Skin Allergies

Something touches your skin, and your immune system thinks it's under attack. It overreacts and sends antibodies to help fight the invader, called an allergen. The result is a red, itchy rash where the substance landed.

It is called Contact Dermatitis. There are two types:

• Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by chemicals like harsh cleaners.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is just like it sounds -- your body reacts to an allergy trigger.

People who have allergies  react to things that wouldn't bother most others.Anything from plants to dyes and fragrances found in everyday products might be allergens.

You could also have an allergic reaction to something in the air that settles on your skin, like pollen, chemical sprays, powders, fibers, or cigarette smoke. This is called airborne contact dermatitis, and it mostly happens on eyelids, head, and neck. Skin allergies can also cause hives and swelling deep in your skin, called angioedema.