Irritation of the skin following contact with a specific substance that provokes an inappropriate or exaggerated reaction from the immune system. There are 2 main types of allergic skin reaction. In contact allergic dermatitis, red, itchy patches develop a few hours to 2 days after contact with the allergen. In contact urticaria, red, raised areas appear a few minutes after skin contact. In some cases, skin tests are needed, to identify the allergen, for contact with it to be minimized. (See also atopic eczema.)
Skin allergy |
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