Allergies

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to substances that are generally not harmful to most people.

A substance that causes a reaction in susceptible people is called an allergen, and these substances can provoke reactions that are mild and manageable, or more severe ones that require emergency care.

Reactions occur when the body’s immune system incorrectly identifies and allergen as a dangerous substance and creates antibodies to attack the allergen. The most common antibody released is called histamine, which in small amounts causes itching and reddening of the impacted area, but in larger quantities results in dilated blood vessels and swelling.

Symptoms vary widely dependent on the type of allergy, but can include the following:

• Sneezing, itching, and runny or stuffy nose
• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Itchy rash or hives
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes, or face
• Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting

The tendency of the immune system to overreact to allergens is thought to be genetic, however, there are allergies that are not passed on genetically. Common causes include:

• Environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, mould, and pet dander (fur and skin flakes)
• Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk
• Insect stings or bites
• Household and industrial chemicals such as latex rubber
• Medications

It is important to understand your allergies fully so that you are not placed at unnecessary risk. If left untreated or unmanaged you may be at increased risk of suffering a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can be life-threatening, or developing chronic sinusitis or secondary infections due to ongoing inflammation.

Effective allergy prevention and management stems from fully understanding your condition, with identification and avoidance of known triggers being the most effective step in preventing reactions and reducing symptoms.

Your ability to manage exposure to allergens effectively will be dependent on your personal circumstances and the prevalence of triggers within your day-to-day environment. Steps can be taken to manage your environment, for example through the use of air purifiers and making sure areas are clean and dust free, however, in many instances medication may be the best approach to manage symptoms.

Do not self-diagnose if you think you have an allergy. The symptoms and signs of allergies are common to many other medical conditions and it is important to fully understand any allergy you may have so that it can be managed accordingly and you do not put yourself at unnecessary risk.

At RENA Clinics, our team of consultant dermatologists is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. We recognise that allergies can be complex and having a thorough understanding is important for patients to understand how they can live their life as symptom free as possible.

Diagnosis at RENA Clinics begins with a thorough evaluation by one of our expert consultant dermatologists, who will examine your skin and review your medical history. This involves a physical examination, detailed medical history, and possibly skin tests or blood tests to identify specific allergens. This detailed assessment guides the identification of the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and allows us to develop a customised treatment plan.

Identification and treatment of allergens at RENA is tailored to the patient and can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. Accurate diagnosis is important in arriving at the most appropriate and effective treatment, which could include antihistamines, immunotherapy or prescription medications to manage severe reactions.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s specific allergens to provide the most effective way of managing your condition and preventing exposure to allergens. Throughout your treatment journey, our team will closely monitor your progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help you to live your life with minimum disruption from any allergens that you suffer form.