Itching, redness and swelling are common signs of a skin allergy. When an allergy is the cause, skin allergy treatment can help calm the reaction. However, some rashes that look like an allergic reaction are actually caused by irritation, and those need a different approach. So how do Atlanta allergists uncover the cause of a rash?
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a substance. The most common type is irritant contact dermatitis, where the skin’s outer layer is damaged by a harsh or irritating substance. In contrast, allergic contact dermatitis involves an immune system response to a substance that you have touched.
How to Recognize Skin Irritation
With enough exposure to a substance, just about anyone could potentially experience skin irritation. Some common triggers include soaps, detergents, hand sanitizers, cleaning products and solvents. Repeated exposure to (or contact with) a specific substance can cause irritation within minutes to hours, though it could also build up over days.
The skin may look red, dry and cracked, accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation. For most people, avoiding exposure to the substance is usually enough to see a gradual improvement.
Signs Your Rash Is From a Skin Allergy
One of the main differences between a skin allergy and an irritation is that skin allergies only affect people who have become sensitized to a substance. Becoming sensitized can take multiple exposures, so a person could have been using a product for some time before symptoms appear.
The substances most likely to trigger an allergic reaction include nickel, fragrances, preservatives, hair dye and poison ivy. After contact, symptoms such as redness, itching and bumps will often appear within 24–72 hours. Allergy testing can help identify the skin allergy triggers causing these symptoms.
Key Differences Between a Skin Allergy and Irritation
Paying attention to when and how a rash developed can help pinpoint the cause. Here are some differences to consider.
- Timing – Irritation usually appears within minutes to hours of contact. An allergic rash can often be delayed and show up 1–3 days later.
- Sensation – A rash caused by irritation tends to burn or sting, while an allergy usually causes itching.
- Location – The irritation usually stays where the substance touches your skin. An allergic rash can extend past the contact area.
- Risk – Anyone can develop irritation with enough exposure, while an allergy only affects people who have become sensitized to a substance.
In some cases the cause of a rash can be hard to identify. An allergist can perform testing to confirm which substance is responsible, and whether it’s a skin allergy or irritation.
How an Allergist Tests for Skin Allergies
When a skin allergy is suspected, an allergist will need to gather information such as symptoms, medical history and possible exposures to develop a diagnosis. Patch testing is then used to see how a person responds to a series of allergenic substances. In this test, small amounts of various allergens are applied to patches and placed on the back. Allergists check the skin beneath the patches after a couple of days, then again a few days later. A skin reaction to any substance can be used to help diagnose the patient and guide a professional allergy treatment.
Visit Us for Skin Allergy Testing and Treatment in Atlanta
When your skin is reacting to makeup, skin care, chemicals and other substances, speak with the team at Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center. We provide skin allergy testing and treatment options from centers across the Atlanta area. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
