Treatment differs depending on the type of allergic reaction you have. But the best strategy is to avoid the causes. No permanent cure exists for skin reactions. You should also change to non-allergenic and fragrance-free products. The allergic reactions can often be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines.
Scratching, rubbing, or exposing a rash to extremes of hot or cold can irritate or make the rash worse. Any time home care does not help or the skin reaction gets worse or comes back, see a health care provider. All the ways of treatment will work if you will take care of you properly. Here are some rules for you to obey:
• Follow all the advice your allergist gives to you.
• Contact your allergist immediately if you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
• See your allergist if a reaction is severe or unusual.
• Tell your allergist if you have ever had a reaction to any medicines.
• Avoid substances (certain jewelry or cosmetics, for example) that irritate your skin.
• Be careful with foods you eat. Avoid those you know can cause a skin reaction. If you eat with friends, tell them in advance if you should not eat particular foods. If you're not sure about the ingredients in a dish in a restaurant, don't eat it.
Types of Skin Allergies
There are three conditions of skin allergy:
o contact dermatitis
o hives
o eczema.
As we talk about different types of skin it is impossible to talk about only one set of symptoms. Each allergic condition has its own symptoms. Contact dermatitis takes the form of red, itchy patches which may blister and crust over. The patches appear exactly on the part of the skin that was in contact with a particular substance. Hives can be very large and cover a large area of the skin. Acute hives arise quickly and can last up to 6 weeks. One cluster may disappear as another cluster develops. They can be alarming, but usually go away within 24 hours. Foods, medicines, heat, cold, exercise, or virus infections may cause hives, but often the cause is unknown. Eczema is also an allergic skin reaction, although it is more common in babies and young children than in older adults. You should remember that people sometimes use the terms eczema and dermatitis interchangeably. However, eczema is actually dermatitis that is in advanced, more serious stages.
| 
