Better safe than scratchy: Skin allergies and rashes 101

When something is wrong with your skin, your whole body may feel off. This makes perfect sense, as your skin is your body’s biggest organ. It works to protect you from harmful bacteria, chemicals and temperatures.¹

Your skin is also the part of you everyone sees. Any issue with it naturally may cause you to feel self-conscious and even leery of asking questions. But, know you’re not alone. Skin allergies and rashes are common.²

Also know we’re here for you. You may be tempted to try a DIY treatment. But, this could end up making the condition worse in the long run. The good news is we have a discreet solution you can use to get help.

Let’s talk about some possible symptoms and causes of skin allergies and rashes.

Why the rub? The answer may be allergies. Allergies are one of the causes of rashes and other skin issues for children and adults. An allergen is something your body thinks will harm you. A skin allergy appears if your immune system reacts unusually to an allergen.

Skin allergy symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Cracked skin
• Itching
• Raised bumps
• Redness
• Scaling or flaking
• Rash

Skin allergy causes include:

• Cold or hot temperatures
• Medications
• Food
• Insects
• Latex
• Pet dander
• Poison ivy
• Pollen
• Water (from a lake, river, pond or pool)
• Sunlight³

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Rashing out?

Skin rashes vary widely. They may be dry, itchy, scaly or red. They may also appear as blotches, blisters or welts.⁴

Common rashes include:

Eczema.⁵  This is also sometimes called atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema. Skin with eczema can be dry, red, irritated and itchy. Sometimes eczema causes small bumps filled with fluid. The fluid may be clear or yellow. People with eczema often have a history of allergies in their family.

Hives. Hives are red bumps or welts. There are two types of hives: acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Hives that last less than six weeks are acute urticaria. This type is most often caused by allergy or infection. Hives that last over six weeks are chronic urticaria. The cause is largely unknown.

Contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when skin contacts an allergen or irritant, including:

• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
• Metals like nickel
• Nail polish
• Topical lotions, creams or medications
• Adhesives
• Latex or elastic gloves
• Plants

Photoallergic contact dermatitis is another type of rash. It’s caused by sunlight shining on:

• Sunscreen
• Some perfumes
• Shaving lotion⁶

Some rashes are more serious than others. Find out when to get emergency care.

Play it safe with your skin

If you think there is something off with your skin, get it checked out. Our Teladoc Health Dermatology service makes it easy and fast.

It’s confidential, and you don’t need an appointment. And, you can get help from the comfort of your home. The dermatologist will receive the information and images you provide. They will review these independently and send back recommendations you can review at a time that’s convenient for you.

Learn more about our dermatology service.

How to use Teladoc Health Dermatology:

• Upload photos of your skin issue
  Start an online review with a board-certified dermatologist to get help for rashes, sunburns, skin infections, moles and more. No video or phone call with the doctor is needed.
• Get a custom treatment plan in 24 hours or less
  Receive your dermatologist’s diagnosis and treatment plan via your Teladoc Health messaging center. Prescriptions, if needed, can be sent to your pharmacy of choice.
• Ask a follow-up question, if needed
  Send a follow-up message to your dermatologist online or in the Teladoc Health app for up to 7 days after your review.

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Find out how to protect yourself from rashes this summer.

Published July 13, 2023