Most of us have bumpy, itchy, scaly, or red skin at some point in our lives. One of the most common culprits? A skin allergy.
That’s when you encounter something your body thinks is dangerous, called an allergen. Your immune system overreacts, and releases antibodies to fight off these “invaders.” That fight triggers symptoms like a rash or swelling.

Types of Skin Allergies

They come in different forms. Here are the most common kinds:

Contact dermatitis.

If you’ve ever gotten a rash after wearing a new ring or using a different soap, you’ve probably had this condition. Your skin touches an allergen, like nickel or a chemical in soap, lotion, or sunscreen. Particles in the air, such as pollen, can also trigger dermatitis when they land on the skin. Your doctor may call this “airborne contact dermatitis.”
In some cases, you’ll have a reaction only after you’ve been in the sun. This is sometimes called “photoallergic contact dermatitis.” It’s brought on by some chemicals, such as those in sunscreens, shaving lotion, and perfumes.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. They include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Cracking
  • Burning
  • Blisters
  • Bumps
  • Scaly patches
  • Rashes

You usually don’t get a reaction right away. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days.
Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks.

Hives.

These are raised itchy red welts or bumps. Contact dermatitis can trigger them, but allergic reactions to insect bites, medications, and foods can also bring on a reaction. Hives tend to appear right away, and they fade within a few hours or days.

Eczema.

You may hear this called “atopic dermatitis.” It’s a chronic allergic condition that usually begins in childhood. Experts aren’t certain what leads to it. They do know certain triggers can make your skin itchy, red, and dry. They include:

  • Animal dander
  • Cleaning products
  • Dust

What Causes a Skin Allergy? How Do I Treat It?

Narrowing down a culprit can be tricky. There are more than 3,700 potential allergens.
A few of the usual suspects include:

Nickel.

Found in jewelry, belt buckles, zippers, and bra hooks, this metal is the most common cause of contact dermatitis.

Fragrances.

The things that make perfumes, lotions, and other products smell good are among the top triggers.

Ingredients in household products.

Your skin can react to common preservatives and metals in these things around your home:

  • Cleaners
  • Sunscreens
  • Cosmetics
  • Hair dye
  • Antiperspirants

Latex.

This natural rubber is part of many products, such as:

  • Condoms
  • Balloons
  • Disposable gloves
  • Baby bottles

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac. A type of oil in these plants called urushiol causes allergic reactions.

Most skin allergies fade on their own. In the meantime, relieve the symptoms. Here’s how:

  • Wear loose clothing.
  • Put cool compresses on the area or take a cool shower.
  • Soak in oatmeal or milk bath.

If your allergy really bothers you or hangs around for more than a few weeks, see your doctor. They can prescribe to help you feel better faster.
In rare cases, skin allergies can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If you -- or someone around you -- is wheezing, has chest tightness, or trouble breathing, get medical care immediately.