Skin allergies are reactions caused by substances that come in contact with the skin. Contact dermatitis, eczema, and hives are types of skin allergies.

Contact dermatitis develops when the skin comes in contact with something a person is allergic to. A reaction may cause redness and swelling, burning, stinging, itching, or blisters. Most of the reactions caused by skin products occur on the face, hands, and body.

Other products that often cause problems include:

• hair dyes and permanent solutions
• metals, such as nickel
• fragrances in perfumes
• preservatives and household products
• latex (rubber)
• bath powders
• tape and
• poisonous plants, such as poison ivy

In recent years reactions to latex (rubber) are becoming more common. Latex is found in balloons, rubber bands, condoms, elastic bands, bathing suits, underwear, waist bands, and rubber toys. The reactions can result in contact dermatitis, asthma, or anaphylactic shock. If you are a patient with an allergy to latex or tape, be sure to tell your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare workers, so they do not use these products when caring for you.

Eczema is a general term for any type of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. The skin may feel dry and itchy. It may flake, scale, or look red. Itchy rashes and weeping blisters may appear. These patches of affected skin may appear on the fronts of the elbows, backs of knees, and on the face. Eczema often begins in childhood. Children with eczema often have asthma and hay fever too. Eczema tends to run in families. It often gets worse in the winter, when the air is dry. Eczema can be hard to treat.

The best treatment for eczema is prevention:

• avoid substances that cause dermatitis, extreme heat or cold, and stress
• take good care of your skin; use good moisturizing lotions that contain petroleum
• rub (do not scratch) dry, itchy skin (scratching can lead to open areas and the chance for infection)
• keep your home cool and add moisture

If a flare-up occurs, bathe in cool to lukewarm water or use cool, wet compresses to relieve the itch. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you use an ultraviolet light, a sunlamp, or cortisone.

Hives are red, itchy raised areas on the skin. They can be as small as an eraser or as large as a basketball. There are two types of hives:

• Acute hives arise quickly and can last up to 6 weeks. They may appear in groups that fade as other groups develop. Hives around the eyes, lips, or genitals swell a great deal. They can be alarming, but usually go away within 24 hours. The most common causes of acute hives are: foods, medicines, insect bites, pressure, sunlight, infections, and internal diseases.
• Chronic hives are much less common. They last more than 6 weeks and the cause is often unknown. The best cure for hives is to avoid the cause. Your provider may prescribe an antihistamine, like Benadryl. In severe reactions, a shot of adrenalin or cortisone may be given.

No permanent cure exists for skin reactions. But you can try to avoid the causes. The best prevention for dermatitis and eczema is a good moisturizing lotion. You should also change to non- allergenic and fragrance-free products. If contact dermatitis, eczema, or hives occur, they can often be treated with over-the- counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl or cortisone. Scratching should be avoided to prevent infection.

Contact your provider if:

• home care does not help
• the reaction gets worse or returns
• the skin is open or there is a possibility of infection or
• you have difficulty swallowing or breathing

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File ALLE4157.rf2 VRS# 4157 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

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