### Common Causes of Skin Rashes and How to Relieve Itchiness Most people experience bumpy, itchy, scaly, or red skin at some point in their lives. One of the most common causes is a skin allergy. This happens when your body encounters something it thinks is dangerous, called an allergen. Your immune system overreacts and releases antibodies to fight off these “invaders,” triggering symptoms like a rash or swelling. There are more than 3,700 potential allergens that can cause a rash or swelling. Here are some common types: #### Contact Dermatitis This occurs when your skin touches an allergen, like nickel or a chemical in soap, lotion, or sunscreen. Airborne particles like pollen can also trigger dermatitis when they land on the skin. Sometimes, you’ll have a reaction only after being in the sun, known as “photoallergic contact dermatitis.” Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may take from a few hours to 10 days to appear. Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks. #### Hives These are raised, itchy red welts or bumps. Contact dermatitis, insect bites, medications, and foods can trigger hives. They tend to appear right away and fade within a few hours or days. #### Eczema Also known as “atopic dermatitis,” this is a chronic allergic condition that usually begins in childhood. It makes your skin itchy, red, and dry. Narrowing down a cause can be tricky as there are many potential allergens. #### Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac These plants release an oil called urushiol when damaged. If it gets on your skin, it causes an itchy red rash with bumps or blisters. Treatment includes wet compresses, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, or hydrocortisone cream. #### Nickel Allergy Nickel is used in many everyday items and is a leading cause of skin allergies. If you’re allergic, you may get bumps on the sides of your fingers. There’s no treatment, so you’ll need to avoid nickel-containing items. #### Latex Allergy Latex is used in products like gloves and balloons. A severe reaction, called anaphylaxis, might quickly spread throughout your body and make it hard to breathe. Health care workers and people who’ve had many surgeries are at greatest risk. #### Clothing and Fabric A rash could be from an allergy to dyes or chemicals used to process the fabric. Wash new clothes before wearing them and consider switching to cotton or organic cotton blends. #### Beauty Products Chemicals like formaldehyde releasers and parabens in beauty products can cause allergies. Try mild soaps and avoid anything that causes a rash. #### Fragrances Fragrances in perfumes, colognes, and deodorants can cause allergies. It’s hard to pinpoint a fragrance allergy because specific ingredients aren’t always listed on labels. #### Medications Some over-the-counter creams and ointments might worsen skin problems. Look for drugs that treat cuts, scrapes, burns, itching, insect bites, cold sores, toothaches, and earaches. ### How to Relieve Symptoms Most skin allergies fade on their own. In the meantime, relieve symptoms with cool compresses, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, or hydrocortisone cream. If your allergy persists or is severe, see a doctor for stronger antihistamines or steroids. In rare cases, skin allergies can lead to a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical care if you experience wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.