What are skin allergies?

Do you often struggle to avoid scratching? An itchy red rash, dry skin, raised bumps or swollen skin can be very uncomfortable. You might feel embarrassed and anxious, especially if you don’t know what’s causing your symptoms. Is it a skin allergy or something else?

Some common skin conditions look and feel very similar but have different causes. We’ve put together a guide to these skin allergies and irritations. If you already have a diagnosis for your rash, you can go straight to the right one:

Contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant)
Atopic dermatitis
Hives and angioedema

Managing a skin condition usually starts with avoiding whatever causes your symptoms or makes them worse. Your doctor may suggest emollients to soothe and strengthen your skin, as well as other measures and medication. We’ll talk more about that below. First let’s look at why skin allergy happens.

Do you often struggle to avoid scratching? An itchy red rash, dry skin, raised bumps or swollen skin can be very uncomfortable. You might feel embarrassed and anxious, especially if you don’t know what’s causing your symptoms. Is it a skin allergy or something else?

Some common skin conditions look and feel very similar but have different causes. We’ve put together a guide to these skin allergies and irritations. If you already have a diagnosis for your rash, you can go straight to the right one:

Contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant)
Atopic dermatitis
Hives and angioedema

Managing a skin condition usually starts with avoiding whatever causes your symptoms or makes them worse. Your doctor may suggest emollients to soothe and strengthen your skin, as well as other measures and medication. We’ll talk more about that below. First let’s look at why skin allergy happens.

What are skin allergies?

Man applying an emollient to the backs of his hands. Skin allergies often cause dry scaly skin and moisturizing can help

What are skin allergies?

Do you often struggle to avoid scratching? An itchy red rash, dry skin, raised bumps or swollen skin can be very uncomfortable. You might feel embarrassed and anxious, especially if you don’t know what’s causing your symptoms. Is it a skin allergy or something else?

Some common skin conditions look and feel very similar but have different causes.

What is hayfever?

We’ve put together a guide to these skin allergies and irritations. If you already have a diagnosis for your rash, you can go straight to the right one:

Contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant)
Atopic dermatitis
Hives and angioedema

Managing a skin condition usually starts with avoiding whatever causes your symptoms or makes them worse. Your doctor may suggest emollients to soothe and strengthen your skin, as well as other measures and medication. We’ll talk more about that below. First let’s look at why skin allergy happens.

Skin allergies: the root cause(s)

Allergic reactions start in your immune system when it overreacts to something harmless. This is also known as hypersensitivity. There are two main processes involved with skin allergies, depending on what type of hypersensitivity you have. Here’s how each one works.

Type I skin allergies

Many skin allergies are IgE-mediated. Your immune system sees a threat when there isn’t one. It creates Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to the substance or allergen. The next time you’re exposed to it you may have an allergic reaction. The antibodies trigger various cells to release chemicals such as histamine as a defensive measure. And this causes your skin reaction.

Touching some allergens can trigger hives (urticaria) or eczema (atopic dermatitis). So can eating a particular food you have an allergy to. Type I hypersensitivities are immediate. Symptoms of these skin allergies tend to appear after a few seconds or minutes and within 24 hours.

Woman using her laptop at home to google for information about different allergy types

Are there different

types of allergies?

Find out now

Type IV skin allergies

An example of this type of hypersensitivity is contact dermatitis. This time protective white blood cells called T cells cause your skin inflammation. The first meeting with the allergen primes your immune system and sensitizes you. Next time that substance touches your skin you may get a rash. Type IV allergic reactions tend to be delayed, showing themselves 12-72 hours later.

Now to those common skin conditions we were talking about.

1. Contact dermatitis: Skin allergy vs irritation

Contact dermatitis can be allergic or non-allergic (irritant). Hearing how quickly your rash usually develops may help your doctor make the diagnosis. Allergic contact dermatitis may take a day or two to appear. Irritant contact dermatitis can flare up within minutes of a substance touching the affected area.

Typically you get inflammation where your skin touches the substance. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Are there different
types of allergies?

