From Year 2011 to 2013, I had experienced both skin irritation and allergy for quite a number of times, so I kind of know how to differentiate them.
Today, let me briefly show you how you can tell them apart and I will also share some tips on what you should do. Take note that what I'm going to share are not professional advices; they are solely based on my experiences and opinions.
*Warning: Graphic images ahead!*
P.S.: Please kindly excuse the following low quality pictures... :x
Let's begin with...
"Skin Irritation / Irritant"
Skin irritation is a condition in which skin is prone to irritation when it comes in contact with irritants (e.g. harsh chemicals). It can also react to environmental factors like dust, pollution etc..The symptoms of skin irritation include red, itchy, bumpy, rashes, burning and stinging. It can last at least a couple of minutes, and up to a week, depending on the severity. Sometimes, the rash comes and goes; most of the times, it subsides by itself with no physical pain and require no medical treatment.
Here are some examples on how a skin irritation looks like... :
Symptoms: Itchy, red and bumpy rashes.
What You Should Do:
- Discontinue the use of product that is causing the irritation, and avoid or temporarily stop using products that contain strong ingredients (if any; e.g. acne products) on the affected area.
- DO NOT scratch the affected area.
- Avoid using makeup.
- Consult a dermatologist or doctor immediately if your condition has lasted for days, and is severe, and/or getting worse!
*Treatment (only if your condition is mild) :
- Use gentle products that are designed for sensitive skin and clinically proven hypoallergenic. Pick a good moisturizer because it will help to hydrate, soothe and calm the affected area, as well as speed up the healing process.
"Skin Allergy / Allergic Reaction"
Skin allergy is a condition in which skin is prone to irritation when it ONLY comes in contact with specific substances (e.g. allergens).The symptoms of allergic reaction include red, itchy, bumpy, rashes, blisters (vesicles), scaly skin and groups of small pus-filled bumps. It can last about ten days, and up to three weeks or even longer, depending on the severity. And it may leave some scars.
Here are some examples on how an allergic reaction looks like:
This allergic reaction was caused by Tea Tree Oil.
Symptoms: Itchy, red and bumpy rashes, with pus-filled bumps in groups.
The following is another type of allergic reaction:
Symptoms: Itchy, red, raw, bumpy skin and infested with fluid-filled blisters (vesicles).
Initially, they were just red bumps that itched. Soon it developed into blisters (vesicles) and grew bigger each day, so I sought medical treatment.
Side information - "Healing progress":
Blisters popped by a TCM doctor using seven-star hammer.
During the popping process, it hurt. It felt like being bitten by a bunch of red ants.
P.S.: Sorry if it grossed you out. :x
What Should You Do:
- Discontinue the use of product that is causing the allergic reaction, and avoid or temporarily stop using products that contain strong ingredients (if any; e.g. acne products) on the affected area.
- DO NOT scratch the affected area!
- Avoid using makeup.
- If your condition covers a large area and develop blisters; lasted for days and is getting worse, I suggest that you consult a dermatologist or doctor immediately!
*Treatment (only if your condition is mild):
- Same as the treatment for skin irritation... Use gentle products that are designed for sensitive skin and clinically proven hypoallergenic. Pick a good moisturizer because it will help to hydrate, soothe and calm the affected area, as well as speed up the healing process.
*The suggested treatment for both irritation and allergy (mild cases) is what I usually would use to treat my own skin reactions, and it works well for me.
I hope this helps you understand the difference between a skin irritation and a skin allergy.
Just a tip for you readers — When you use a new product, it is best to always do a patch test, with a little of the product, on a small area of your skin beforehand to ensure that you are not sensitive or allergic to the product. If you get a skin reaction or allergy and you are unsure of what to do, it is best to consult a dermatologist or a doctor. ;)
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