Skin Allergy & Rash 101: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

How do I identify a skin allergy rash?

Skin rashes are very common, particularly in babies and children. They can be caused by lots of different things. But while a rash can be concerning (especially if you notice your child has a rash), there is often nothing to worry about!¹

One of the most common – and usually harmless – types of skin rashes is hives, which is when your skin reacts to everyday allergic triggers such as plants (for example, nettles or spurge), pollen, make-up or certain types of food.³

Other common forms of allergy rash include eczema and contact dermatitis (a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance – pictured below⁴). This type of rash can be caused either by an allergen, which causes an immune system response that affects the skin, or by an irritant that directly damages the outer layer of skin.⁵ But just like hives, these types of rash aren’t anything to panic over. They can usually be easily managed with the help of a pharmacist or GP.

In some cases, a rash may be due to a viral infection rather than an allergy. In children and babies in particular, some of the most common causes of these types of rashes may include chickenpox, slapped cheek syndrome or hand, foot and mouth (which sounds worse than it is! Hand, foot and mouth is actually a mild infection which usually clears up on its own in 7-10 days).² While they may sound concerning to parents, in most cases, none of these conditions are serious – and treatment for your little one is readily available.

If your child has developed a skin rash and you think it may be due to an allergy or infection, or you are concerned about any symptoms they are experiencing, consult a pharmacist, the NHS website or your GP for advice. If your child’s symptoms are severe and you need help urgently, call the NHS 111 helpline.

To learn more about what causes allergies and better understand different allergic reactions, check out our page on allergy causes. If you think you may have an allergy, speak to a pharmacist or GP.

Why is my skin breaking out in a rash?

There are many potential reasons why you might have a rash;¹ a skin allergy isn’t necessarily the culprit. As we’ve noted above, some common conditions like chickenpox can also cause a red, itchy or annoying rash.⁶ Your pharmacist or GP is the best person to provide you with an official diagnosis for what is causing your rash.

Atopic eczema, the most common form of eczema, is a long-term condition in most sufferers, though it can improve over time (children, for example, often grow out of it).⁷ This skin condition causes an itchy, red, dry and cracked rash, which often appears on the elbows, neck, hands, knees, cheeks or scalp.⁷

Hives are also a typical skin allergy type; these raised welts are itchy, but antihistamines can help relieve some of the discomfort.⁸

Of course, an itchy allergy rash can be particularly frustrating at night when you’re trying to get some well-earned shut eye, and a viral rash like chickenpox can also make nodding off very difficult for young children. In these cases, you may want to try a medication that helps to relieve allergy symptoms and an itchy chickenpox rash at all times of the day, like Piriton Syrup or Tablets – to aid a restful night’s sleep. Piriton Syrup is suitable for children aged one year and above, and Piriton Allergy Tablets are suitable for children aged six years and above.

How can I treat a skin allergy rash?

If you have atopic eczema, you may find that your symptoms are triggered by a particular skin allergen or sensitivity, for example to the soap or detergent you use.12 Sometimes food allergies can play a role, too.¹³

Some of your symptoms may be eased by identifying your trigger(s) through elimination. Others may require you to see a GP and get a steroid cream (or simply use an antihistamine cream) to help relieve itching and manage discomfort until your condition improves.¹⁴

If you have hives, talk to your pharmacist about bringing them down with over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets, or try an allergy tablet like Piriteze, which can help to relieve that frustrating, itchy rash caused by hives.¹⁵

Ultimately, once you’ve identified the type of skin rash you have, you’ll find it easier to choose an appropriate skin allergy treatment.