Skin Allergy

A skin allergy is when skin becomes irritated because the immune system reacted to something that is usually harmless. This is called an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause rash, itching, burning, redness, bumps, hives, and swelling. Many different allergens can cause a reaction.

The symptoms of a skin allergy vary depending on the type of reaction:

• Eczema causes an itchy, scaly, red, dry rash, especially on the face, hands, elbows, and knees. Sometimes eczema weeps clear fluid as well.
• Allergic contact dermatitis causes a rash that may be itchy but is often painful. The rash may have both raised bumps and blisters. The reaction may happen right away or it may be up to 48 hours after your skin was exposed to whatever is causing it to react.
• Hives are raised, flat, itchy bumps that may also be tender. Hives are a sign of a potentially serious allergic reaction.
• Angioedema is a type of swelling. For example, angioedema on the eyelid can cause your eye to be swollen shut. When it happens in the throat, it is an emergency because the swelling makes it hard to breathe.