Skin Irritation

Skin Irritation Overview

Seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis cause common symptoms in the eyes, nose, or respiratory irritation, but when an outer element comes in contact with the body, and your body identifies it as harmful, it may show some skin irritation too. These skin irritation or rashes can also occur when the skin comes in contact with various pollens of different plants, trees, or weeds in the spring, summer, or fall season, hence causing seasonal allergies.

Skin symptoms are less common with seasonal allergies, but they happen. Pollen that lands on the skin can cause itching, redness or hives in some people, and allergic contact dermatitis is a rash caused by touching something you’re allergic to (ACAAI).

Some people develop hives, raised itchy welts that turn white (blanch) when pressed (MedlinePlus). Eczema (atopic dermatitis) often occurs alongside hay fever and asthma, a group doctors call the atopic triad, and pollen can make eczema flare.

Causes

Skin irritation due to seasonal allergies have various reasons depending on the allergen you are sensitive to. Some people may be irritant to spring allergen, while some may cause reactions to allergens produced in the fall. Let us see in detail:

Spring Allergies and Skin Irritation

From late winter into spring, trees release pollen. In people allergic to it, the immune system releases histamine, which can cause itchy skin and flare existing skin conditions as well as nasal symptoms. These skin reactions are not contagious.

Pollen: Tree and grass pollen are the main spring triggers. Ragweed pollen is a late-summer and fall trigger that usually lasts until the first frost (ACAAI).

Fall Allergies and Skin Irritation

Your skin can also be provoking as the leaves and temperature start to fall. Along with ragweed pollen, people may get skin irritation in fall due to other allergens like,

Mold and Mildew: These are the second main cause of fall allergies and be triggered indoor or outdoors. They produce spores in the air, same like pollens and spread by the wind. They grow tremendously on damp, fallen leaves and compost piles. They may also be produced in indoor areas that are moist and warm like basements and kitchens. Unlike pollens, mold and mildew may not get slayed by the first frost, but they get into a dormant phase during the winter months.

Other than pollens and spores, some additional irritants that may cause seasonal skin irritation would be insects and bugs that reproduce rapidly during the spring and summer months. Pesticides and chemicals used in the summer and spring seasons to get rid of pests can even cause skin rash to people with sensitive skin. Moreover, dust, dander, or feathers, along with some seasonal foods, can also cause skin reactions.

Symptoms of Skin Irritation or Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis appears on skin that touched the trigger. An allergic rash can develop hours to days after exposure and may last 2 to 4 weeks (MedlinePlus).

Various signs and symptoms include:

• A reddish rash
• Itching
• Dry, scaly skin
• Sores and bumps with crusts
• Inflammation, burning, and sensitivity.

Managing Skin Irritation due to Seasonal Allergies

Skin irritations can become infectious if repeatedly scratched, causing it to become watery and oozing. This may cause bacteria and fungi production causing infections. You can prevent the condition to worsen by following some common averting measures:

• Avoid exposure to allergens: try to recognize and avoid the irritants that may cause skin reactions.
• Wash your hands/body parts frequently: while complete evasion of allergens would not be possible, you should wash your hands and exposed body parts thoroughly to prevent any reaction.
• Wear gloves or protective coverings: gloves, face masks, or various other covering items can protect you from irritating substances to reach your skin.
• Apply petroleum jelly or other barrier creams: various over the counter protective creams are available that create a barrier over your skin and prevent the allergens from producing any skin reactions.

Treatment

If prevention and natural remedies won’t help you get rid of your skin irritations, doctors may prescribe your some treatment options that include:

• Corticosteroid creams or ointments: applied to the skin to calm the rash, used as your doctor directs.
• Oral Corticosteroid: Depending on the severity and skin rash, an oral corticosteroid may be prescribed in some cases.
• Antihistamines: can relieve itching, especially with hives.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to fight for any ongoing bacterial infection on the rash or blisters.

Conclusion

If you or any of your family members experience symptoms of skin irritation due to seasonal allergies, the best way recommended is to avoid your skin exposure to allergens. Wear full-sleeved dresses and try to cover your body parts to avoid contact as much as possible, especially during pollen seasons. Remember that seasonal allergies may or may not seem to show all symptoms together, so it is always advised to know your cause of irritation and get treated accordingly.

If you still get a reaction, try not to scratch. Cool compresses can ease itching. If the rash is widespread, near the eyes, blistering or shows signs of infection, see a doctor. Hives with lip or throat swelling or trouble breathing need emergency care.

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (November 25, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Skin Allergy FAQs

Can pollen cause a skin rash?

Yes. Pollen can cause itching, hives or contact dermatitis in some people (ACAAI).

How long does contact dermatitis last?

Usually 2 to 4 weeks with treatment and avoiding the trigger (MedlinePlus).

Do allergies make eczema worse?

They can. Pollen and other allergens can trigger eczema flares.

When are hives an emergency?

Call 911 if hives come with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.