At Livingstone Dermatology, we understand that your skin is a reflection of your health and well-being. We are committed to the latest advancements in dermatological science, and dedicated to providing you with quality care.
Our immune system functions to protect us from harmful stimuli. For example, when a virus enters the body, the immune system detects specific markers on the virus and recognises them as threats. This triggers a series of immune responses to get rid of the virus. Inflammation usually follows as part of the healing process.
Allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly reacts to harmless substances, leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, and rashes. Common allergens include:
Allergies are a result of the immune system reacting to external or foreign substances that enter the body as a way to protect it. Researchers determined that allergies can also be influenced by other factors such as [3]:
Symptoms of allergic reactions may vary according to the type of allergen or how it enters the body.
Skin allergies can be classified to 4 main types:
| Type of Allergy | Causes/Trigger | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
|
Contact dermatitis (Eczema) |
Allergic reaction occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen, such as nickel, detergent, fragrances, plants, or latex. |
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Urticaria (Hives) |
Allergic reactions causing hives can be from exposure through foods, medications, insect stings or bites, infections, or physical contact with an allergen |
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Eczema is caused by a weakened or damaged skin barrier, which leads to inflamed and dry skin. Allergic reactions can cause eczema flares. |
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Angioedema |
Allergic angioedema causes swelling that can be triggered by contact with an allergen, food allergies, medications, or insect stings or bites. Allergic angioedema can also occur with urticaria |
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Food allergies are a growing concern, which affects 4 to 8% of children and 5% of adults in the population [6]. As the name suggests, the allergic reaction occurs after ingestion of the allergen. Scientists group different types of food allergies based on the immune reactions involved:
| Type of Allergy | Causes/Trigger | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
|
IgE-mediated food allergies |
This is the most common type of food allergies, the immune system reacts to the allergen by increasing levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, leading to allergy symptoms [6, 7] |
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Non-IgE-mediated food allergies |
In non-IgE-mediated food allergies, other cells of the immune system react to the allergen without involving Ig-E antibody release. Common non-IgE-mediated food allergic disorders include:
Lung disorders such as Heiner syndrome (cow’s milk hypersensitivity) [7, |
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Mixed IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies |
Common disorders associated are atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic oesophagitis |
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Food allergies and food intolerances are commonly mistaken for each other. However, both are different in many ways. Here are the key differences:
| Food allergies | Food intolerances | |
|---|---|---|
|
Systems involved |
Immune system |
Gastrointestinal system |
|
Causes |
Extreme immune response to allergens in food |
Inability of the gastrointestinal system to digest or process the food, such as in lactose intolerance |
|
Symptom onset |
Reaction can be immediate or within minutes |
Symptoms may appear later, up to several hours |
|
Occurrence |
Reaction happens every time the allergen is encountered |
Reaction may depend on the dose of the food, small amounts may not cause a reaction at all |
|
Severity |
Can cause life-threatening symptoms, such as anaphylaxis |
Not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms, but can make you feel unwell |
|
Diagnosis |
Can be diagnosed in a clinic with tests such as skin prick test or patch test |
More challenging to diagnose, no specific test available |
Diagnosing an allergy can be beneficial in avoiding or minimising occurrences of allergic reactions.
Before conducting the tests, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and your home and work environment
to identify possible allergens you encounter that elicit a reaction.
To identify specific allergens, doctors can perform the following tests:
Naturally, the best way to manage allergies and allergic reactions is to avoid or minimise contact with allergens. However, sometimes it may not be entirely possible or feasible.
Skin allergies
Skin allergies can be treated with topical creams and ointments, as well as oral medications:
Food allergies
Food allergies can be treated with:
Allergies can be difficult to treat, and the symptoms may interfere with the ability to perform daily tasks. Hence, prevention may be more beneficial in the long run. Several steps you can take to reduce the risk of having an allergic reaction include:
Limiting allergen exposure can be effective in reducing the chances of allergic reactions, but it is always important to have treatment available anytime. This is especially crucial for those who have severe reactions to allergens.
If you are still concerned and doubtful about what you might be allergic to, reach out to us for a comprehensive allergy diagnosis and consultation. Our dermatologists will address your concerns and questions about skin and food allergies.
When should I see a doctor for a skin and food allergy?
If you have frequent allergic symptoms, or have had a serious allergic reaction in the past, visiting a doctor is recommended to properly diagnose the allergy. Depending on the type of allergen, up to 81% of people with an allergy may be polysensitised to other allergens as well [12]. Getting an allergy test can identify other potential allergens, hence minimising the risk of triggering a reaction.
Can allergies go away?
Sometimes allergies can go away or change as we get older, this may be due to changes in our environment and desensitization to allergens.
Can you build tolerance against allergies?
Yes, it is possible that you can build tolerance against certain allergens. However, this is unlikely for severe allergic reactions to foods. Desensitization therapy, called allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is conducted by introducing the allergen in incremental doses. However, the current indication is only available for pollen allergies.
Can allergies be life-threatening?
Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening when it causes you to have difficulty breathing, extensive swelling, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Can I develop an allergy in adulthood?
Yes, allergies can develop later in life, this can be due to several factors such as changes in the environment or changes in the immune system. You may also encounter new allergens later in life.
Whether you’re dealing with a specific skin concern or seeking to enhance your natural beauty, Livingstone Dermatology is here to guide you on your journey to healthy, radiant skin.
Schedule an appointment today and experience the Livingstone standard of care in a welcoming, professional environment.
