Physical Allergy/Physical Stimulus

Most of us know about allergies aggravated by such things as ragweed, spring trees, poison ivy, and bee stings; but sun, cold…vibration? What’s that all about?

It’s about physical allergies.  According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, physical stimuli include:

• Cold
• Sunlight
• Heat or other stimuli that cause sweating (such as emotional stress or exercise)
• Vibration
• Minor injuries (such as those due to scratching)
• Physical pressure

What causes this type of allergic reaction is not completely understood. One theory suggests that the physical stimulus changes a protein in the skin. The immune system mistakes this protein for a foreign substance and attacks it.

The most common symptoms include itching, skin blotches, hives and swelling of tissues under the skin. They tend to develop within minutes of exposure to the physical stimulus.

The best treatment is to avoid the stimulus that causes the physical allergy. For example, if it is sunlight, then a strong sunscreen can help, as well as avoiding bright sunlight as much as possible. An antihistamine can usually relieve itching.

Self-treatment is not advisable for treating allergies until you know for sure what is causing the symptoms. Consulting your doctor should be one of the first things to do. The doctor will be able to advise you on the treatment you should be using. Not all symptoms and conditions are treated in the same way.

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