Skin Allergy: Types, Causes, and Best Treatments

Have you recently found yourself suffering from persistent itching so bad that you can’t stop scratching your skin, even though it only makes things worse and might even cause wounds?

Skin allergies aren't just about itching, they can lead to bumps or thickened patches on your skin. And they’re not all the same; there are different types that require different treatment approaches. So, what causes sudden skin allergies, and how can you treat the different types?

What is a skin allergy?

A skin allergy isn’t merely redness and itching of the skin. It’s actually an immune system reaction to something it mistakenly sees as a threat, even though the substance is harmless to the body. This immune response triggers the symptoms of a skin allergy when you're exposed to the allergen, which varies from person to person.

How do I know what kind of skin allergy I have?

Despite the different types of skin allergies, most of them share common symptoms like itching and redness. Some of the most common skin allergy types include:

1. Contact Dermatitis

This occurs when your skin directly touches a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in you, such as:

• Soap
• Laundry detergents
• Fabric softeners
• Shampoo
• Adhesives
• Nail polish
• Topical medications
• Some cosmetics

Excessive exposure to water can also be a cause of contact dermatitis.

The rash from contact dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body. It typically forms as a raised patch covered with red, itchy bumps and may be painful, sometimes with a burning or stinging sensation.

Does this rash last forever? No. It usually lasts a few days to two weeks and typically clears up quickly once the allergen is removed or avoided.

2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Also known as "atopic dermatitis," eczema often affects children under five but may persist into adulthood. This rash usually appears in skin folds such as:

• Inside the elbows
• Behind the knees
• The front of the neck
• It may also appear on the face, neck, hands, feet, or back.

In infants or children under two, eczema is most commonly seen on the cheeks and/or scalp.

Symptoms of eczema include itching and rash, along with:

• Skin bumps
• Thick patches of skin
• Skin peeling
• Swelling

In severe cases, it can cause skin color changes, blisters, or wounds from excessive scratching.

3. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives can occur at any age. They appear as swelling on the skin's surface, either red or skin-colored, with clearly defined borders.

These raised welts vary in shape and size, and usually last from a few minutes to several hours, but rarely more than 48 hours.

Hives can be:

• Acute: Lasting less than 6 weeks, often caused by allergens or infections.
• Chronic: Lasting longer, with no known cause.

Despite the intense itching, hives usually don’t cause enough scratching to result in skin damage or bleeding.

4. Angioedema

This is swelling similar to hives, but it occurs beneath the skin rather than on the surface. It can occur with hives or as an allergic reaction on its own. It commonly affects:

• The lips
• Eyes
• Hands
• Feet

Angioedema can be acute, lasting just a few minutes or hours (typically triggered by food or drug allergies), or chronic recurrent, where episodes repeat over time and each one lasts a few hours to days, often without a specific known cause.

Skin allergy reasons and triggers

Identifying the cause of a sudden skin allergy can be challenging, especially with over 3,700 possible allergens. However, here are some of the most common culprits:

1. Nickel

Used in nearly everything from belt buckles and eyeglass frames to paper clips, nickel is a major cause of skin allergies.

If you're allergic to nickel, you might experience skin allergy symptoms upon exposure—especially if you work in food service, hairdressing, or deal with metals regularly.

2. Latex or Rubber

Latex is made by mixing the sap of the rubber tree with chemicals to produce items like rubber gloves, condoms, erasers, elastic waistbands, and balloons.

Exposure to such products can cause allergic reactions, especially in healthcare workers who are more frequently exposed to latex.

3. Clothing

If you develop a rash on your chest, abdomen, or back after wearing a shirt or on your feet after wearing certain shoes or socks, you might be reacting to dyes or chemicals used in fabric processing or fabric itself.

It’s recommended to wash new clothes before wearing them. Also, rotate between wearing cotton or organic cotton and avoid wool or fuzzy fabrics.

4. Preservatives

Chemicals like parabens are used to extend the shelf life of cosmetics and are found in:

• Hair dyes
• Makeup
• Sunscreens
• Shampoos

If you suspect a personal care product is causing your skin allergy, try a mild soap or look for products free from known allergens.

5. Fragrances

Some people are allergic to specific scents. Fragrances are found in perfumes, deodorants, and even facial or body soaps.

Identifying a fragrance allergy can be difficult, as ingredients are not always listed. Even “unscented” or “hypoallergenic” products might contain trace amounts.

If you know a particular scent triggers your symptoms, avoid it and products containing it.

What is the best treatment for skin allergies?

Skin allergy treatment depends on the type. Here are ways to treat the different types:

1. Treating Contact Dermatitis

Simple and straightforward:

• Avoid the allergen once identified.
• Do not scratch the affected area to prevent worsening the rash or risking infection.
• Use over-the-counter anti-itch creams or oral allergy medications.
• Cold compresses may help relieve symptoms.

2. Treating Eczema

Treatment includes avoiding known triggers and:

• Using gentle moisturizers suitable for sensitive skin, ideally after bathing when the skin is still damp.
• Applying topical steroids to reduce itching.
• Taking oral antihistamines.
• Light therapy can help improve the skin’s appearance.

3. Treating Hives (Urticaria)

Hives usually go away on their own in a few days, but these measures can help:

• Apply cold compresses to the skin.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes to allow air flow and reduce skin friction.
• Choose cotton or soft fabrics—avoid wool, linen, or rough materials.
• Dress in layers so you can cool down if necessary; take cool showers and stay in air conditioning during hot weather.
• Avoid scratching, as it can worsen the symptoms.
• Take antihistamine pills to help relieve symptoms.

4. Treating Angioedema

Mild cases may not need treatment. For moderate or severe symptoms:

• Avoid any known allergens.
• Do not take any medications or supplements not prescribed by a doctor.
• Cold compresses to relieve pain.
• Taking antihistamines.
• Severe cases (which may be accompanied by asthma or severe shortness of breath) may require corticosteroids, adrenaline injections, and inhaled medications to help open the airways.

When should you see a doctor?

Skin allergies may sometimes seem mild, but they can be extremely serious in certain situations and require immediate medical attention, especially if any of the following symptoms appear:

• A rash that spreads quickly or appears suddenly.
• A fever accompanied by a rash.
• A blistering rash near the genitals, eyes, or inside/around the mouth.
• Signs of infection in the rash, such as pus, pain, redness, or a foul odor.