Avoiding Allergy Flare Ups This Spring

With an estimated 21 million people living with allergies in the UK, experts have revealed a recent surge in people searching for ‘skin allergy’, ‘skin health’, and 840 skin allergy-related keywords.

Skin allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with irritants or allergens that can cause redness, itching, rashes and in severe cases blisters or peeling skin. Dr Conal Perrett, Consultant Dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, which conducted the research, have provided tips to support healthy skin and prevent allergy flare-ups:

Identify allergy triggers: 

“Determining the specific allergens causing your skin to react is crucial to minimise the exposure to these allergens.“

Common irritants include harsh soaps, shampoos, detergents, pet dander, dust, and even certain foods. Keeping a skin diary can help you pinpoint patterns and avoid exposure to potential allergens.

Prioritise a skincare routine: 

“Using emollient creams or ointments helps hydrate and repair the skin’s barrier, reducing susceptibility to allergens.”

Your skin barrier is your first line of defence—keep it strong with hydration and gentle care by opting for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare products to reduce irritation. Daily application of emollient creams or ointments can lock in moisture and protect against allergens, leaving your skin soft and resilient.

Use prescription allergy medication: 

“Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.”

When allergies flare up, medical treatments can help soothe irritation and prevent long-term damage. Prescription creams, such as topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, can reduce inflammation and calm discomfort. Always check with a dermatologist before starting new medications to ensure the best treatment for your skin.

Wet wrap therapy: 

“For severe flare-ups, wet wrap therapy can provide relief.”

For those stubborn, itchy flare-ups, wet wrap therapy can be a game-changer. This involves applying a damp bandage over a prescribed topical treatment, followed by a dry layer, to boost hydration and reduce inflammation. It’s especially useful for severe eczema or allergy-induced skin irritation.

Beyond skin allergy advice, national search trends also reflect the growing interest in finding the appropriate treatment. Nationally, England led with a 19.22% hike across the board, the highest among the UK nations.

And new search engine analysis revealed that in 2022, these terms were searched an average of 388,640 times a month, but this rocketed to 463,300 in 2024 – that’s a 19.22% surge! Wales placed second with an 18.84% leap, followed by Scotland (17.50%) and Northern Ireland (12.41%).