What types of allergies are there?

Allergies can take on a range of forms, and people can suffer in a variety of different ways depending on the type of allergy that they have. Here we've taken a look at some of the different allergies there are, and how they can affect you.

1. Skin allergy

Skin allergies can occur as a result of a range of different things, for example:

- an allergy to cosmetics including make-up and hair dye
- sensitivity to the sun
- an allergy to jewellery, specifically nickel
- an allergy to household products including soaps, laundry detergents and fabric softeners

A skin allergy typically presents itself as a rash, showing as bumps, redness on the skin, and can sometimes be itchy.

2. Food allergy

Food allergies can be quite scary for sufferers, as the allergic reaction that sometimes occurs can be very severe and result in anaphylaxis.  Different food allergies can cause different reactions depending on how the person came into contact with the food, when the body decides to react, and where in the body the substances were released. Common reactions can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, itching and swelling of the skin, a skin rash, coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, and in extreme cases, an anaphylactic reaction.

Any food can cause an allergic reaction to anyone, but the most common types of food that generate reactions are the following:

- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soya

3. Pet allergy

Some people experience allergy symptoms as a result of coming into contact with certain animals, specifically cats and dogs. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, coughing, chest tightness, itchy or watery eyes, and sometimes a skin rash occurs.

Dogs and cats produce allergens which is why these types of reactions might occur. If you suffer from a pet allergy, you should limit your time being around dogs and cats. Nasal sprays and antihistamines can help to reduce your symptoms. Take a look at our allergy range to see how we can help you.

4. Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

One of the most commonly known allergies is hay fever. Hay fever is considered to be a respiratory allergy - and it is caused by an airborne allergen (pollen).

Hay fever causes sufferers to experience a runny nose, a blocked nose, sneezing, and can cause itchy eyes too. It can be hard to avoid an onset of hay fever during certain months, but there are products that can help to reduce your symptoms. Click here to see our hay fever and allergy range.

5. Insect sting allergy

Insect allergies present themselves in a different way, and can cause severe reactions. Typically a person gets stung by an insect and while the site of the sting is painful, it stays mainly confined to the point of contact.  When a person develops an allergic reaction they develop pain, redness, swelling (not just in the affected area, but the swelling spreads beyond), flushing, hives, itching, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis which can severely affect a person's ability to breathe.

If a person develops an allergic reaction rather than just a normal reaction, it is important that the person affected seeks medical help as soon as possible.