Allergies and Eczema: How to Figure Out the Difference
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Is your rash eczema or an allergy to something you’ve recently come into contact with?
You develop an itchy rash on your finger where your new engagement ring is. “No big deal,” you think to yourself and take the ring off for a few days. The rash clears up and you put the ring back on. The rash returns. You may have an allergy to the metal in the ring. This can occur with new or even old jewelry.
It can be difficult to determine if your new itchy rash is in fact an allergy to something you came into contact with or if it is another form of eczema. Here are some eczema tips from our blog on How to Recognize and Manage Eczema. If your rash does not go away with any reduction or modification of products you use, it could be another type of eczema.
One important observation to determine if it is an allergy or not is the location of the rash:
Eyes
A rash around your eyes could be a result of a variety of skincare products including tools used on or near the eyes. In addition to the ingredients in the products you use, eye tools can contain metals that can cause allergic reactions.
Face
The side of your face can develop a sensitivity to everyday items such as the metal in your cell phone or the shampoo you use that runs down your face in the shower.
Lips
If you notice your lips becoming painful and itchy, you could be allergic to something as simple as your lip balm. Musicians often develop an allergy to metals.
Lips and one hand
Your e-cigarette could be to blame if you notice a rash on your lips and only one hand.
Legs
Developing a rash on your legs could be the result of a variety of different causes. The dye in your clothing, brushing up against something while you were out for a walk, or even the fragrance in your favorite lotion can cause skin irritations.
A rash could be caused by a new product or by something you use every day.
In order to treat your rash, you need to know what is causing it. There are thousands of allergens that could be to blame. We can help you determine what the cause is and how to effectively treat it.
If you have more questions about how to tell if you have allergies or eczema, if you can’t get rid of a rash, or to schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, call 828-253-2533.
