Symptoms of Skin allergies and how does caladryl work on skin allergies

What is skin allergy how is it different from skin infection?

An allergy is a histamine reaction to a substance. An infection is the response to an infectious organism. Infections are caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or parasites.

The skin is one of the largest organs of human body and is affected by both external and internal factors. Skin allergies are a common condition which is a result of histamine reaction towards harmless substances.

 In case of an allergy, usually anti-histamine is taken. In case of an infection, solutions could be an antibiotic, corticosteroid, antifungal, antiparasitic or anti-viral depending on the cause of the infection.

How does skin allergy happen?

Something touches the skin, our body thinks it's under attack and considers this substance as an invader. In scientific terminology this invader is called as an allergen. The defense mechanism of our body ie. Immune system overreacts and sends out antibodies to help fight off the allergen. The result is a red, itchy rash where the substance was on the skin or in contact with the skin. People who have allergies react to substances that wouldn't bother most others eg: dust, perfume, creams. The doctor calls this allergic contact dermatitis.

What are Allergens?

Any substance that causes an allergic reaction is an allergen. Anything from plants like poison ivy to dyes and fragrances found in everyday products might be allergens. One could also have an allergic reaction to something in the air that settles on the skin, like plant pollen, chemical sprays and powders, or cigarette smoke. It can be caused by harmless substances like everyday clothing materials, certain chemicals in food, perfumes, metals used in jewellery, soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, shampoos — or even excessive exposure to water.

Skin Allergy Treatment

The doctor can check to see what one might be reacting to, but finding the exact cause may be hard. Hence, the best treatment is prevention. However, when contact with trigger cannot be avoided, usually skin rash and the itching can be eased with the right medication.

Solution for skin allergies

Treating allergies can involve different medications, including steroids and allergy shots, but usually the first thing to try is an antihistamine. Common antihistamine like Diphenhydramine is available in lotions as well as pill formats.

Overmedication during allergies

Some antihistamine pills are associated with occasional reports of drowsiness. Higher order treatment with topical steroids is also seen to be practiced by doctors. However steroids are known to have side effects such as skin thinning, skin discoloration, excessive hair growth in the area.

The commonly used skin allergy solution- Caladryl

Caladryl is commonly used for soothing skin allergy. Calamine + Diphenhydramine (Anti-histamine) together in a lotion format can treat symptoms of skin allergy.   The combination of Calamine + Diphenhydramine is safer than oral anti-histamine tablets or steroids to treat skin allergies.

Caladryl is frequently recommended by doctors, especially for kids and pregnant women for allergic skin reactions.

What is Caladryl and how does it work on skin allergies?

It is a topical lotion that soothes skin allergy and irritation. It contains Diphenhydramine and Calamine. Diphenhydramine is a topical medication that reduces redness and swelling.  It also reduces the urge to scratch. While the Calamine in Caladryl prevents fluid or pus accumulation.   and  also forms a physical barrier and prevents further damage to the skin, thus helping in faster healing.

What kind of skin conditions does Caladryl work on?

Caladryl provides relief in the following skin conditions:

a.    Skin allergy / Skin Rash due to allergic reaction

b.    Skin itching and irritation

c.     Prickly Heat

d.    Sun Burns

e.    Insect Bites