Types of Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are a common ailment, and while they are typically not life threatening, they can be painful. General signs of a skin allergy include a rash, flaky skin, itchy skin or skin that has blistered or inflamed. Identifying the specific type of skin allergy you have is key in determining the best way to treat the condition.

Eczema

• Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is one of the most common skin allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and can be caused by allergens and stress. A scaly, itchy, red rash, especially on your knees or elbows, is characteristic of eczema.

Hives

• Hives, sometimes called urticaria, are red, swollen patches on the body, and are often the result of allergic reactions to latex, food or a drug.

Angioedema

• Angioedema is a swelling of the underlying layers of the skin, especially eyelids, genitals or mouth. It often occurs along with hives, and may be caused by an allergic reaction to food, drugs or other substances.

Contact Dermatitis

• You may develop contact dermatitis after your skin comes in contact with nickel, poison ivy or other allergen. Signs of contact dermatitis include red, itchy and blistered skin.

Causes

• Allergic skin reactions are often the result of your skin coming into direct contact with all allergen, though sometimes the cause is less obvious, such as when a food or drug allergy cause hives.

Treatments

• The best treatment for skin allergies is usually avoiding allergens. In some cases it is easy to determine what is causing your skin allergies, but sometimes you many need to see an allergist or dermatologist.