Some uncomfortable and severe forms of allergic disorder are skin irritations and allergic reactions. These can take different forms and are usually caused by a reaction in the immune system. Today, atopic dermatitis, angioedema, allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria are the most common skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Skin irritation that mostly affects the face, elbows and knees is called atope dermatitis and also known as eczema. Itching that can be severe sometimes is the most famous among other symptoms of dermatitis. Because of too much itchiness we cannot help our self to scratch it which can lead to a lesion that has the tendency to scale and flake which brings out to the secretion of bacterial and viral infections. To alleviate the most common triggers which are emotional stress, allergens, overheating or sweating, some foods and contact with some irritants like soaps, pets, wools and other agents we must first identify the antigen.

Deeper skin layers swelling without itchiness or redness is a characteristic of angioedema, which is related with hives at times. It usually occurs in soft tissue like the mouth, genitals, and eyelids.

Urticaria is hives and is red and very itchy. The swelling of the skin on the body ranges in size, and may appear anywhere on the body. Acute cases of hives are associated with viral infections, food, drugs or latex which can go away with or without medical intervention or removal of the trigger. In fact, there are some people who suffer from chronic hives practically everyday, for months and years. The trigger for these people may be various circumstances like scratching, pressure and nerves where the elimination of the trigger does not have much effect on the course of the allergy.

Another type is allergic contact dermatitis; poison ivy is the most common cause of this reaction along with other triggers like cosmetics, medications, metals and some plants. It usually begins two days after the contact with allergen causing red, itchy and inflamed skin, with blisters sometimes.

Taking some prescribed antihistamine and cortisone medications is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the skin condition but it is possible to treat allergic contact dermatitis by scrubbing the affected area with soap and water after its exposure to the allergen.

Some herbal plants are effective in treating skin irritations and allergic reactions such as Jewel Weed and Wild Pansy. St. Johns Wort and Witch Hazel has astringent effect that relieves itchiness and rashes. Witch Hazel is also good treatment for sunburn.

Lastly aloe vera which produces the anti inflammatory, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties which used for minor skin irritations. These herbs are best remedies for skin irritations and allergic reactions.