Allergy skin rash

In most cases, a contact allergy or a sun allergy  is behind the itching, redness, and wheals. A food allergy or intolerance also makes itself felt in many cases by a skin rash. In principle, however, any form of allergy can be behind it, because also animal hair, pollen, insect venom, molds and drugs can trigger similar complaints.

In addition to the usually sudden itching, the skin reddens in certain areas. In the case of a nickel allergy, the eczema appears directly on the area of skin that was in contact with the allergen. Thus, those who react to costume jewelry get a rash on the neck, wrists or ears, for example; the area around the belly button is also typical as a reaction to a belt buckle containing nickel. An allergic reaction to washing powder or shower gel, on the other hand, can spread over the entire body. Typical signs of an allergic rash are:

• red spots
• scaly patches of skin
• swelling
• quaddles
• pustules

A possible consequence of a contact allergy is hives, in which severe itching and small elevations suddenly appear on the skin. This form of skin reaction is comparable to touching a stinging nettle.

If this is the first time you have suffered from such changes in the skin and cannot explain the cause, it is best to have the rash examined by a doctor. Because there are a variety of other diseases and skin diseases such as neurodermatitis, which have similar symptoms. Especially if there are additional symptoms such as fever or nausea, there is probably no allergy behind it.

Treatment depends on the causes, type and intensity of the rash:

• If this is the first time you've had an allergic rash, go in search of the triggering allergen. Is it a cosmetic product? A new shower gel or shampoo? A new body lotion? A perfume? A laundry detergent? Is it the new necklace? Or does your skin start itching when you eat an apple, hazelnuts or kiwis? The list of allergens is long and sometimes the symptoms only appear with a time delay. Here, detective work is sometimes required to identify the connections.
• If you know the trigger of the complaints, avoid any contact with the allergen at all costs. As a rule, the symptoms improve after a few days.
• If you occupationally repeatedly have to do with problematic substances, gloves or protective clothing can prevent direct contact.
• If you have a severe rash that does not disappear on its own, that hurts and spreads over larger areas of the body, you should definitely see a doctor. He can determine by an allergy test what your skin is reacting to in such a way and prescribe treatment with medication. Often antihistamines help to relieve allergy symptoms.
• It is better not to try different remedies on your own. Because some creams and ointments may contain the very allergen that causes the rash. What helps best in your case with allergic rash, the doctor determines after the examination.
• By a specific immunotherapy (SIT), also called hypo- or desensitization, you can alleviate allergy symptoms significantly. However, the therapy usually takes about 3 years, in which your immune system is gradually accustomed to the allergen.
• As a home remedy against itching, cooling compresses have proven themselves. A cold washcloth is often enough to soothe the skin. If you have an ice pack at hand, avoid direct skin contact. Wrap the cooling pad necessarily in a cloth before you put it on the affected area.
• Aloe vera gel also soothes the redness of the skin and should be handy in the medicine cabinet to relieve a sun allergy.

What you should not do in any case: scratch. As much as the skin may itch, strong scratching only intensifies the symptoms and further stresses the skin. In addition, pathogens can penetrate the skin through small cracks and cause an infection.