As you’ve surely battled with itchy, red, or scaly skin at least once in your life, you’ve certainly wondered what set off such a discomfort. These irritations can be attributed to a plethora of skin conditions, leading to confusion and perhaps a quick visit to the nearest hospital’s department of dermatology. While there is a myriad of possible culprits—from animal dander, flecks of skin, fur, or feather to food to cosmetic irritants—one of the most common causes is seasonal skin allergies.
Seasonal skin allergies are triggered by weather and climate conditions depending on the individual. As it varies from person to person, the seasonal flare-ups can be caused by pollen during hot, dry summer days and by mold spores in the cold, rainy season. Since seasonal allergies often top the list of culprits, it is essential to explore the different skin allergies caused by the weather.
This infographic aims to present the most common skin allergies caused by weather and temperature changes and help you identify various skin lesions and rashes. It will also discuss treatment options and management of each allergy for both children and adults.
In pinning down the triggers that cause skin to flare up, you can take measures to prevent it from recurring. However, before identifying the possible reasons behind your allergies, it is crucial to understand how it develops in the first place.
How Allergies Happen
The symptoms associated with allergies are the effects of histamine, which the body produces to protect it from the dangers of the allergen. The results may vary, from rashes to itchy bumps, that can be annoying to someone suffering from an allergic reaction.
While you might have gotten away from all sorts of seasonal allergies during childhood, growing up basically allergy-free doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lifetime of immunity to them. Sadly, it is possible to develop allergy symptoms and experience them for the first time in adulthood. Often, adult-onset allergies start to manifest in your twenties up until your forties and rarely in later years.
Here are 4 common skin allergies you need to know about.
1. Skin Asthma
This condition is one of the most common skin diseases—in fact, around 10 to 20 percent of people at some point suffer from skin asthma or atopic dermatitis. Symptoms in infants include dry and scaly skin, itchy rash on the scalp or cheeks, and rash that oozes clear fluid. In children and adults, symptoms include scaly patches or rash on the neck or face and in the creases of elbows and/or knees, extremely dry skin, and light or dark skin spots.
Although there is no cure yet for atopic dermatitis, finding the right skincare routine and products is key in reducing discomfort. According to dermatologists, the best preventive measure is to keep the skin hydrated by applying an effective moisturizer soon after every bath. This way, you can improve the function of your skin barrier and fight against known allergens and irritants. It is also important to avoid the common irritants, stressful environments, and long baths to keep flare-ups to a minimum.
2. Urticaria
According to studies, urticaria affects 20 percent of people at some point in their lives. It occurs when the body releases chemicals like histamine as a reaction against an irritant or allergen—causing inflammation to form into itchy and swollen hives, patches, wheals, welts, or plaques. Often, urticaria appears in batches on the face, arms, legs, hands, and feet. It is important to note that sweat, alcoholic drinks, and scratching may further aggravate the itching. Also, avoid common triggers including fish, chocolate, tomato, and processed meat. To further reduce inflammation, you can wear loose clothing, use mild soap, and shower with cold water.
3. Eczema
Aside from itchy and scaly rashes and blisters, eczema can cause intense itching, red or brownish patches, and small bumps that ooze fluid. Some known irritants that can intensify symptoms include strong detergents, rough clothing, extreme temperatures, sweat, stress, pet dander, and food allergies.
Aside from prescription medication, creams, and ointments, you can explore alternative remedies like acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga, and meditation.
4. Hay Fever
This condition is the result of the body’s reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, dander, fungi, mold, and cigarette smoke. To reduce symptoms, you should avoid outdoor activities on high pollen days. Try not to hang laundry outside and wear protective masks when needed. For proper diagnosis and management, it is best to visit a trusted physician.
Prevent Allergy Flareups
The key to successfully managing these seasonal skin allergies is to understand the common immune system diseases so you can avoid them, or at least keep discomfort to a minimum. If you know someone who might be suffering from one of the allergies mentioned above, make sure to share this infographic with them to help them explore and determine the right treatment plan for their specific allergy.