Find out now

Type IV skin allergies

An example of this type of hypersensitivity is contact dermatitis. This time protective white blood cells called T cells cause your skin inflammation. The first meeting with the allergen primes your immune system and sensitizes you. Next time that substance touches your skin you may get a rash. Type IV allergic reactions tend to be delayed, showing themselves 12-72 hours later.

Now to those common skin conditions we were talking about.

1. Contact dermatitis: Skin allergy vs irritation

Contact dermatitis can be allergic or non-allergic (irritant). Hearing how quickly your rash usually develops may help your doctor make the diagnosis. Allergic contact dermatitis may take a day or two to appear. Irritant contact dermatitis can flare up within minutes of a substance touching the affected area.

Typically you get inflammation where your skin touches the substance. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Rash and itch
Redness; darker skin types may have areas of deep brown or purple skin (hyperpigmentation) or ashen grey (hypopigmentation)
Swelling
Bumps or blisters, sometimes filled with clear fluid
Skin can thicken

Itching tends to be associated with the skin allergy type of contact dermatitis. Irritants can make your skin burn or sting, and peel.

Are there different
types of allergies?

Find out now

Type IV skin allergies

An example of this type of hypersensitivity is contact dermatitis. This time protective white blood cells called T cells cause your skin inflammation. The first meeting with the allergen primes your immune system and sensitizes you.

Rash and itch
Redness; darker skin types may have areas of deep brown or purple skin (hyperpigmentation) or ashen grey (hypopigmentation)
Swelling
Bumps or blisters, sometimes filled with clear fluid
Skin can thicken

Itching tends to be associated with the skin allergy type of contact dermatitis. Irritants can make your skin burn or sting, and peel.

Next time that substance touches your skin you may get a rash. Type IV allergic reactions tend to be delayed, showing themselves 12-72 hours later.

Now to those common skin conditions we were talking about.

1. Contact dermatitis: Skin allergy vs irritation

Contact dermatitis can be allergic or non-allergic (irritant). Hearing how quickly your rash usually develops may help your doctor make the diagnosis. Allergic contact dermatitis may take a day or two to appear. Irritant contact dermatitis can flare up within minutes of a substance touching the affected area.

Typically you get inflammation where your skin touches the substance. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Rash and itch
Redness; darker skin types may have areas of deep brown or purple skin (hyperpigmentation) or ashen grey (hypopigmentation)
Swelling
Bumps or blisters, sometimes filled with clear fluid
Skin can thicken

Itching tends to be associated with the skin allergy type of contact dermatitis. Irritants can make your skin burn or sting, and peel.

Find an allergist

Even mild skin allergies can affect your daily life. Find an allergist nearby to help diagnose your condition. Then you can ask your doctor for a referral.

Search now

How does contact dermatitis work?

Allergic contact dermatitis involves the immune system. Irritant contact dermatitis, which is more common, does not.

Irritants damage the outer layers of your skin. The rash could happen the first time you meet certain chemicals. But everyday products like detergent can end up causing irritant contact dermatitis if you use them regularly. Jobs where your hands are often wet or you have to wash them a lot put you at greater risk.

Some irritants and allergens only cause inflammation with sun exposure. That may be why certain sunscreens give you a rash. It’s called photoallergic contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis: irritants and skin allergy triggers

The two conditions have different triggers. You can test for skin allergies but it’s more difficult with irritant contact dermatitis. Read more about how to get a diagnosis below.

