All of us have been through or will go through some form of skin allergy that can easily result in itchy, scaly, or red skin. This is the reaction of the immune system to allergens that it considers dangerous, as a result of which some symptoms may show up on the skin in the form of rashes, swellings, or redness.

Types of skin allergies
There are quite many types of skin allergies triggered by a variety of factors. Some of the most common types are

• Contact dermatitis
  This is a form of rash that shows up every time you change your soap or even wear some form of a new piece of jewelry. This could be the result of agents such as nickel, or the chemical present in the lotion, sunscreen, or soap. There can be airborne triggers such as pollen that can easily end up causing dermatitis on the skin. There are cases, where even contact with the sun (even a little exposure) triggers dermatitis. This type of photosensitivity is known as photoallergic contact dermatitis. The symptoms for this type of skin allergy ranges anywhere between mild and severe, and some of the common symptoms include – redness, swelling, cracking, burning, blisters, bumps, rashes, and scaly patches. The reactions don’t occur immediately but can appear anywhere from within a few hours to even up to about 10 days. Despite the use of treatments, the skin allergy of this type can last between 2 to 4 weeks.
• Hives
  This is a form of skin allergy wherein the skin is raised and has itchy red welts or bumps. They are usually triggered as a result of contact dermatitis, and some of the other common causes for hives include reaction to medication, insect bites, and foods. These usually appear immediately and tend to even fade away within a few hours or days.
• Eczema
  This type of skin allergy is usually referred to as atopic dermatitis and this is a form of chronic allergic reaction that has its roots since childhood. Reports show that about 11% of people in the country have this condition, and there is no clear cut research to determine the exact cause of this. The triggers such as dust, animal dander, and dust, can cause the skin to end up itchy, dry, and red.

Causes of a skin allergy
In reality, pinpointing the exact cause is truly a challenge because there are close to about 3700 potential allergens. Some of the most common suspects include

• Nickel
  Present in jewelry and as hooks in clothing, etc.
• Fragrances
  Ingredients that are common in perfumes, body lotions, or any form of skin product with smells.
• Household products
  Certain types of preservatives or chemicals in everyday products can act as triggers, and these include cleaners, sunscreens, hair dye, cosmetics, and antiperspirants.
• Antibiotic creams
  Bacitracin and neomycin, two common ingredients in a variety of over the counter medication.
• Other elements
  Latex and poison ivy, oak, or sumac are all well known to easily trigger skin allergy on sensitive skin.