Skin Allergy Formula

Rashes are an abnormal condition and reaction of the skin. A rash may result from allergy, infection, irritation, inflammation, insect bites and other abnormal conditions. There are many types of itchy skin allergies and rashes. The most common types of allergic skin rashes include atopic dermatitis (eczema), urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling).

Patients with atopic dermatitis often have non-skin allergies such as asthma or hay fever, but their rashes are not caused by skin allergies. On the other hand, those with contact dermatitis have true skin allergies, but usually not other allergic problems like someone with atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas atopic dermatitis is most often seen in infants and children. Hand dermatitis is caused by skin irritants such as detergents or other chemicals.

A rash can indicate a mild condition such as fungal infection or contact dermatitis. It may also be the result of a moderate condition or disease, such as an allergy, chicken pox, hives or parasitic infection (scabies). A rash can also occur in some serious conditions, such as in meningitis or severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and allergic purpura. A rash can be the result of a wide variety of other conditions. These include methamphetamine abuse, stress, anxiety, and skin conditions, such as pityriasis rosea, acne, dermatitis and psoriasis. A rash can also be due to parasitic infections, such as public lice, head lice, and fungal infections, such as jock itch and athlete's foot. A rash can be due to infectious diseases, such as rubella, meningitis, Lyme disease and measles.

The length of a rash varies depending on the cause. A rash can be short-term and disappear quickly, such as when a rash occurs due to shaving or a waxing treatment to remove body hair. A rash can also occur in sudden episodes, such as a rash that happens when a person is exposed to an allergen that causes a rash or to certain plants, such as poison ivy. A rash can also occur over a relatively long period of time, such as when a rash is due to chicken pox or chronic eczema. If an allergy is suspected to be the cause of a rash, diagnostic testing may include skin patch testing and blood testing (radioallergosorbent test, RAST) to help identify the substances that are causing an allergy.

Most allergic drug rashes occur within 2-3 weeks of taking a new medication, especially if the person has taken the drug before. It is unlikely for medicine that has been prescribed for months or years to cause an allergic reaction. Because there is usually no specific test to prove whether a rash is allergic, doctors may recommend stopping a suspected drug to see what happens. If the rash remains after one week of stop taking the medication, allergy is unlikely.

Common Causes
The following are some of the possible causes of rash. Please ask your doctor about your specific symptoms.

• Allergic conditions
  • Allergies
  • Hives
  • Eczema
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Food allergies
  • Egg allergy
  • Peanut allergy
  • Wheat allergy
  • Milk allergy
  • Soybean allergy
  • Fish allergy
  • Poison ivy
  • Latex allergy
• Blisters
• Hemorrhagic rash
• Infections
  • Impetigo
  • Chicken pox
  • Measles
  • Fungal infections
  • Athlete's foot
  • Meningococcal disease
• Parasitic conditions
  • Scabies
  • Lice conditions
• Scabbing
• Scaling
• Systemic conditions
  • Lupus

Treatment
Treatment for skin allergies and rashes are individualized depending on the underlying cause and other factors and generally involves minimizing the discomfort (itching) of a rash and the desire to scratch and decreases the risk of developing complications, such as a secondary bacterial infection. Some conditions can be easily and successfully treated and cured, while others may require more intensive treatment.

Treatment for a rash due to an allergy such as contact dermatitis or eczema includes lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to irritants and allergens and minimizing skin dryness. Typical skin irritants and allergens include soaps, chemicals, cleaning products, weeds, and some metals, such as nickel. Skin dryness can be avoided or treated by using a perfume-free moisturizer, avoiding scratchy clothes, and using a home humidifier. Other important steps include avoiding alcohol and caffeine, using mild soaps, not over washing or scrubbing skin, and avoiding hot tubs, steam baths, saunas and chlorinated swimming pools.

More severe rashes may be treated with a corticosteroid cream (hydrocortisone), which reduces inflammation, and an antihistamine, which reduces allergy. Parasitic infections, such as pubic lice, are treated with medications that contain a pesticide. Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, are treated with medications that contain an anti-fungal medication. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat a secondary bacterial infection caused by excessive scratching of the skin. Some alternative treatments, home remedies, and other complementary therapies have also been shown to be effective for skin allergies and rashes.