Skin irritations, inflammation and rashes are symptoms of several different types of allergies and can also be the only symptom of an allergy. Skin rashes are linked to allergic conditions such as hay fever, food allergies, drug allergies, asthma, environmental allergies and insect bites. Causes, symptoms and treatments for skin rashes vary between individuals and children, infants and adults. It is important to consult a family physician to accurately diagnose the cause of the skin rash to prevent and treat it.
Hives and Eczema are Common Allergy Skin Symptoms
Hives and eczema skin rashes are reactions to inhaled or ingested allergens. Hives are the most common symptom of a food allergy in babies, children and adults. They also occur due to other allergens such as pollen, dust, chemicals, mold, mildew and animal fur and dander. Hives are red, raised itchy spots on the skin that usually occur on the face, neck, chest, stomach, hands and arms. They typically subside on their own within a few hours.
Eczema or dermatitis is an inflamed rash of the upper skin layers that can cause severe dryness, itching, inflammation, scaling. This rash can cause pain and discomfort and become infected, scabbed and oozing due to excessive scratching.
Chronic eczema can cause hardening, crusting, thickening and scarring of the skin and can be debilitating in some cases. Eczema can occur on its own or flare-up in relation to food and environmental allergies. It is also commonly associated with asthma, hay fever and dust allergies. Treatment for eczema depends on the severity of the rash, and in severe cases medications that modulate immune system reaction may be needed.
Contact Dermatitis Is Caused by Direct Contact to an Allergen
Contact dermatitis is a skin allergy condition that is caused by direct contact with an allergen. This commonly occurs when chemical substances from clothing, bedding or furniture transfer to the skin causing the body’s immune system to react. In most cases the allergic rash subsides after the chemicals are washed from the skin, but the allergens can also trigger as sensitivity reaction that occurs up to 24 hours after the contact.
Allergens include pollen, household cleaning chemicals, laundry detergents, metals and food allergens. This type of allergic skin rash often occurs in a small, well-defined area that was touched by the allergen such as metal jewelry or dish-washing detergent on the hands and fingers. Symptoms of contact dermatitis rashes can involve severe redness, inflammation, itching, bumps and blisters on the skin.
Related Articles:
References:
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergies
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Latex Allergy
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
