Skin allergies can be caused by an exaggerated immune system response to generally harmless substances such as pollen, certain metals, chemicals in soaps and skincare products, latex, animal hair, and so on.

The immune system's exaggerated response can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, swelling, scaling, and the formation of blisters.

There are various types of skin allergies, each with its own set of symptoms. Learn about the differences between skin allergies and the symptoms that accompany them.

Types of Skin allergies and symptoms

According to experts, there are several common types of skin allergies with varying symptoms, such as:

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. It typically begins in childhood and can last throughout life.

People who have atopic dermatitis are more likely to develop food allergies, other allergies, or asthma. There is no permanent cure for this condition. Treatment and care are provided to reduce symptoms and prevent the development of new symptoms.

Eczema can appear on any part of the body, with symptoms varying from one another:

• Dry and cracked skin
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Small, raised bumps on the skin that are brown or black in color
• Discharge of fluid
• Skin hardening or thickening
• Darker skin around the eyes
• Skin that is sensitive to friction

To treat eczema symptoms, it is advised to use moisturizers to reduce dryness and itchiness; mild soaps; and corticosteroid ointments to reduce inflammation and prevent triggering symptoms.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin reacts to certain substances in the environment, resulting in inflammation or irritation. This reaction can occur when the skin comes into direct contact with substances or materials that cause skin irritation, such as detergents, skincare products, plants, cleaning products, chemicals, metals, or other allergenic substances.

Contact dermatitis symptoms may include the following:

• Change in natural skin color to purplish red or darker
• Swelling of the skin, like prominent bumps on the surrounding skin
• Skin that looks bumpy surrounded by small pimples or blisters
• Discharge of fluid or pus
• Pain accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation
• Scaly skin
• Itchy skin

Hives (urticaria)

Hives, or urticaria, are red, itchy bumps that quickly disappear. Hives are a common form of skin allergy.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, such as the appearance of red, itchy bumps that turn white when pressed. Hives can be caused by many factors, including:

• Allergic reactions to certain foods or medications
• Physical stimuli such as exposure to cold air, hot air, exercise or sunlight
• Insect bites
• Response to pollen
• Infection with certain bacteria or viruses

In addition to avoiding triggers, antihistamine medication is typically required to alleviate itching and other symptoms. More severe cases, such as chronic or recurring hives, require further treatment by a doctor or dermatologist.

Angioedema and Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Angioedema is a skin allergy that causes swelling without itching. Angioedema appears to be similar to hives at first glance; however, it does not cause itching and is more common in soft tissue areas such as the eyelids, mouth, or genitals.

Angioedema is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a specific drug or food. This condition may recur, and when it does, it can last for days.

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) has similar symptoms, but it is a severe genetic disorder that causes swelling in the hands, feet, face, intestinal wall, and respiratory tract wall. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you have this type of skin allergy.

It is very important to consult a doctor or dermatologist when dealing with different types of skin allergies. The doctor can identify the triggers and also recommend appropriate treatment.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!