Common triggers

Skin allergy
Nickel: jewelry, cell phones, foods and e-cigarettes Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac (urushiol in the sap); ragweed (via airborne contact dermatitis) Latex Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae): food and drink flavouring; a fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries; medicinal products including creams and lotions

Skin irritation
Detergents and bleach Hand sanitizers Soaps Gasoline and diesel oil Disinfectants Fertilizers and pesticides Chemicals used to remove grease, oils, and cutting fluids Plants Fruit juice

Skin allergy
Nickel: jewelry, cell phones, foods and e-cigarettes Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac (urushiol in the sap); ragweed (via airborne contact dermatitis) Latex Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae): food and drink flavouring; a fragrance in cosmetics and toiletries; medicinal products including creams and lotions

Skin irritation
Detergents and bleach Hand sanitizers Soaps Gasoline and diesel oil Disinfectants Fertilizers and pesticides Chemicals used to remove grease, oils, and cutting fluids Plants Fruit juice

2. Atopic dermatitis: The first (skin) allergy

This skin allergy affects around 17% of Canadians at some point in their life. Atopic dermatitis is often the first outward sign of an overactive immune system. Babies can show symptoms and it usually starts before the age of five. There’s no single cause, instead a range of factors make it more likely. For instance, an individual or family history of certain respiratory conditions, hay fever or food allergies.

About 50% of people with severe atopic dermatitis have a filaggrin gene mutation which weakens the skin. Scientists suspect a connection. The skin barrier isn’t quite so good at protecting you. Allergens may pass through more easily. And you can lose moisture, leading to dry sensitive skin.

Common skin allergy symptoms from atopic dermatitis

Children tend to get atopic dermatitis on their cheeks, scalp, knees and elbows. For adults, the sore spots are often the face, neck and also the creases behind the ankles, knees, wrists and elbows. But severe skin allergy symptoms can affect your whole body. Here’s what to look out for:

Dry, cracked or scaly skin
Itchy skin, during the day and at night
Red or brownish patches; dark brown, purplish or ashen grey on darker skin types

Scratching inflamed skin can cause bleeding. It might make the itchy feeling worse and set off what’s called the itch-scratch cycle. Over time the skin can thicken. There’s also a chance of infection. Redness, swelling and crusting are tell-tale signs, in which case go to your doctor as soon as possible.

What triggers atopic dermatitis?

Allergens and irritants can both set off these skin allergy symptoms or make them worse. For you it might also be a combination of factors. Eczema is often linked to food allergy in very young children (not so much in adults). The rash can be slower to appear than hives. Atopic dermatitis can also be a symptom of dust mite allergy.

Particular substances linked to eczema flare-ups include chemicals, household products, toiletries and cosmetics. But also certain fabrics, dry or damp weather, getting too hot or cold, and stress. Pollen, mold spores and pets can cause skin problems too.

3. Urticaria: Skin allergy bumps

Urticaria (hives) is quite a common itchy rash. It often but not always goes with angioedema. This is swelling deep under the skin which may affect your hands, feet, face or throat.

Chronic urticaria is an itchy rash that lasts for more than six weeks. It tends to be linked to non-allergic causes like exercise, sunlight, being very hot or cold, and water.

Cuddly bears and a rabbit on a child’s bed. Dust mites love bedrooms and can cause skin reactions if you’re allergic to them

Dust mite allergy guide

Read about it now

What triggers atopic dermatitis?

Allergens and irritants can both set off these skin allergy symptoms or make them worse. For you it might also be a combination of factors. Eczema is often linked to food allergy in very young children (not so much in adults). The rash can be slower to appear than hives. Atopic dermatitis can also be a symptom of dust mite allergy.

Particular substances linked to eczema flare-ups include chemicals, household products, toiletries and cosmetics. But also certain fabrics, dry or damp weather, getting too hot or cold, and stress. Pollen, mold spores and pets can cause skin problems too.

Dust mite
allergy guide

Read about it now

What triggers atopic dermatitis?

Allergens and irritants can both set off these skin allergy symptoms or make them worse. For you it might also be a combination of factors. Eczema is often linked to food allergy in very young children (not so much in adults). The rash can be slower to appear than hives. Atopic dermatitis can also be a symptom of dust mite allergy.

Dust mite
allergy guide

Read about it now

3. Urticaria: Skin allergy bumps

Urticaria (hives) is quite a common itchy rash. It often but not always goes with angioedema. This is swelling deep under the skin which may affect your hands, feet, face or throat.

