Itchy skin: when allergens are involved
Itchy skin has dozens of causes, from dry winter air to washing powder. Allergens are one of them, and the pattern usually gives them away. Our test measures IgE sensitisation to 300 allergens and allergen components, so you can see whether any of the usual suspects show up.
When itchy skin points to an allergen
IgE-type allergy tends to show up on skin in a few recognisable ways: hives or redness within minutes of touching an animal or latex, itchy welts after a food, or eczema that flares in pollen season or after dusting.
Itch that is constant, everywhere, and not linked to any situation is less likely to be an IgE allergy. Dry skin, irritants and conditions unrelated to allergy are more common explanations.
Eczema and sensitisation
Many people with atopic eczema, especially children, are sensitised to something: dust mite, pet dander, pollen, or foods such as egg and milk. These allergens can make eczema flare in some people, but eczema itself is not caused by an allergy, and a positive result does not mean removing that allergen will clear the skin.
Results are most useful when they match a pattern you have already noticed, for example eczema that worsens after time with a cat.
Common allergen triggers for itchy skin
- Animals: cat and dog dander or saliva, horse hair.
- House dust mite, which can aggravate eczema in sensitised people.
- Pollen landing on exposed skin in spring and summer.
- Latex, in gloves, balloons and some sports equipment.
- Foods, mainly when itch or hives follow eating within about two hours.
What the test does not cover
The test checks IgE to 300 allergens and allergen components. It does not test for contact dermatitis from nickel, fragrances, hair dye or preservatives. That is a delayed reaction involving a different part of the immune system, and it is checked with patch testing at a dermatologist. If your rash appears a day or two after contact, in the exact shape of a watch strap or earring, that is the more likely route.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor if itch is severe, spreads, keeps you awake, comes with weeping or infected-looking skin, fever, yellowing of the skin, unexplained weight loss, or if it has lasted more than a few weeks without a clear cause. Persistent itch without a rash can have medical causes that need a proper check.
Allergens often linked to this
Related symptoms
300 allergens. One test.
A finger-prick sample at home, sent by post. A detailed lab report typically 5 days after the lab receives your sample, and our plain-English guide to reading it. €300, €1 per allergen.
Questions
Can an allergy cause itching without a rash?
It can, but it is less typical. IgE-type reactions usually bring some visible change, like redness, welts or eczema flares. Itch without any rash has many other causes, so a doctor's view is useful.
Does the test check for nickel or fragrance allergy?
No. Those are contact allergies, a delayed reaction that is not driven by IgE. They are checked with patch testing by a dermatologist.
My child has eczema. Is the test useful?
It can show which allergens your child is sensitised to, but in eczema many positive results do not cause flares. Please go through results with your paediatrician before changing your child's diet or home.