Yrkes- och miljödermatologisk avdelning
YMDA
Skånes universitetssjukhus
YMDA
Skånes universitetssjukhus
The skin and allergy
The skin is our largest organ, about 2m². The skin is a part of our immune system and protects our inner environment from the surroundings, such as bacteria and other microorganisms,
An allergy occurs when our immune system reacts to substances that normally aren’t harmful to us. Allergies are divided into four groups, based on how the immune system is reacting.
Type I- hay fever, allergic asthma, urticaria, anaphylaxis. E.g. allergy to foods and wasp stings.
Type II- hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis. E.g. allergy to medications or blood transfusions.
Type III- inflammation of blood vessels, e.g. vasculitis.
Type IV- delayed allergic reactions. Contact allergy and some allergies to foods. The most common contact allergy is to nickel.
