How do you know what causes your allergy? Sometimes, the factor that causes the allergic reaction is unrecognized.

It is known that skin allergy is caused by more than 70 allergens. However, the allergens described below represent the cause of the majority of the cases.

Nickel, commonly used in jewellery, is the main agent that causes allergic skin rashes. It can occur at any age, and typically manifests a few days after first contact as eczema. A dust allergy is the body's over-reaction to a substance in the droppings of dust mites. The symptoms are similar to hay fever and include sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, muffled hearing, and sometimes asthma. Food allergy is an abnormal reply to food triggered by your body's immune system. Sometimes a reaction to food is not an allergy. It is often a reaction called food intolerance. Some foods that cause allergy are fish and shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs. Insect venom allergy is a harmful reaction to insect stings that occurs in people who are sensitive to insect venom. Allergic reactions to the venom of some stinging insects, such as honey bee, yellow jacket, hornet, wasp or fire ant can be life threatening. Pollen is also an usual allergen that causes uncomfortable symptoms such as sneezing, itching eyes, nose, and throat, and, conjunctivitis.

Avoidance & Treatment

When a person is conscious to have a skin allergy, the best alternative to treat this condition is to minimize the exposure to allergens. If this is not possible, then it is advised to apply natural skin balms, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and in certain cases, even immunotherapy.

To prevent pollen exposure, for example, it is recommended to close doors and windows during pollen season. Don't hang laundry outside - pollen can stick to sheets and towels.

Scientific studies of dust-allergic people have shown that by avoiding dust mite exposure the allergic symptoms can lessen. Washing blankets in hot water periodically, and keeping all clothing in a closet with the door shut, will certainly help. To prevent insect bites and stings avoid using flowery colognes, soaps, or lotions, and do not wear brightly coloured clothing, which attracts insects. In case you have been bitten by an insect, carefully get the stinger out if it is left behind. Wash the bite area gently with soap and water, and apply ice to the site of sting. To avoid nickel you must buy fasteners made of plastic, coated or painted metal, or some other material for clothing. Keep in mind that some nickel allergy treatments include topical steroids.