Your gold pendant could cause you that skin allergy
SKIN allergy is the abnormal reaction to an irritant. Irritants can be fluid, cream, solid or even air, according to Dr. Misaki Wayengera, a molecular pathologist and lecturer at Makerere University. <br>
SKIN allergy is the abnormal reaction to an irritant. Irritants can be fluid, cream, solid or even air, according to Dr. Misaki Wayengera, a molecular pathologist and lecturer at Makerere University.
Evidence of skin allergy involves inflammation of the area affected characterised by swelling, loss of feeling and redness.
Causes of skin allergies
Wayengera explains two types of skin allergies, the allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis.
“With allergic dermatitis, a person’s skin is genetically predisposed to overreact to certain insults,†she says.
Such individuals could react to substances others do not normally react to. For example, one could be allergic to gold jewellery and whenever they wear it, their skin is inflamed.
Water can also cause allergic dermatitis. For instance, those used to tap water may react to water from rivers and springs because of the plants and chemicals found in water bodies. Chlorine treated water may also cause allergic reactions.
“People allergic to chlorine should find time to boil water before using it. This reduces the concentration of chlorine,†Wayengera advises.
There are also those allergic reactions to latex condoms; this is presented by inflammation to the vagina following condom use. Karuhanga advises the use of non-latex condoms.
Conversely, for irritant dermatitis, many are likely to react to burns, cosmetics and insect bites. Wayengera says skin allergies may cause swellings.
“The swellings are called papules/macules. In extreme cases, they may present as eczema, these are bigger and thicker papules,†he explains.
Diagnosis and caution
It is important to know whether the reaction is allergic or irritant. For irritants or allergic reactions, it does not matter how much treatment is given, the reaction will stay on until exposure to the irritant is halted. For instance, if a gold pendant is the cause of the reaction, the individual has to stop using it.
“Many may take skin reactions lightly but it’s important to see a professional when unusual skin reactions are detected,†Wayengera says.
Treatment
Drugs such as steroids and antihistamines can be used. These block the effects of histamine (chemical substance given in the body in response to an injury).
As long as one does not have a genetic predisposition, allergies can be treated.
Karuhanga explains that for most allergies, mild drugs like piriton and antihistamines can be used and in severe cases, steroids are administered.
Byaruhanga points out that the drugs given only clear the symptoms but do not cure the allergies. “Overtime the body gets used to allergies and reactions are not as bad as they used to be. Then the patient thinks they have cured, but it is not so,†he says.
Evidence of skin allergy involves inflammation of the area affected characterised by swelling, loss of feeling and redness.
Causes of skin allergies
Wayengera explains two types of skin allergies, the allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis.
“With allergic dermatitis, a person’s skin is genetically predisposed to overreact to certain insults,†she says.
Such individuals could react to substances others do not normally react to. For example, one could be allergic to gold jewellery and whenever they wear it, their skin is inflamed.
Water can also cause allergic dermatitis. For instance, those used to tap water may react to water from rivers and springs because of the plants and chemicals found in water bodies. Chlorine treated water may also cause allergic reactions.
“People allergic to chlorine should find time to boil water before using it. This reduces the concentration of chlorine,†Wayengera advises.
There are also those allergic reactions to latex condoms; this is presented by inflammation to the vagina following condom use. Karuhanga advises the use of non-latex condoms.
Conversely, for irritant dermatitis, many are likely to react to burns, cosmetics and insect bites. Wayengera says skin allergies may cause swellings.
“The swellings are called papules/macules. In extreme cases, they may present as eczema, these are bigger and thicker papules,†he explains.
Diagnosis and caution
It is important to know whether the reaction is allergic or irritant. For irritants or allergic reactions, it does not matter how much treatment is given, the reaction will stay on until exposure to the irritant is halted. For instance, if a gold pendant is the cause of the reaction, the individual has to stop using it.
“Many may take skin reactions lightly but it’s important to see a professional when unusual skin reactions are detected,†Wayengera says.
Treatment
Drugs such as steroids and antihistamines can be used. These block the effects of histamine (chemical substance given in the body in response to an injury).
As long as one does not have a genetic predisposition, allergies can be treated.
Karuhanga explains that for most allergies, mild drugs like piriton and antihistamines can be used and in severe cases, steroids are administered.
Byaruhanga points out that the drugs given only clear the symptoms but do not cure the allergies. “Overtime the body gets used to allergies and reactions are not as bad as they used to be. Then the patient thinks they have cured, but it is not so,†he says.