Allergic Skin Disorders

The skin is a common organ for allergic signs and symptoms of a variety of types. The most common manifestation of skin reactivity is that of urticaria, or hives, which may be associated with massive swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, and throat. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is more common in small children and presents as an intense itch that  causes the child to tear the skin while scratching. Contact dermatitis, with reactions to poison ivy as the most common cause, occurs when coming into direct contact with plants, metals, or chemicals to which one has become sensitive. Many drugs are known to cause a skin eruption shortly after initiation of treatment.