Skin allergic reactions can happen for various reasons. It can stem from the environment, new foods, clothing, or sometimes just the result of trying out a new product. Luckily, there are plenty of measures you can take from home to address allergic reactions like hives or eczema reactions anywhere on the body.
Skin Reactions: Allergic Contact Dermatitis
One type of skin reaction is an allergic contact dermatitis reaction, where skin reactions can present as itchy red bumps on skin, and persistent rash. These symptoms are not contagious and will not infect anyone else.
Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by many potential allergens, including cosmetics, skin treatments, jewelry, or plants. It is normally easy to track down the cause since the allergic symptoms will usually show up within 24 hours of initial contact.
Symptoms of a skin allergic reaction can manifest in any of the following ways:
- Swelling, tenderness, or burning
- Blisters or bumps
- An itchy rash
- Dry, cracking, or scaling skin
- Leathery patches that are darker than the rest of the skin
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor for advice. If you experience any of the following signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as they may be the onset of more serious symptoms.
- Itchiness or rash that is severe and widespread
- No improvement after three weeks
- If your mouth, eyes, or genitals are involved
- If the skin becomes infected, or if pus is coming out of blisters
- If you have trouble breathing or you experience facial swelling
- If your eyes or nose are irritated or burning
- If you have ingested any of the substances causing an allergic reaction
Skin Allergic Reaction: Hives
Hives are raised bumps or welts that can be itchy and turn red. They can be caused by an allergy to topical treatments, ingested material, environmental exposures, stress, or from another underlying medical condition. Hives are typically itchy, warm to the touch, and can sometimes grow and shrink, appear and reappear, so it is important to stop applying any products that you used where the hives appeared. Hives can also cause serious complications, so seek immediate medical attention if you experience facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Allergic Reaction Treatment Options
The first step to treating an allergic reaction from home is to identify the culprit and avoid any further contact with it. By taking this step alone, the rash, itchiness, redness, or hives may clear up. To treat the symptoms consider wearing loose-fitting clothing and consider taking an antihistamine if needed. Itching can also be relieved by an oatmeal bath, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone.
If you have any questions about allergies, set up an appointment with our own Dr. David Erstein. Dr. Erstein has notable expertise in nasal and ocular allergies, sinusitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis. In addition, he is an expert in evaluating food and medication allergies, cosmetic allergies, diseases of the skin, insect sting reactions, and latex allergies.