From random acne breakouts to constant sneezing fits, there are several ways allergies can affect your health and ruin your day. And if you are living in a city like Delhi where the air quality remains poor, there is a greater risk of developing skin allergies and irritations. Hence, it becomes extremely important to be cautious when choosing a skincare practice.
So, buckle up and let’s understand how you can figure out the causes behind your skin allergies and why immunotherapy might be the answer to your skin’s SOS.
People these days are noticing more skin reactions, whether it’s from food, the environment, or your go-to moisturiser.
Sometimes, you can go 15 years eating rice and suddenly, one day your skin would become allergic to it. Allergies can develop anytime and be triggered by even something you’ve always used or eaten. It can occur due to exposure to a new environment, family genetics, or just changes in your immune system. Common foods that trigger allergic reactions in adults include peanuts, fish, shellfish like shrimp and lobster, and tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews.
Hypoallergenic = allergy-free?
Just because a product says it’s hypoallergenic doesn’t mean it’s safe for your skin. When you have allergies, you probably look for products that say “hypoallergenic” to avoid a reaction, right? Basically, it means the product is supposed to have fewer allergy-triggering ingredients. The term “hypoallergenic” is thrown around a lot, but it’s more of a marketing term than a medical one.
But here’s the catch. There’s no official scientific or legal definition for ‘hypoallergenic’. So, just because it’s slapped on a label doesn’t mean you’re 100 per cent in the clear. Companies selling everything from cosmetics to clothes and toys can call their stuff “hypoallergenic” without having to follow any specific rules.
Some hypoallergenic products are great, but if you’re sensitive, you’ll still need to read the ingredients list.
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How to test for allergies: prick vs RAST
Now, let’s talk about testing. There are a lot of misconceptions about allergy tests. If you’re serious about finding out what’s triggering your skin problems, you should undergo a prick test, also known as a skin prick test. It is the go-to test for dermatologists, since it’s quick, effective, and lets you know exactly what’s causing your skin to break out.
The RAST or radioallergosorbent test is another option. It is a blood test that checks if your blood has specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E or IgE and helps determine if you are allergic to things like peanuts or pollen.
Honestly, the prick test is my favourite. This test is key if you’re experiencing random reactions and have no idea what’s going on. I’ve personally treated over 1,000 patients using this method, and it’s a game-changer. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can get real with your skincare.
Immunotherapy
So, what happens when you find out you’re allergic to something that’s all over your daily routine? This is where immunotherapy steps in like a boss. Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots or vaccines, is a treatment where you slowly introduce your body to small amounts of the allergen you are reacting to, such as pollen, dust mites, bee stings, and parthenium (a troublemaker plant that triggers respiratory issues and dermatitis).
You start with a super low dose (think 1:10,000) via weekly injections, and then gradually bump it up based on super important factors like your age, gender, body weight, and specific allergies. Over time, your immune system gets used to the allergen and becomes less sensitive, likely by creating blocking antibodies. This means fewer allergy symptoms when you run into that allergen again.
The goal of the therapy is to train your body to quit freaking out around allergens.
The best part about immunotherapy is that it has almost zero side effects. And, it’s not just for skin allergies. It can also help with conditions like asthma, sinusitis, and even chronic issues like migraines or sneezing fits.
Who can benefit from immunotherapy?
Whether you’re a kid, an adult, or someone with diabetes or other health conditions, this treatment is safe and effective across the board. In my 13 years of practice, I’ve seen people who were allergic to basic stuff like dust or pollen but started living symptom-free after a year of immunotherapy.
Also read: Want fresh, dewy and hydrated skin? Look beyond your moisturiser
Once allergic, always allergic?
A lot of people think that once you develop an allergy, it’s a life sentence. But that’s not always the case. With proper testing and treatments like immunotherapy, allergies can be managed and even eliminated.
I’ve seen patients go from requiring daily asthma medication to only needing it once every few months after undergoing immunotherapy. It’s all about training your body to tolerate whatever has been triggering your symptoms.
Clearing up more than just skin
Here’s the tea. When you start treating skin allergies, you might also notice your other health issues improving too. Conditions like asthma, sinusitis, and morning sneezing fits, which are all part of something called atopic diathesis, often improve alongside the skin condition. So yes, you might come in for skin allergy treatment and end up with fewer headaches and breathing problems too.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)