ALLERGIC-PRONE 
SKIN

ALL ABOUT
SKIN ALLERGIES

Allergies can affect different parts of the body, but we’ll be focusing on skin allergies here. The “classic” type of skin allergic reaction is called contact dermatitis. In this case, the allergen comes into direct contact with the skin (e.g. a pair of nickel earrings), crosses through skin’s protective barrier and triggers an immune response resulting in the allergic reaction. Typical symptoms of contact dermatitis? Red rash, itching, burning, scaling and even oozing. An allergic skin reaction may take weeks to fade. But don’t panic, some hypoallergenic skincare from the pharmacy are designed for allergic skins.

HOW ALLERGIES
IMPACT THE SKIN

Skin allergic reactions are not limited to contact dermatitis. In fact, skin is the #1 site of allergy manifestations, with 80% of allergies having consequences for skin*. This is because - contact dermatitis aside - skin allergies can also be caused by the medicine we take, the food we eat (think nuts) or our environment (think pollen or pet “dander”). Typical on-skin effects on allergies? Skin often breaks out in hives, rashes and irritations, associated with itching, stinging or heating and burning sensations. Plus, if you are constantly blowing your nose, it is likely to become red and irritated. If your skin allergies are acting up, your first port of call is the pharmacy: Over-the-counter antihistamines associated with hypoallergenic skincare can rapidly calm things down.

"In this section, you will learn about the difference between sensitive skin, reactive skin and allergic skin. We’ll also share some expert tips on how to avoid skin allergic reactions, as well as the best allergy-prone skin solutions."
_{*Allergic or intolerant skin profiling. France and Germany. A+A. February 2009}