Chronic urticaria is an itchy rash that lasts for more than six weeks. It tends to be linked to non-allergic causes like exercise, sunlight, being very hot or cold, and water. Acute urticaria goes away more quickly and it’s often a symptom of infection or allergy. The raised bumps might appear after you touch your allergy trigger. They can also indicate a systemic reaction to something you’ve eaten, inhaled or even been injected with.

Hives can be a warning sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This affects your whole body and can be life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if your heart is racing, you feel dizzy, faint or breathless, or if your throat is swelling. You can read more about anaphylaxis here.

Acute urticaria goes away more quickly and it’s often a symptom of infection or allergy. The raised bumps might appear after you touch your allergy trigger. They can also indicate a systemic reaction to something you’ve eaten, inhaled or even been injected with.

Hives can be a warning sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This affects your whole body and can be life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if your heart is racing, you feel dizzy, faint or breathless, or if your throat is swelling. You can read more about anaphylaxis here.

Particular substances linked to eczema flare-ups include chemicals, household products, toiletries and cosmetics. But also certain fabrics, dry or damp weather, getting too hot or cold, and stress. Pollen, mold spores and pets can cause skin problems too.

3. Urticaria: Skin allergy bumps

Urticaria (hives) is quite a common itchy rash. It often but not always goes with angioedema. This is swelling deep under the skin which may affect your hands, feet, face or throat.

Chronic urticaria is an itchy rash that lasts for more than six weeks. It tends to be linked to non-allergic causes like exercise, sunlight, being very hot or cold, and water. Acute urticaria goes away more quickly and it’s often a symptom of infection or allergy. The raised bumps might appear after you touch your allergy trigger. They can also indicate a systemic reaction to something you’ve eaten, inhaled or even been injected with.

Hives can be a warning sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This affects your whole body and can be life-threatening. Get medical help immediately if your heart is racing, you feel dizzy, faint or breathless, or if your throat is swelling. You can read more about anaphylaxis here.

2. Vermeide die Verbreitung allergener Erdnussproteine

Mache es dir zur Gewohnheit, am Tisch zu essen und einen Teller zu verwenden.
Reinige Küchenoberflächen, an denen Erdnussrückstände vorhanden sein könnten, mit einem Einwegtuch.
Dasselbe gilt für Pfannen und Utensilien, wenn du mit Erdnüssen kochst.

3. Und achte darauf, sie nicht versehentlich zu essen

Teile weder Tassen noch Besteck, da Erdnussproteine im Speichel zurückbleiben können.
Warne auch dein Date, dass du niemanden küssen kannst, nachdem er oder sie Erdnüsse gegessen hat.
Lasse dich von den Hunden anderer Menschen nicht ablecken, es sei denn, du weißt sicher, dass ihre Besitzerin oder ihr Besitzer erdnussfreies Haustierfutter und Leckerlis kauft.

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of tracking your symptoms and noting down anything happening at the same time.

Skin allergy symptoms from urticaria

Welts and wheals are other names for the itchy raised bumps of urticaria. Hives can be quite small or over an inch across. Typically these skin allergy symptoms look red on paler skin. After the rash goes, darker skin types may have patches of deeper color for some time.

What triggers allergic urticaria?

Grass rash may be urticaria. It’s much less common than hay fever but some people get it from contact with grass. Otherwise, hives can be a symptom of food allergies. The itchy rash may also be a reaction to drugs, latex and insect venom – all triggers carrying a higher risk of anaphylaxis.

Is it a skin allergy? How to get a diagnosis

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of keeping a close track of your symptoms and noting down anything else happening at the same time that might be relevant.

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of tracking your symptoms and noting down anything happening at the same time.

Skin allergy symptoms from urticaria

Welts and wheals are other names for the itchy raised bumps of urticaria. Hives can be quite small or over an inch across. Typically these skin allergy symptoms look red on paler skin. After the rash goes, darker skin types may have patches of deeper color for some time.

What triggers allergic urticaria?

