What is Allergic Eczema?

Allergic eczema is skin irritation caused by exposure to allergens. People with existing allergies are more likely to experience this dermatological condition and in some cases, it can progress to urticaria, also known as hives. There are a number of treatment options available for reducing the risk of allergic eczema, as well as treating outbreaks when they occur. A dermatologist and allergy specialist may be involved in treatment and patients usually need to implement long term treatment options to address the issue.

Eczema is an umbrella term that covers skin irritations caused by a number of different things. It appears in the form of red, rough skin that is often dry, scaly, and itchy. Common locations for eczema outbreaks include the insides of the joints in locations like the elbows and the backs of the knees, as well as on the hands, a sensitive area because of repeated exposure to environmental irritants.

People can develop allergic eczema in response to contact allergens, or as part of a whole-body response to allergens that are ingested or inhaled. Most commonly, it is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. It usually starts in a localized area where the initial contact occurred. Over time, the rash may spread, especially if the patient scratches at it or experiences repeat exposures to the allergen.

If a person has food allergies, physical contact with those foods can cause allergic eczema, causing a reaction even if the patient doesn't eat these foods. People can also react to ingredients in soaps and body care products along with cleaning supplies and other sources of environmental exposure, like materials that may be carried in the air. Some people notice some itching and irritation before the skin turns red and scaly, while others may see the signs of a rash before they experience itching.

Treatment for allergic eczema includes anti-inflammatory drugs and creams that can be applied directly to the rash during an outbreak, along with allergy medications that are designed to reduce inflammatory reactions to allergens. Ultimately, the patient may need to make some lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to common allergens.

Patients should be aware that allergens can hide in surprising places. For example, many people with gluten intolerance react to skin creams and soothing bath products because they contain oatmeal, a product that includes gluten. People may cut foods that contain gluten out of their diets and still experience skin irritation if they don't change body care products as well.