:It’s common for people to get bumpy, itchy, scaly and red skin when they get into contact with allergens. In most cases, these are signs of skin allergy. According to allergy doctors, the condition comes about when the immune system overreacts and releases antibodies to fight the allergens.

Types of skin allergy

There are many types of this condition. The most common types being:

Contact dermatitis: From its name, this is a condition that comes about when your skin gets into contact with the allergen. A classic scenario is when you get a rash from wearing a new ring or when you shower with a different piece of soap. There are many types of this condition such as airborne contact dermatitis that you develop when the pollen and other triggers land on your skin. Some people suffer from photoallergic contact dermatitis when they expose themselves to the sun. Here, the condition is due to the chemicals found in shaving lotions, sunscreens, and even perfumes.

When you are suffering from the condition you show a wide range of symptoms that range from mild to severe. These symptoms include: blisters, bumps, burning, rashes, swelling, cracking, and scaly patches.

Hives: These are raised, itchy bumps. According to allergy doctors, the condition is often triggered by insect bites, food, and medications. In rare cases, the condition is triggered by contact dermatitis. Hives appear almost immediately and fade within just a few hours or days.

Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic allergic condition that begins in childhood. It’s brought about by a number of factors including: dust, cleaning products, and animal dander.

Major causes of skin allergy

According to allergy experts, there are over 3000 potential allergens for the condition. The most common being: nickel, fragrances, antibiotic creams, sumac, latex, and the ingredients you find in household products. Just like any other form of allergy, to avoid the condition from coming about you should stay away from the allergen as much as you can.

Treatment options for the condition

Mild allergy symptoms fade on their own, but the severe ones can be catastrophic if left untreated. If you are showing the symptoms, you should get over-the-counter medications such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone creams. You should also consider compressing the affected area or taking a cold shower. If you have tried the above and still the symptoms won’t go away, you should consider visiting an allergy clinic.