Allergy Rash: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Manage Them
An allergy is your body’s reaction to a foreign substance that is usually harmless in nature, like animal fur. Skin allergies can lead to an allergy rash, which can present as red, bumpy and itchy skin.
Here, we‘ll help you learn about the different types of rashes you could get from an allergic reaction, and the different skin rash allergy treatments available.
In this guide:
An allergy rash occurs when your body encounters something that it perceives as dangerous. This substance is called an allergen and it’s what triggers an allergic reaction. This can include things like pollen, pet dander, and dust.
Your immune system reacts by releasing antibodies to try and defend against the allergen. This reaction may lead to a variety of allergy symptoms, including skin rashes.
There are different types of skin allergies but they generally fall into three main categories:
Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, is a sudden outbreak of pale red welts or bumps on the skin. This outbreak is often accompanied by swelling. Urticaria is common, affecting about 20 per cent of the population at some point in their lives.
There are different types of urticaria, and it can be categorised as acute or chronic. In acute urticaria, the hives last less than six weeks, while in chronic urticaria, the hives can last longer.
Hives can appear as raised, reddish welts of varying sizes on the skin, and can feel itchy, sting or burn. They may be spread over one area or appear anywhere on the body. They can come and go in minutes or stay for hours.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy and cracked. In some cases, it can cause the skin to become sore and inflamed. It can appear reddish on pale skin, and purple/brown on dark skin.
Allergens are a common eczema trigger. It can affect any part of the body but is most common on the knees, scalp, cheeks, hands, area around the neck, and inside or outside of the elbows.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that usually appears when you encounter a substance that you’re allergic to (allergen). This can be anything from using a different bar of soap to air particles like pollen landing on your skin.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis can range from mild to severe, and may include a rash that’s red, itchy, burning and uncomfortable. Scaly patches may also be visible. Contact dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body, but usually occurs on parts of your body that have come into contact with the allergen.
Knowing the exact cause of your allergy rash can be tricky, as there are more than 3,700 potential allergens that could cause your allergic reaction. However, some of the most common triggers include:
Pollen. Plants, such as oak trees, grasses and ragweed, produce a fine powder called pollen as part of their reproduction process, which can easily travel through air. You can have an allergic reaction to pollen (hay fever) any time of the year. Seasonal allergies typically can occur in early autumn, summer or spring when pollen counts are high.
Pet dander. Pet allergies are caused by the protein present in your pet’s dander, urine, or saliva. Cats and dogs produce a lot of proteins which can cause pet allergies. Initially, it was widely believed that pet hair caused the skin allergies. However, it’s actually the dander (skin particles that they shed) that’s mainly responsible.
Insect bites or stings. Insect bites and stings can cause an allergic reaction. In most cases, insect bites and stings can be treated at home. However, some people may go into anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical treatment. Call 999 if you’re experiencing symptoms of an anaphylactic shock, including a swollen lip, mouth or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, tightness in the throat, a change in your skin colour, or sudden feelings of dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion.
Latex and rubber. Certain chemicals are mixed with rubber sap from trees to make products like balloons, erasers, and rubber gloves. You might have a mild or severe skin reaction from using gloves or other products made from latex or rubber.
Some medications and cosmetics. Some chemicals in preservatives found in shampoos, conditioners, make-up products, lotions, moisturisers and even sunscreens can cause a skin rash allergy.
Certain metals. These typically include nickel or cobalt in jewellery.
Symptoms of a skin rash allergy can range from mild to severe. They can develop in one area or all over the body. Common symptoms of a skin allergy can include skin that is:
Itchy
Inflamed or swollen
Red in colour on pale skin or purple/brown on dark skin
Painful to the touch
Scaling or flaky
Stinging or burning
Blistering
Dry or blotchy
You can get in touch with your GP to have your skin allergy rash tested. This can help you identify the cause of your allergy. Tests that your GP may give you include a skin prick or patch test to see if your skin reacts. They may also conduct a blood test to check for allergens.
Treatments for skin rash allergies can include:
Avoiding triggers. Avoid any of the things that you’re allergic to where possible.
Taking medication. This may include antihistamines or steroid creams (topical corticosteroids), depending on the type of skin allergy that you have.
Applying a cool compress or taking a cool shower. A cool shower or cool compress can help calm a stinging or burning skin allergy rash. After the shower, gently dry the skin and moisturise.
If your symptoms are not severe, you can manage your skin rash allergy by using BENADRYL® allergy relief products. You can also find ways to effective management techniques with our in-depth guide to managing your allergy.