Skin Allergies

Have skin allergies, rash, hives or dermatitis? Let's figure out what can cause these skin problems and how you can heal and protect your skin.

Skin allergies explained

Your skin is often the first place where allergy symptoms can appear. Skin allergies occur when your skin comes into contact with an irritant to which your skin is either sensitive or allergic to. It is estimated that about 80% of skin reactions are caused by direct contact with a harsh, irritating, or damaging chemical. Other types of allergies to food or inhaled substances may also cause symptoms to appear on the skin in the form of a rash, hives, or dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting adults that is caused by an allergy or sensitivity to common substances. Everyday products such as soaps, household cleaners, and detergents can cause contact dermatitis outbreaks (especially after prolonged use). There are other substances such as battery acid, drain cleaner, and turpentine that can cause contact dermatitis in anyone, even if an allergy is not present. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include red, itchy, swollen areas of skin that may blister. Skin can also become cracked and start to peel after the rash.

What causes allergic contact dermatitis?

An allergic response seen on the skin may be caused by exposure to chemicals found in products and plants.

Products that commonly cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

* Hair dye

* Cosmetics

* Perfumes

* Topical Medications

* Poison ivy, oak, and sumac

* Detergents

* Soaps

* Cleaning Products

* Nickel

Hives

Hives occur as a result of histamine being released into the small blood vessels; this may be caused by an allergic process. When this happens the capillaries begin to dilate, creating a welt where fluid oozes into the surrounding tissues resulting in swelling. Histamine is also responsible for the intense itching experienced during a hives outbreak. Medically referred to as Urticaria, hives can appear for just a few minutes or last for hours. More acute cases can last up to 6 weeks or become chronic lasting for more than 6 weeks.

Hives are often accompanied by Angiodema, a swelling of the skin that can sting and burn. If swelling persists and is severe enough it can make breathing difficult and can become life-threatening.

What causes hives?

A common cause of hives is skin allergies. Hives may present themselves after contact with animal dander, insect stings or bites, medications, and foods. A shielding lotion works to add extra protection to the skin barrier, helping to decrease the occurrence of skin irritations. This increased level of protection can help prevent skin allergies from developing into hives.