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Allergies

Allergies and your atopic dermatitis

Allergies can play a part in AD and can be a common trigger for many people.1, 2 The sorts of things you may be allergic to can vary widely, but generally, people with AD are more likely to have allergies to things like food and pollen.2


So, identifying any allergens that trigger your AD may make some flare-ups a bit easier to avoid.2


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What is an allergy?

An allergy is a chronic condition caused by an abnormal reaction to a substance called an allergen.3

If you have an allergy, your immune system views this substance as an invader and thinks it’s protecting your body by fighting back against the allergen.3 But, this actually kickstarts a chain reaction that, instead of protecting you, does the opposite.3

Allergens can include certain foods, as well as airborne substances like pollen, dust mites or pet dander.2,3 These allergens can trigger an allergic reaction for some people with AD, which in turn cancause a flare-up.2

Pet dander

Pet dander is actually a combination of skin, fur and saliva that can linger in the air for hours and attach itself to furniture, carpets, and your clothes.4 Coming into contact with pet dander can result in an allergic reaction if your body recognises it as an invader.4

And what's the link with atopic dematitis?

Let's break down what AD actually means. 'Dermatitis', as you may know, means inflammation of the skin. But it's the term 'atopic' that provides the key to what causes it: atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergic conditions, typically along with increased reactions to allergens.5

This tendency is, in part, due to having an immune system that's overactive.6

In fact, in this scenario, the immune system is, kind of, doing its job too well. Instead of being laid back about the allergens, it reads them as a threat and overreacts.3 So, when a substance like pet dander is absorbed, the immune system may overreact - which can then contribute to a flare-up.4,6

For some people, AD is associated with a damaged skin barrier.2 This damage allows more allergens to enter the skin and may lead to other allergies developing too.2

A cat

What can you be allergic to?

Unfortunately, there are plenty of things out there we can potentially be allergic to. Let’s take a look at some of them.
 

There are four common types of airborne allergens that we’ll talk about pet dander, dust mites, mould and pollen.~ Because they’re all around us in the air that we breathe, airborne allergens might seem a bit harder to avoid, but there are still some things that you can try that may help.3

Some common food allergies are associated with worsening AD symptoms, including:7

  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Egg
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Seafood
  • Shellfish

If you think you might be allergic to any kind of food, have a word with your doctor to evaluate potential allergies and discuss appropriate treatment or testing options. And, in the meantime, it’s probably best to avoid the foods you know can act as triggers.

  • Minimising your exposure to pet dander by only allowing your pet into certain parts of the house and ideally keep them out of your bedroom
  • Keeping your room clean to reduce the amount of dander building up
  • If you do have severe allergic reactions to animals, it may be best for your AD to avoid having a pet

  • Choosing a breathable fabric, like cotton, for your bedding and anti-allergy pillows and mattresse
  • Washing sheets every week in hot water, helping to kill any bacteria
  • Reducing the amount of carpet or upholstery in the house
  • Keeping humidity low indoors

  • Reducing exposure to mould, as it has been identified as a possible trigger for some people with AD
  • Cleaning areas that are susceptible to mould regularly using dilute white vinegar or diluted bleach may help to prevent its growth

  • Showering and washing your hair regularly to remove any pollen that may have been caught in it
  • Trying not to bring any clothes or equipment you take outside into your bedroom to help prevent pollen from entering the room

Asthma and allergic rhinitis

As if having AD wasn’t enough, it also can be the first step for some people in developing conditions such as asthma and hay fever (technically called "allergic rhinitis") 10.

It might seem like a strange link. AD is a condition that appears in the skin, whereas asthma is associated with your airways, and hay fever, with your nose.1, 11

But despite their dierences, they are all "atopic" conditions - in other words, related to allergic reactions - and can occur because of an imbalance in the immune system.1

And as ever, if you have any questions or  concerns about allergies it's best to speak to  your doctor or dermatologist who can help you achieve longterm control

 

Talk to a doctor or specialist, who can help identify whether you have AD

They can answer your questions and help you find the right treatment for you an ease your eczema symptoms.

Find out more about AD

Atopic dermatitis isn't the easiest thing to understand, even if you've lived with it for years. Here's an outline of what it is, and what makes it different from other types of eczema.

Find out more

Atopic eczema vs other eczema

According to the National Eczema Association, there are seven different types of eczema. Getting to know them can help you better understand your symptoms, what causes them, and the best way to treat them.

Learn more here

  1. Bieber T. Ann Dermatol 2010; 22:125-137.
  2. National Eczema Association. Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis and Allergies: What Is The Connection? https://nationaleczema.org/atopic-dermatitis-and-allergies-connection/ Accessed August 2021.
  3. AAAAI. Allergy Defined. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/allergy,-asthma-immunology-glossary/allergy-defined/. Accessed August 2021.
  4. Mayo Clinic. Pet allergy. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pet-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352192/. Accessed August 2021.
  5. AAAAI. Atopy Defined. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/allergy,-asthma-immunology-glossary/atopy-defined/. Accessed August 2021.
  6. National Eczema Association. Beyond the eczema rash. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/beyond-the-eczema-rash/. Accessed August 2021.
  7. Dhar S et al. Indian J Dermatol 2016; 61(6):645-648.
  8. Hostetler SG et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2010; 3(1):22–31.
  9. Mayo Clinic. Allergy skin tests. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895 Accessed August 2021. 10. Zheng T et al. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2011; 3(2):67-73.
  10. National Eczema Association. Conditions Related to Eczema. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/related-conditions/. Accessed August 2021.