A skin allergy is a negative reaction that appears on the skin due to contact with an allergen. Several types of allergens can cause a skin allergy, like chemicals, metals, and proteins. Skin allergies may lead to the development of symptoms like rashes, itching, swelling, and inflammation of the skin. While these symptoms usually resolve after some time, they may also affect a person in the long-term, causing chronic conditions and further complications.
Some allergies can occur immediately after coming into contact with an allergen, while others take longer to develop. Several types of allergies may also be triggered by cosmetics and the chemicals in these products.

Types of skin allergies
The following are the different types of skin allergies and their main triggers:

Contact dermatitis
When the skin comes into contact with an allergen like metal or chemical, it leads to an allergic reaction. It can result in rashes, itching, and blisters on the skin, and it can also cause a burning sensation.
The main triggers of these types of allergies are exposure to detergent, soap, cosmetics, metals, plants, and even sunlight at times. Food containing metals can also cause an allergic reaction, and it usually takes a couple of days after exposure to the allergen for the symptoms to manifest.

Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes itchy and dry skin that is sensitive, and scratching can cause the skin to peel off and bleed. The symptoms may appear sporadically, with flare-ups occurring due to exposure to allergens. Severe symptoms like oozing of fluid, bleeding, and cracks on the skin may also manifest.
This is a chronic disease that begins with the symptom of itching. It can increase in severity over many years, and the main triggers of this type of allergy vary from person to person.

Urticaria
Urticaria or hives is usually an acute skin allergy that occurs immediately after exposure to an allergen, sometimes within a few minutes. It leads to bumps or welts appearing on the body and is known as chronic urticaria if it lasts for over 6 weeks.

Other allergies
Many other allergies can cause reactions on the skin as a result of contact with different substances like the following:

• Plants like poison ivy or oak
• Bite or sting of an insect
• Allergy to cosmetic products
• Allergy to fragrances
• Allergy to nickel, which is found in metals used in a watch or in food like chocolate
• Allergy to certain medications can cause skin rashes and itching
• Using latex gloves and working with chemicals are other reasons for developing skin allergies

Treatment of skin allergies
Skin allergies are treated through a combination of antihistamines, steroids, and creams. Dermatologists can help find the cause of the allergy through various tests, and once the allergen is identified, care must be taken to prevent contact with it.

For eczema, keeping the skin moisturized is important to prevent dry and itchy skin.