusitis and nasal polyps