Contact allergies to a wide variety of substances may cause little red bumps to appear where the items have touched a person's skin. Chemicals in plants, pets, perfumes and cleaning products can all set off allergic reactions in people who have become sensitized to them.
Allergy symptoms of contact dermatitis usually include redness, raised or inflamed skin and itching. People with eczema conditions, including infants, experience these and additional skin symptoms after exposure to allergens.
Poison Ivy
Allergy patients may be unaware that they have contacted poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak until a rash develops and the itching begins. As the Mayo Clinic reports, contact allergies to plant toxins show symptoms on the skin where the allergens contained in the plant resins have touched it.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to poison ivy may range from little red bumps to wider swelling and blisters that drain fluid. Pain and itching usually accompany poison ivy rashes.
Cosmetics
Cosmetics may contain many organic and synthetic compounds to which patients can develop allergic reactions. The American Academy of Dermatology lists fragrances, dyes and preservatives as the instigators for the majority of cosmetics contact allergies.
Some patients can get symptoms from all of these components in certain skin care products, makeups and hair dyes. Cosmetic products may contain the essential oils of plants to which a patient is sensitive, which will create rashes. Other ingredients can cause the skin to itch, burn or sting, in addition to producing a bumpy, red rash.
Latex
Skin allergy symptoms that arise after handling rubber gloves, inflatable balloons or condoms probably indicate latex allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, natural latex is a plant-derived organic material that comes from trees in Southeast Asia and Africa. People with latex allergies may also get contact dermatitis symptoms from eating avocados, tomatoes, kiwis and bananas.
Solvents
Some elements in strong cleaning products create allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The University of Maryland Medical Center includes detergents, solvents and antiseptics as allergens that may cause little red bumps and itching. These cleaning compounds may contain alcohols or corrosive acids that can both harm skin and cause contact allergies.
Animal Dander
Animal dander most often provokes respiratory allergy symptoms, but the Mayo Clinic notes that direct contact with cats, dogs and other warm-blooded animals can produce skin rashes. Skin allergy symptoms sometimes arise when patients touch pet dander, saliva or urine. These substances may coat the fur of some animals.
