Skin allergies can create discomfort and insecurity, especially when they’re noticeable like hives and angioedema. The team at Bluegrass Family Allergy wants to help you take back control of your skin, so you can feel confident and comfortable! Allow us to shed some light on two major skin allergies – hives and angioedema:
Hives
Certain airborne allergens, foods, medications, or even stress can cause a person’s body to produce hives – raised red and white bumps on the skin’s surface. Hives are not life-threatening, but they can cause discomfort because they often cause an itching, burning, or stinging sensation. These bumps form because your immune system is releasing histamine to combat the allergen or stressor that has entered your body.
Histamine itself is not a bad chemical! It is actually a natural chemical that your body uses to ward off invaders like bacteria, viruses, and other germs. But, it can create unwanted side effects if the body releases this chemical in the presence of a harmless particle. A few ways you can manage your hives include:
- Antihistamine medication
- Cold compress (to ease symptoms)
- Immunotherapy (once the allergen is identified)
Angioedema
Angioedema shares many similarities with hives, including its causes, but angioedema has one distinct difference – the swelling occurs in the deep layers of a person’s skin instead of on top of the skin’s surface. The swelling can form anywhere on a person’s body, but is most common found around the eyes, cheeks, lips, hands, and feet.
Angioedema can be life-threatening if the swelling occurs in the throat, and the person is unable to breathe. Because of this, it’s vital to have antihistamine medication readily available and know exactly what to do if angioedema surfaces. A person can manage angioedema like hives – antihistamine medication, cold compress, and immunotherapy.
Dr. Brauer Can Help You Take Control of Your Skin Allergies
Hives and angioedema can disrupt your life. Take control of your skin allergies by making an appointment with Dr. Brauer today. She can conduct an allergy test to determine the culprit of your skin allergies. Then, create a treatment plan to manage or eliminate the issue. Call us: 270-228-2811
Stay tuned for part three of this series on skin allergies:
- Part 1 – Take Control of Eczema & Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- Part 2 – The Inside Scoop on Hives & Angioedema
- Part 3 – Simple Tips to Reduce (or Eliminate) Frustrating Skin Allergy Symptoms