Do you need to take medicine for skin allergies?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Whether or not you need to take medication for skin allergies depends on the amount and area of your allergies. If the allergic area is small and limited, we can generally use topical medications and avoid oral medications. However, if the allergic area is extensive and covers a large area, we usually recommend timely oral medications and, if necessary or in severe cases, intravenous administration.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is skin allergy contagious?

Skin allergies are not contagious. When skin allergies occur, it is essential to identify the allergen and determine the cause. Skin allergies often manifest as dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, and other allergic diseases, and can also present as diseases such as angioneurotic edema. Common symptoms include itching, papules, swelling, and rash patches, but there is no need to worry too much as they are not contagious.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can I eat crab if I have a skin allergy?

People with skin allergies should avoid eating crab. Crab is cold in nature and salty in taste, containing a rich array of trace elements and is a high-protein food. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that crab has the effects of clearing heat, relaxing tendons and activating blood circulation, and facilitating joints. However, it is also considered a product that can activate internal wind, classified as an allergenic food. Similarly, Western medicine recognizes crab as a form of foreign protein. Clinically, we have seen patients who are allergic to crab, so for those with skin allergies, we do not recommend eating crab.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Precautions for Skin Allergies

After experiencing a skin allergy, there are many aspects that need attention. First, it is crucial to identify the cause of the skin allergy. Once the cause is identified, one must avoid further contact with the allergen. Secondly, if a skin allergy has already occurred, it is necessary to use some anti-allergy medications for treatment. Thirdly, it is best to avoid eating foods that can easily trigger skin allergies, such as sea fish, shrimp, and crab. Additionally, it is important to always focus on strengthening one's immune system and maintaining a light diet.

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Written by Qu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do if I have skin allergies and itching?

Skin allergies and itching require actively searching for the triggering factors, i.e., allergens. Identifying what has irritated the skin and caused the allergic reaction is crucial, then avoiding further contact to prevent recurrence or worsening of the condition. If the allergy is triggered by consuming fish, shrimp, seafood, tropical fruits, etc., it is important to avoid eating similar foods in the future. If the use of certain cosmetics or skin care products causes allergies, avoid using other products containing the same ingredients. If the allergy is caused by certain medications, typically appearing within four days to a month of usage, it is advised to switch medications and avoid taking the same one again. For more severe allergic symptoms, such as significant itching, oral antihistamines like loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, and ebastine can be taken. Topical anti-itch medications like calamine lotion can be used, and for more severe conditions, topical corticosteroids or tacrolimus ointment can be applied. If symptoms do not improve or worsen with the aforementioned treatments, short-term oral steroids might be considered to manage the condition. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with skin allergies eat peanuts?

If you have skin allergies, be a little cautious with peanuts. If you have never been allergic to peanuts, eating them while having a skin allergy should not be a problem. Peanuts have high nutritional value and can be compared to animal foods such as eggs, milk, and meat, earning them the nickname "longevity fruit." Traditional Chinese medicine says that peanuts can strengthen the spleen and stomach and moisten the lungs to reduce phlegm. Clinically, we still see patients who are allergic to peanuts. Therefore, if you have been allergic to peanuts before, you should avoid eating them.