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Skin allergy is the common problem of the skin found in many patients. Apart from itching and pain, it also involves mental stigma. Skin allergy could be of different types-hives, swelling, eczema, rashes etc. There are several types of skin allergies and some of the most common skin allergies are explained as follows –
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) - Eczema commonly occurs in young children, it may also occur in young adults. This type of rash is contacted by scratching. When the patient is young, the rash occurs on the chest, cheeks and scalp. It spreads since the child scratches and touches other parts of the body. The rash is red in color. It may ooze slight liquid and has small bumps. Mainly these arise as a result of scratching. In adults it is found near the folds of the skin-under the knee, where the elbows bend. It may appear on other parts of body as well.
- Urticaria (Hives) and Angioedema (Swelling) - Urticaria, or hives, is rash which gives rise to strong itchy feeling. It can occur in patients of any age. The rash is red in color and could be of any shape and sizes. The duration of this type of rash is from a few minutes to hours. Sometimes, there is swelling along with urticaria. This is called angioedema. This type of skin allergy affects the lips, the eyes, and the hands and feet. Angioedema does not itch or turn red. It gives a burning sensation or that of a sting or bite. In certain cases, where the swelling is severe and blocks the nostrils, it hinders the ability to breathe and can be fatal.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx) - Dyshidrotic eczema, or pompholyx, is a chronic recurring dermatitis of the hands and feet. Blisters are formed surrounding the fingers. It can be very itchy.
- Pityriasis - This is mainly seen on the face. Spots light in color appear and lead to reduce the skin pigmentation. It is common in children. It is often confused with fungal infection.
- Lichen Simplex Chronicus- It is nothing but reactions to bedbugs. Bedbug's bites appear as itchy, red bumps and can be confused with allergic rashes.
- Contact Dermatitis - When skin comes in contact with some chemical or material, a rash-like reaction may take place. People can be allergic to certain chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes or fragrances, dyes, medicines etc. The rash appears only in the place where it came in contact with the particular chemical. Face, eyelids, neck, hands and feet are commonly affected. If a person is allergic to certain metal, then, it may affect hands, waistline, ear lobes etc when the person wears ornaments, belts and zippers of that metal. Allergy could also be due to certain material. For example- wearing synthetic garment may cause itching on the body.
- Pruritus - In this case, there is itching but it is not combined with rashes. Itching may be restricted to any part of the body. Certain painkillers like codeine and morphine and cause itching.
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