A skin allergy develops when the skin becomes irritated, triggering a chain of reactions and responses by our immune system. In most cases, a foreign substance or allergen is to blame for triggering the immune system response. An allergic reaction causes skin irritations such as a rash, bumps, hives, swelling or inflammation, and itchy, burning skin.
Among the more common skin allergies are:
- Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis
- Eczema is one of the most common allergen-based skin conditions, especially in children and teenagers (but it can occur in adults as well). It affects patients with sensitive skin that is easily irritated, itchy, and dry. While eczema has a genetic component, it is most commonly triggered by environmental factors and other conditions. Eczema is closely linked to asthma, food allergies, and seasonal allergies – it is highly likely that a person suffering from any of these common allergen-based issues will also have highly sensitive skin, which is likely to have atop dermatitis. Allergies or other adverse reactions to things like certain foods, soaps, lotions, stress, and changes in air quality are common causes of flare-ups.
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- This type of skin allergy is less common, but it is still fairly common among people who have other allergies. Contact dermatitis is a condition in which a patient’s skin reacts to a specific chemical or material, resulting in a visible skin irritation. For example, an individual touching poison ivy. Many, if not most, people are allergic to the oil produced by poison ivy or poison oak plants, so when they come into contact with them, they develop a rash or other patch of inflammation.
- Urticaria
- These allergic reactions, also known as hives, welts, or wheals, are characterized by raised bumps on the skin. These hives are frequently caused by food allergies. When the body perceives an allergen threat, its response mechanism is to flood the area with histamines, resulting in bumps or hives. Aside from traditional allergens, urticaria can be caused by other irritants such as bug bites.
- Angioedema
- This is a allergic reaction that is characterized by swelling, deep within the skin. most commonly, this swelling occurs along more sensitive areas of the face and mouth area, such as the eyelids, lips, mouth, and even the throat.
Symptoms: Common Symptoms of Skin Allergies
Symptoms are highly dependent upon the specific allergic reaction you are suffering from.
- Eczema – Characterized by itchy, scaly, reddish patches of dry skin rashes. Most commonly along areas like the face, hands, elbows, and knees.
- Contact Dermatitis – With this allergic reaction, patients can expect a rash or series of rashes that are covered with raised bumps, blisters, and hives. Generally, these symptoms will become progressively worse from the point of initial contact.
- Hives – Raised, reddish, itchy, sometimes even flat-headed bumps that appear during certain allergic reactions. Often can be tender, and a sign of a dangerous skin allergy.
- Angioedema – Severe allergic inflammation. Due to some allergies, angioedema on the throat and/or eyelids, can cause them to be swollen shut – preventing us from seeing or breathing properly.