Grass rash may be urticaria. It’s much less common than hay fever but some people get it from contact with grass. Otherwise, hives can be a symptom of food allergies. The itchy rash may also be a reaction to drugs, latex and insect venom – all triggers carrying a higher risk of anaphylaxis.

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of tracking your symptoms and noting down anything happening at the same time.

Skin allergy symptoms from urticaria

Welts and wheals are other names for the itchy raised bumps of urticaria. Hives can be quite small or over an inch across. Typically these skin allergy symptoms look red on paler skin. After the rash goes, darker skin types may have patches of deeper color for some time.

What triggers allergic urticaria?

Grass rash may be urticaria. It’s much less common than hay fever but some people get it from contact with grass. Otherwise, hives can be a symptom of food allergies. The itchy rash may also be a reaction to drugs, latex and insect venom – all triggers carrying a higher risk of anaphylaxis.

Is it a skin allergy? How to get a diagnosis

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of keeping a close track of your symptoms and noting down anything else happening at the same time that might be relevant.

Do you have any other allergy symptoms? Does playing sports, the weather or what you’re wearing seem to affect your skin? Toiletries, cosmetics, household products and topical medications may be a factor. Your doctor will want to know about any family history of allergy or other skin conditions. They may also suggest allergy testing.

Is it a skin allergy? How to get a diagnosis

Finding out the exact cause – or causes – of a skin condition can be tricky. It’s often a matter of keeping a close track of your symptoms and noting down anything else happening at the same time that might be relevant.

Do you have any other allergy symptoms? Does playing sports, the weather or what you’re wearing seem to affect your skin? Toiletries, cosmetics, household products and topical medications may be a factor. Your doctor will want to know about any family history of allergy or other skin conditions. They may also suggest allergy testing.

Testing for skin allergies

Patch test: Can help identify allergic contact dermatitis and other Type IV hypersensitivities.It involves taping small patches carrying the allergens to your back and checking for a reaction. It can take 48 hours or more to show.

Skin prick test: Checks whether a Type I allergy could be giving you eczema or hives. The allergist or another member of the clinic staff puts drops of liquid containing different allergens onto your skin and pricks it gently. An itchy bump may appear within the next 15-20 minutes. To confirm a food allergy you may need a blood test or an oral food challenge too.

Allergy blood test: Can be more reliable and less uncomfortable than a skin prick test if you already have a rash or itchy skin. Allergy blood tests look for IgE antibodies in your blood and show what you could be allergic to.

Challenges: Exposes you deliberately to a food or drug allergen to see if you have an allergic reaction. It’s done under expert supervision in a medical setting.

Five practical tips for skin allergies and irritations

Your doctor will come up with a management and treatment plan for you. Exactly what that involves will depend on your particular skin condition and what’s causing it.

Allergist talking to a young boy and taking notes about his skin allergy symptoms. He may need an allergy test

Allergy testing for kids

Read our guide

Skin prick test: Checks whether a Type I allergy could be giving you eczema or hives. The allergist or another member of the clinic staff puts drops of liquid containing different allergens onto your skin and pricks it gently. An itchy bump may appear within the next 15-20 minutes. To confirm a food allergy you may need a blood test or an oral food challenge too.

Allergy blood test: Can be more reliable and less uncomfortable than a skin prick test if you already have a rash or itchy skin. Allergy blood tests look for IgE antibodies in your blood and show what you could be allergic to.

Challenges: Exposes you deliberately to a food or drug allergen to see if you have an allergic reaction. It’s done under expert supervision in a medical setting.

Young woman hugging her boyfriend. She’s smiling, not worried about allergy symptoms spoiling their country walk

Allergy testing for kids

Read our guide

Allergy blood test: Can be more reliable and less uncomfortable than a skin prick test if you already have a rash or itchy skin. Allergy blood tests look for IgE antibodies in your blood and show what you could be allergic to.

Challenges: Exposes you deliberately to a food or drug allergen to see if you have an allergic reaction. It’s done under expert supervision in a medical setting.

