What are Skin Allergies?
Skin allergies may include the following symptoms: a rash or hives, or swelling, itching, and cracking of the skin. Our skin comes into contact with hundreds of potential allergic response substances every day. The most common parts of the body that come into contact with these substances are the arms, hands, face and neck, but no part of your body is immune. The contact with an allergen results in a skin reaction called allergic contact dermatitis. In contrast, the contact with a substance that is harsh or caustic results in a skin reaction called irritant contact dermatitis and does not involve allergies or the immune system.
If the causative agent is known, usually simply avoiding contact provides its own solution. Intense itching or swelling may require immediate medical intervention and is always required if swelling occurs in the mouth or tongue as further swelling in the throat may lead to obstructed breathing.
Some food allergies manifest on the skin and can produce hives or itching and some medications may cause itching.
Allergic skin reactions are at best annoying and at worst a serious problem when they become overly painful, blistered or result in scratching which breaks the skin. Some Orange County children cannot control the urge to scratch and may break the skin allowing for infection.