What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Allergic Reactions With Skin Blotches
There are several types of allergic reactions that can cause skin blotches. Most of these reactions are not serious or life threatening but can cause pain, discomfort and embarrassment. Medical treatment can help alleviate these reactions and prevent them in the future. Understanding the several forms of allergic reactions will help you determine if your skin blotches are being caused by an allergic reaction.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Hives
Hives can be caused by allergic reactions to foods like shellfish and nuts or as reactions to medications and insect bites. Hives look like pink red bumps and raised patches on the skin. These patches are often itchy and may even burn or sting 3. They occur on any part of the body and vary in both size and shape. Hives are also known as urticaria.
- Hives can be caused by allergic reactions to foods like shellfish and nuts or as reactions to medications and insect bites.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Safflower Oil Allergy
Learn More
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs after your skin touches an allergen 2. Common allergens that cause contact dermatitis include nickel jewelry, perfume and latex. Skin becomes itchy and red with bumps and scales. The rash is located near the area of contact with the allergen.
- Allergic contact dermatitis occurs after your skin touches an allergen 2.
Eczema
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. This is a chronic condition caused by immune dysfunction. Eczema usually first appears in early childhood and is often associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergy. Eczema most commonly appears on the face, neck, trunk and limbs as patches of itchy, inflamed skin.
- Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis.
- Eczema usually first appears in early childhood and is often associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis or food allergy.
Allergic Purpura
Can Milk Thistle Cause Skin Rashes?
Learn More
Allergic purpura is a serious reaction to drugs and medicines. It causes spots on the skin that range from small red dots and larger bruise like spots. It occurs after taking the causative medication. Allergic purpura is very serious and you should see your doctor right way if you suspect you have allergic purpura.
- Allergic purpura is a serious reaction to drugs and medicines.
- Allergic purpura is very serious and you should see your doctor right way if you suspect you have allergic purpura.
Related Articles
References
- KidsHealth: Help With Hives
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Skin Allergy Overview
- Family Doctor: Skin Rashes and Other Changes
- MayoClinic.com: Common Skin Rashes
- The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Skin Allergies.
- Eichenfield LF, Ahluwalia J, Waldman A, et al. Current guidelines for the evaluation and management of atopic dermatitis: A comparison of the Joint Task Force Practice Parameter and American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;139(4S):S49-S57. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2017.01.009
- Smith AR, Knaysi G, Wilson JM, Wisniewski JA. The Skin as a Route of Allergen Exposure: Part I. Immune Components and Mechanisms. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2017;17(1):6. doi:10.1007/s11882-017-0674-5
- Bernstein JA, Lang DM, Khan DA, et al. The diagnosis and management of acute and chronic urticaria: 2014 update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(5):1270-7. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.036
- Siegfried EC, Hebert AA. Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis: Mimics, Overlaps, and Complications. J Clin Med. 2015;4(5):884-917. doi:10.3390/jcm4050884
- Fonacier L, Bernstein DI, Pacheco K, et al; American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Contact dermatitis: a practice parameter-update 2015. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2015;3(3 Suppl):S1-39. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2015.02.009
- Tilles SA. Allergic Skin Disease and the Practicing Allergist: Growing Unmet Need, New Science, and New Treatments. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2017;37(1):xiii-xiv. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2016.10.002
Writer Bio
Evelyn Broderick has been a writer since 2004. Her work has been published by the Jewish Alliance for Women in Science. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology from Macaulay Honors College and is pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. in immunology at Sloan Kettering. She is also a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.