Red, itchy skin can be irritating, painful and embarrassing. Rashes can be caused by many things, including exposure to certain plants, allergic reactions to a medication or a food. Eczema and hives, both of which are related to allergies, are two of the most common types of skin rashes.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterised by inflammation, redness, and itching. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis is high, affecting up to 20% of children and up to 10% of adults.
Eczema often results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever, may be more prone to developing eczema, this is known as ‘atopic eczema’.
If your skin condition is the result of an allergy, an allergist can diagnose and treat your condition, so you can live life to the fullest.