Skin rashes can occur due to allergic reactions to environmental, chemical and food allergens. An allergy rash is a broad term that includes a range of skin irritation conditions. These include skin eczema, hives and contact dermatitis. As explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center, allergy rash symptoms are also linked to other allergy-related illnesses such as hay fever, nasal allergies, insect bites, asthma and food allergies. Other symptoms of allergy rashes on the skin include chronic pain and discomfort.
Itching
Most rashes on the skin due to allergic conditions such as eczema, hay fever, environmental allergens and contact dermatitis are itchy, making the skin condition even more uncomfortable. Individuals, particularly infants and children, may scratch the skin in an attempt to relieve the itch. This can cause further skin inflammation, redness, swelling, discomfort, oozing of fluid and even bleeding and infection.
Hives
Rashes may involve raised, red, itchy spots on the skin. These spots called hives usually appear on the face, chest, hands or arms and subside on their own after a few hours or less. The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that hives can occur due to contact dermatitis such as those caused by a latex chemical allergy. Other causes of hives include food allergies, hay fever, chemical irritants and allergies to animal fur and dander.
Inflammation
Inflamed skin rashes often occur in allergic skin conditions such as eczema and contact dermatitis. Inflammation causes the skin to feel hot to the touch and appear red, tender and swollen. As listed by Merck Manuals, environmental or chemical allergy triggers such as household cleaning supplies, paints and fungicides can cause contact dermatitis rashes. In some cases pollen or other allergens that come into direct contact with the skin can cause inflammation.
Swelling
Allergy rashes can cause swollen or raised skin, particularly in moderate to severe eczema and contact dermatitis on the skin. Swelling of the skin can be worsened by scratching itchy, irritated rashes and is normally accompanied with inflammation, redness and discomfort.
Dryness
Dry skin is a symptom of allergy rashes due to eczema, asthma and contact dermatitis. It usually occurs on the hands, arms and lower legs but can occur any where on the body. Allergy rashes can lead to excessive dryness, flaking, rough and cracked skin. Chemical allergen irritants and contact dermatitis also cause dry skin rashes particularly on the hands and fingers.
