Dealing with a skin rash can be frustrating. It can be even more frustrating when you don’t know what caused it and what the correct treatment is. An understanding of allergic reactions and irritations can help you identify the problem and what to do about it. Allergic reactions and skin irritation are fundamentally different in two key ways, and making sure you can identify the skin condition you have is the first step in choosing the right treatment.
What’s the Difference Between Allergic Reactions and Irritation?
Allergic reactions occur in response to a substance, also known as an allergen, that a person is allergic to. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, and swelling. Allergic reactions can occur when a person is exposed to allergens like pollen, pet dander, certain foods, and medications. Allergic reactions can also occur in reaction to chemicals present in products like hair dye, lotions, and makeup.
Irritation, on the other hand, is not a typical immune system response. It can be caused by things like excessive heat or cold, exposure to substances with a low pH, wearing tight clothing that rubs against the skin, or repeated friction from a surface. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, swelling, and mild itching or burning.
How to Tell the Difference Between Allergic Reactions and Irritation
In some cases, it can be difficult to tell the difference between an allergic reaction and skin irritation. In general, allergens cause a more intense immune response than irritants, so symptoms like hives or widespread redness are more common with an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions typically occur shortly after exposure to an allergen and can take several days to develop. Irritation generally develops within a few minutes of exposure.
In some cases, the only way to differentiate between allergic reactions and irritation is through patch testing. With patch testing, a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on a patch and attached to the skin for 24 to 48 hours. If an itching, burning, or red welt develops in the area of the patch, that’s an indication that an allergy is present.
How to Treat Allergic Reactions and Irritation
Treatment for allergic reactions includes avoiding the allergen when possible. In the case of exposure to an allergen like pollen, keeping windows and doors closed during peak pollen times can help. Over-the-counter antihistamines and topical corticosteroids can help to relieve symptoms such as itching and redness. If symptoms are severe, an allergist may prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector to be used in emergency situations.
Treatment for irritation generally includes keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding the irritant. Over-the-counter creams and ointments can help to soothe symptoms like itching and swelling. In most cases, irritation caused by low pH levels in products like soap and hair dye will resolve on its own.
Conclusion
Allergic reactions and irritation are fundamentally different, and understanding the differences can help to identify the problem and the best treatment. Allergic reactions are an immune response to an allergen, while irritation can be caused by the skin coming into contact with a low pH product, exposure to tight clothing, or exposure to excessive heat or cold. Treatment for both conditions generally involves avoiding the irritant or allergen and using over-the-counter creams and ointments to help relieve symptoms. If symptoms are severe or do not go away after a few days, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.