But it’s likely to start with avoiding your allergy triggers or skin irritants, or both. If you have inflamed or sensitive skin, these measures may help:

. Use gloves or other protective clothing whenever necessary
Buy cotton underwear and nightwear; they’re gentle on sensitive skin
Wash new clothes before you wear them and avoid fabrics that might be scratchy
Choose personal care and household products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
Keep your skin moisturized with emollients

Five practical tips for skin allergies and irritations

Your doctor will come up with a management and treatment plan for you. Exactly what that involves will depend on your particular skin condition and what’s causing it. But it’s likely to start with avoiding your allergy triggers or skin irritants, or both. If you have inflamed or sensitive skin, these measures may help:

Use gloves or other protective clothing whenever necessary
Buy cotton underwear and nightwear; they’re gentle on sensitive skin
Wash new clothes before you wear them and avoid fabrics that might be scratchy
Choose personal care and household products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
Keep your skin moisturized with emollients

Five practical tips for skin allergies and irritations

Your doctor will come up with a management and treatment plan for you. Exactly what that involves will depend on your particular skin condition and what’s causing it. But it’s likely to start with avoiding your allergy triggers or skin irritants, or both. If you have inflamed or sensitive skin, these measures may help:

Use gloves or other protective clothing whenever necessary
Buy cotton underwear and nightwear; they’re gentle on sensitive skin
Wash new clothes before you wear them and avoid fabrics that might be scratchy
Choose personal care and household products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
Keep your skin moisturized with emollients

Allergy immunotherapy

Read our guide

Moisturizing ointments, lotions and creams can act as a protective layer on top of your skin and seal in water. Your doctor will know the right one for your skin allergy or irritation and how often to use it. That may include after your shower or bath. Smooth it into your skin; don’t rub as that could fire up your itch.

Some treatment options

It’s often hard to avoid scratching but doing so can make hives and eczema symptoms a lot worse. There are home remedies you could try; cold compresses, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths.

The right symptom-relieving medication will depend on your skin condition. Treatment for hives often starts with antihistamine. For contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis the first choice tends to be an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream or ointment.

Severe or persistent skin allergy symptoms may need other treatment. Your doctor might occasionally prescribe oral steroids for atopic dermatitis flare-ups or urticaria.

Une jeune femme embrasse son petit ami. Elle est souriante et indifférente aux symptômes d’allergie qui pourraient gâcher leur promenade à la campagne

Allergy
immunotherapy

Read our guide

Moisturizing ointments, lotions and creams can act as a protective layer on top of your skin and seal in water. Your doctor will know the right one for your skin allergy or irritation and how often to use it. That may include after your shower or bath. Smooth it into your skin; don’t rub as that could fire up your itch.

Some treatment options

It’s often hard to avoid scratching but doing so can make hives and eczema symptoms a lot worse. There are home remedies you could try; cold compresses, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths.

The right symptom-relieving medication will depend on your skin condition. Treatment for hives often starts with antihistamine. For contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis the first choice tends to be an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream or ointment.

Allergy
immunotherapy

Read our guide

Moisturizing ointments, lotions and creams can act as a protective layer on top of your skin and seal in water. Your doctor will know the right one for your skin allergy or irritation and how often to use it. That may include after your shower or bath. Smooth it into your skin; don’t rub as that could fire up your itch.

Some treatment options

It’s often hard to avoid scratching but doing so can make hives and eczema symptoms a lot worse. There are home remedies you could try; cold compresses, calamine lotion and oatmeal baths.

The right symptom-relieving medication will depend on your skin condition. Treatment for hives often starts with antihistamine. For contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis the first choice tends to be an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid cream or ointment.

But it will only be for very short periods of time because of the risk of side effects. There are also biologic injections for atopic dermatitis available on prescription. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines or topical steroids may help very itchy skin from contact dermatitis.

Topical immunomodulators can treat inflammation too. Severe eczema may call for combining this medication or a topical steroid with wet-wrap therapy. Meanwhile, another possible treatment is light therapy (phototherapy).

If you’d like to talk to an allergist, we can help you to find one nearby. Then you can ask your doctor for a referral.