Overview
Skin allergy is referred to as skin reaction caused by allergy causing substance (allergen). As a result of reaction, skin becomes hypersensitive to the stimuli. The skin reaction may involve itching, rash, burning, swelling, blister formation, redness, dermatitis, eczema and urticaria. These are different types of allergic reactions that can affect small areas of the skin to the whole body. Although skin allergy happens to be quite uncomfortable and traumatic, there are many treatments to relieve skin reactions quickly and immediately.

Causes
Allergy is actually the stimulation of immune system. Immune system can be triggered by a number of factors including plants, animals, foods, clothing, harsh cosmetics, detergents, environmental pollutants, heats, detergents and soaps. A person allergic to foods or allergen may not be allergic to other allergen. Therefore, different people show allergic reactions to different stimuli and many of them may react to all of the stimuli. It depends upon the strength of your immune system. A healthy immune system recognizes what is harmful and useful for your body while a weak immune system is unable to do so and as a result excessive histamine is produced. Histamine is a protein that plays vital functions in body but excessive amount of histamine is the result of allergic reactions.

Contact Dermatitis
It refers to skin rash caused by touching a certain substance. It may pets, metals, chemicals, rubber, plants, harsh detergents etc. Contact dermatitis starts with mild rash and may lead to more severe rash and itching associated with redness. A common example of this type of allergy is the poison ivy. Costume jewelry also causes skin allergy as it contains nickel. Contact dermatitis usually affects only parts of the skin which came in contact with allergy causing substance unlike atopic dermatitis which may spread throughout the skin. Avoiding the allergen is the best treatment option. Dermatologists often prescribe hydrocortisone cream. It is effective and quickly reduces the rash and redness.

Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
It is a hereditary skin disorder often affect children but adults also get affected. It begins with the scaly and chapped patch on the scalp, arms, legs and as child grows it may affect inner areas like elbows, knees and adults may develop eczema symptoms on eyelids and genital areas. The term dermatitis means inflammation and atopic is used for diseases associated with allergies and runs in families. It is a common myth that symptoms of eczema can be controlled by avoiding certain foods, detergents etc. In winter, people experience severe rash and itching due to dryness but it simply using moisturizers alone is the solution. Topical steroidal creams like cortisone may help reduce the severity of rash, swelling and itching.

Urticaria or Hives
It is the itchy rash associated with red raised bumps and may occur at any age. The bumps are very itchy and people tend to scratch them but scratching will result in bleeding. Urticaria is usually caused due to food allergies and drug reactions that trigger excessive production of histamine. Dermatologist prescribe anti-histamine tablets to treat urticaria. It may take around 1 to two months until you notice the cure. Stopping the drug may lead to reverse flare up of urticaria. Most people never completely get cured of urticaria and they must avoid certain foods and drugs causing allergic reactions.

Visit out Articles section full of articles and resources about acne and related skin conditions.