Q&A

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What is allergic skin disease?

Allergic skin disease refers to any type of skin reaction that occurs as the result of an allergy, but most commonly, it's used to describe contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when an object or substance that comes in contact with the skin, causing an allergic reaction. Poison ivy is a common example of a contact dermatitis reaction, but allergic skin reactions can be caused by many things – even substances that don't cause reactions in others, such as laundry detergent, shampoo, pet dander, cosmetics and even food. Atopic dermatitis is also referred to as eczema.

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What symptoms are associated with allergic skin disease?

The most common symptoms include hives, swelling, redness, itching, flaking or weeping skin. Skin that becomes irritated may eventually crack or bleed, especially when scratched, leaving it open to an increased risk of infection. Angioedema – hive-like swelling that occurs under the skin – is another relatively common manifestation of allergic skin disease. Sometimes, allergic skin reactions are accompanied by other symptoms like a runny nose, congested sinuses, itchy or watery eyes, sneezing or coughing.

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What types of treatments are available for allergic skin diseases?

Several methods are available for treatment of allergic skin disease, and the choice of treatment is based on the underlying cause of your reaction. Many people find they can treat their allergic reactions successfully using topical ointments or creams that help reduce inflammation and itching. When topical creams are not enough or when other symptoms are present, oral medications can often provide relief by treating the allergic reaction systemically. In a few cases of severe reactions or when reactions do not respond to a combination or oral and topical medications, corticosteroid injections can also be used to combat the irregular immune response.