Skin Allergies Are More Than Just A Cosmetic Problem
By Joe Collins
July 3, 2019 • Fact checked by Dumb Little Man
Bumps, redness, itching, and several other signs of skin allergies are becoming more common. They not only cause discomfort, but they are also embarrassing, especially when they appear on the face or exposed skin.
It is advisable that you seek advice from an allergy doctor when these signs start appearing on your skin. It’s also equally important that you know the most common causes of skin allergies. That way, you’ll be able to avoid them completely.
Skin Care Products or Beauty Products
Skin care products and other beauty products can help you feel like you’re ready to conquer the world. However, they can also result in allergic reactions or skin irritation, particularly if there are ingredients that are too harsh for your skin.
When you get a skin irritation after using some beauty products, it’s best to stop using those products. In addition, visit an allergy doctor for possible treatment. Your dermatologist should examine your skin type and recommend the best skin care products for your condition.
Touching Particular Plants
Some people experience skin irritation immediately after touching parts of particular plants. The most common plants that can cause irritation are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
When these plants are bruised or the leaves fall off, they release a substance called Urushiol. When this substance is exposed to a person’s skin, it causes red rashes, bumps or blisters in some cases.
If you experience skin reaction after coming into contact with such plants, cleaning the skin immediately to get rid of the irritant. You can treat the skin rash using wet compress method. Applying calamine lotion or taking oatmeal baths are also popular approaches for treating skin rashes.
Touching Latex or Rubber Material
Have you ever experienced skin irritation after wearing a belt made of animal leather?
Other people experience skin irritation after touching balloons, rubber gloves or wearing condoms. The reactions aren’t always severe but it’s important to get them checked as soon as possible. Other people experience severe reactions that spread quickly to other parts of their body.
When it comes to using latex rubber, doctors are the worst affected.
Sharing Clothes and Other Personal Items
You might also experience skin irritation after sharing personal items with a person who has skin conditions.
With that, try to avoid sharing personal items, especially the ones that come into contact with the skin. Don’t share clothes, bed sheets, linens, socks, and other personal items.
New Clothes
Imagine a rash on your thighs after wearing a new pair of pants or an irritation on your feet after wearing a new pair of shoes or socks. Even simply trying an outfit at the store might result in a skin reaction.
The dyes or other chemicals used in the process of making the products can negatively affect your skin. When making the fabric, some chemicals are also used to soften it and make it easier to process.
If you know that you’re allergic to those dyes and chemicals, always wash your clothes before you wear them. Alternatively, consider switching to a different type of clothing like those made from organic cotton blends. These are more friendly to human skin and are less likely to cause skin irritation.
Those are the most common causes of skin allergies. It is important that you identify what could be causing a particular skin allergy. In most instances, it could be one of the skin care or makeup products that you’re using. Skin allergies can also be triggered by wearing new clothes.