Allergy Testing Sensitive Skin
Understanding sensitive skin with allergy intolerance testing
Everybody desires flawless, smooth and healthy skin but the reality is that this is only achieved in magazines when we see photos of airbrushed models. We can all list any number of problems we’ve had with our skin whether it’s dry patches, spots, cracking, itching or flaking. A high percentage of people in the UK consider their skin to be sensitive and this comes as no surprise given our skin is exposed to a harsh environment and chemical products everyday. Being susceptible to eczema or dermatitis isn’t just about environment though, recent research suggests there may be inherited genetics involved.
If skin conditions can be inherited, it is perhaps prudent to start testing for vulnerabilities at an early age and allergy intolerance testing may be the way to help understand what we may be sensitive or allergic to. Allergy testing family members at an early age could minimise the impact sensitive skin or allergies can have on a person’s life and enable them to avoid the triggers that lead to skin irritation.
Sensitive skin and allergy testing
Sensitive skin is a reaction whereby an individual experiences burning, stinging, tightness or redness to an allergen, irritant or agent. Sensitive skin can be structurally different as it is thinner and has less substantial outer barriers and natural moisturisers. A weak skin barrier allows easy penetration of irritants and allergens triggering skin flare ups. Constant exposure to anything that triggers skin reactions can lead to premature skin ageing and generally unhealthy looking skin. The common types of eczema and dermatitis are atopic dermatitis (dry sensitive skin that reacts to certain allergens) and contact dermatitis (direct contact with an irritant to which a person is allergic or hypersensitive). Other types of skin problems are caused by stress, medications or sensitivity to sunlight.
Testing what the skin may be allergic or hypersensitive to is usually carried out by skin patches containing allergens embedded on the surface. This can highlight chemical and cosmetic sensitivity or airborne allergens such as pollen and dust mites. Cosmetics containing fragrance ingredients are common triggers for people with sensitive skin. A single fragrance can contain over 600 chemicals which can be allergens and irritants. Environmental triggers that affect the skin are more difficult to control but easily identified. Heat, cold and wind can irritate sensitive skin and can cause rashes and inflammation.
Linking allergies and skin conditions
One of the most common skin complaints is atopic eczema and it is thought of as an allergic disease. This means there is a tendency to produce the allergic antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) when allergens are present. Until recently it was believed that atopic eczema was caused by raised levels of IgE (known as extrinsic atopic eczema) but recent research suggests that a higher percentage of atopic eczema is not associated with raised levels of IgE (which is known as intrinsic atopic eczema). If this is the case, then the skin barrier may be the cause of skin irritation. By using allergy testing, IgE levels can be identified. If allergens are not the cause, sensitive skin may be the problem and the individual can begin to eliminate any products that cause irritation.
Article Submitted By
Daniel Alexander, GoToSee Journalist
Date Published
02/08/08
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