If you have allergies, you may experience upper respiratory symptoms as well as dermal, or skin, symptoms. While these are the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction, you may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, and even airway obstruction. If your primary care physician diagnoses you with allergies, he or she may refer you to an allergist for allergy testing. Before your allergies can be effectively treated, the offending allergen needs to be determined. Here are some of the most common respiratory and dermal symptoms of allergies. 

Respiratory Symptoms

Respiratory symptoms are more likely to develop if you have allergies to ragweed, pollen, and grass. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. These symptoms may also be accompanied by watery and itchy eyes, a scratchy or sore throat, and postnasal drip.

While you will need to undergo allergy testing to determine what you are allergic to, your physician may recommend that you take an over-the-counter antihistamine in the meantime. At your allergist's office, you will be given a scratch or prick test. The allergist will monitor you for reactions, which may develop quickly. You will probably be tested for pet dander, ragweed, dust mites, mold, and certain foods. The allergy testing will be performed either on your back or your arm.

Dermal Symptoms

In addition to respiratory symptoms, you may develop dermal symptoms. Dermal symptoms are often related to contact allergens such as those caused by laundry detergent, petting an animal, or using cosmetics or fragrances.

They can also be associated with airborne allergens or food. Dermal reactions include itching, hives, skin inflammation, and even burning sensations. In cases of a poison ivy reaction, you may also develop a painful rash and blisters.

Most people who come into contact with poison ivy will have some sort of dermal reaction. While most allergic reactions to poison ivy are mild to moderate, some people may require hospitalization. You may be able to minimize your reaction to poison ivy if you quickly wash off the offending sap from your skin; however, this is not always the case.

If you believe you may be allergic to something, talk to a healthcare provider about allergy testing. Your physician will need to know whether you have a true allergy to a certain substance or simply a sensitivity. Allergies and sensitivities are often treated differently, so it is essential that you get tested so that the appropriate treatment plan can be implemented.