Skin Allergies

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is an abnormal response to a food, drug or something in our environment, which usually does not cause symptoms in most people.

The most common parts of the body, which can be affected by skin allergies, are the skin, nose, eyes, chest, intestines or ears.

A skin allergy has such symptoms as rash, itches, swelling, redness, pain, blister and scaling skin. The symptoms caused by allergy appear on skin suddenly or sometimes within half an hour. Some of the main causes of skin allergies include: certain foods, change in temperature, dust and smoke, jewellery, metals, chemical cosmetics, fragrance, insect bite and stings and certain fabrics.

Treatment of Skin Allergies

Try these home remedies for treating your skin allergies.

• Apply a paste of sandalwood and lime juice on the affected areas; it will relieve you from itches.

• Coconut oil is considered good in treating skin allergies; mix it with lime juice and apply on skin.

• Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water and drink this to soothe the skin.

• Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply on rashes and leave until completely dry. Baking soda dries the infection and takes the rashes away in a few days.

• Mix equal quantity of mint leaves juice, lemon juice and honey. Drink thrice a day.

• Wash and soak 2-3 dried figs in a glass of water overnight and take it as a morning drink. Similarly, before going to bed, have figs that have been put for soaking in the morning.

• Aloe Vera is another very useful and favourite herb of the Prophet (sa). Apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected areas of the body. Aloe Vera gel contains all the natural ingredients needed for battling skin allergies.

• Turmeric is a natural antibacterial agent that has been used for centuries. Combine turmeric with Aloe Vera or water in a paste, apply to the affected areas for at least 30 minutes, then rinse off with water. Turmeric will soothe rash and itching.

Preventing Allergies

• Use fragrance-free personal hygiene products (shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc.).
• If your skin is dry, use a good moisturizer. Dry skin tends to get skin allergies more often.
• Read packed food labels carefully. Try to avoid certain foods, which are known to cause allergic reactions.
• Change your bed linens and clothing to cotton/ natural materials.
• Be careful in your choice of cosmetics, because some of them can contain chemicals that are harmful for sensitive skin.

Opt for floorings minus carpets or rugs as they harbour allergy.