An effective approach to managing skin allergies has three components. Firstly you must understand the condition, then you must discover if anything is triggering your skin reaction, and thirdly you must look after your skin.

The first component many people think that allergies only affect the respiratory or digestive systems, but they can also affect your largest organ- your skin. As with other allergies the immune system overreacts to the presence of certain substances and releases inflammation-producing chemicals. Do some research and talk to your doctor. You can be confident of controlling your skin condition better if you are sure you understand what causes it.

The second component in managing a skin allergy is identifying then eliminating the allergens and irritants that start the itching/scratching cycle. There are over three thousand known triggers for skin allergies. Many are natural, but there are plenty of man-made ones too.

A common man-made trigger is latex, which comes from the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree. The natural proteins and those added in the manufacturing process can trigger an allergic reaction. Most people are aware that this can lead to reactions if you wear latex gloves. However latex is also present in baby pacifiers, balloons, pencil erasers and elastic bands in undergarments. There can also be problems when latex particles become airborne and are inhaled. If you have a latex allergy try to avoid the material and use vinyl or plastic where possible.

Nickel is another trigger. In addition to the obvious nickel-containing metallic objects like coins and jewelry, nickel is also present in everyday objects like scissors, bathroom and kitchen cabinet handles, and zippers. Mascara, eye shadow and eye pencils also contain nickel. Experts estimate that the number of people suffering from a nickel allergy has risen about 40% in the last decade. Much of this is believed to be due to the popularity of body piercing. Some foods also have natural nickel content and people who suffer severe symptoms may need to restrict their diet under medical supervision. At present there is no way to desensitize a person with a nickel allergy. Avoidance is the best strategy.

The third component of effective management is looking after your skin. The easiest thing to do is to keep your fingernails short to reduce the damage caused by scratching.

Managing your skin's condition means firstly moisturizing and softening the skin to ensure it does not dry out. Your doctor may recommend you use topical corticosteroid preparations to control the inflammation.

When you take a bath soak in lukewarm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not have hot baths or showers, as the heat will increase skin dryness and itching. You can add oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for a soothing effect, though it does not help moisturize the skin.

Use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser with neutral pH (pH7). If you wish to add bath oils do so after you have been in the water so that it can seal in the moisture. Do not use bubble baths as they can form a barrier that stops the bathwater moisturizing your skin.

After the bath dry yourself by patting your skin with a soft towel. This helps retain moisture. Immediately after drying your skin apply a lotion or emollient cream to help your skin retain the moisture.

To look after your skin you will also need to avoid situations where you will experience extreme physical contact, heavy perspiration, or heavy clothing. This may mean avoiding some sports. Swimming is permissible if you rinse the chlorine from your skin as soon as you leave the pool, and use a moisturizer after drying yourself.

There are a number of allergens that affect the skin and bring about an allergic reaction - some worse than others. Here we will discuss some of the more common conditions, their diagnosis and treatment.

When an external substance or allergen comes into contact with the skin, inflammation occurs - this is known as allergic contact dermatitis. The external substance could be quite harmless to non-allergic skins. The cause of allergic contact dermatitis is very different from the cause of the condition where acid or something as toxic touches the skin - that is irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis manifests itself as small blisters on the surface of the skin, which then rupture, followed by weeping and crusting. It is red and itchy, and ends up scaling and cracking.

Diagnosing Allergic Contact Dermatitis
The site of the reaction on the skin often gives a clue as to the offending or allergic substance. The test used to diagnose the type of allergen is called a patch test. This an adhesive strip, containing a number of the most common allergens, which is applied to the skin and then left. After a while, if there is an allergic reaction, the usual symptoms will occur - positively identifying the allergen.

• Scalp - Hair dyes, lotions, topical medicines.
• Face - Cosmetics, topical medicines.
• Lips - Lipstick, toothpaste.
• Hands - Jewellery, rubber gloves, metals, medicines.
• Ears - Earrings (nickel), earplugs.
• Body - Deodorant, clothes, dyes, elastic in clothing, medicines.
• Genital area - Contraceptive creams or jellies, nappies.
• Feet - Shoes, leather, powders, medicines.

Atopic eczema is a hereditary skin disorder resulting in a dry, very itchy, scaly red rash. The resultant scratching causes thickening of the skin, which often peels, becomes infected, weepy and appears to be pimply. It affects the face and neck in young children and the arms and legs in older children.

The causes of eczema
The causes of eczema vary and are unpredictable. A strong family history of allergic disorders such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis usually exists. Food and inhalants are the primary allergens behind eczema, however, emotional disturbances, climatic and environmental factors have been found to dramatically influence the course of the condition.

This is an extremely itchy skin condition often result in red, raised patches on the body. When deeper layers of the skin are involved swelling of the face, hands or feet may occur. This more involved reaction is referred to as angioedema - and most often occurs together with urticaria. The wheals caused by urticaria usually only last a few hours but often recur.

Urticaria can occur at any age. Acute urticaria, only lasting a short duration, usually affects children and young adults, whereas chronic urticaria, recurring for more than six weeks, is more common in adults.

What causes urticaria?
There are two types of urticaria - allergic and non-allergic, with some being chronic and others being acute. In most cases of chronic urticaria, even though extensive tests are undertaken, no cause may be found. This condition is called Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. In acute urticaria the condition usually occurs suddenly and resolves spontaneously within hours or days - the cause being obvious as will be discussed further.