A skin rash that is caused by an allergic reaction can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Allergic rashes can be caused by a number of different allergens, and they can vary in severity. Show
Although most will go away on their own without treatment within a week or two, there are things you can do to help make an allergic reaction rash more comfortable and to help speed up your recovery. Let’s talk about some of the common types of allergic rashes and what you can do to get your skin clear again. Common Types of Allergic Skin ReactionsHives and eczema are two common types of rash that result from an allergic reaction. Urticaria, also known as hives, occurs when something triggers high levels of histamine and other chemicals in the body to be released into the skin. It can be the result of a reaction to a food allergen, a medicine, an insect bite or sting, or an environmental allergen such as pollen or pet dander. Hives rashes can come in different sizes and shapes but are usually red, raised bumps on the skin. The rash is often itchy, but it can sometimes feel like it is burning or stinging. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It can be a long-term condition that causes patches of skin to become itchy, red, dry, cracked, and inflamed. It most commonly occurs inside the elbows, at the backs of knees, and on the hands, feet, and face – especially around the eyes. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is still unknown, but it represents a dysfunction of the skin barrier and is usually a result of a sensitivity to environmental allergens, and occasionally food allergens. Eczema can run in families, and it often develops alongside conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Treating an Allergic Reaction RashIf you have an allergic reaction rash, there are some simple things you can do to help ease and reduce symptoms, such as:
The treatments for allergic reaction rashes vary depending on the type and cause of the rash, but they can include:
Allergy Specialists in Northeastern IllinoisIf you or someone you care for is suffering from an allergic reaction rash such as hives or eczema, talk to the allergy specialists at Oak Brook Allergists for relief that lasts. We diagnose and treat allergy and asthma conditions of all kinds, and we’re here to help you get to the bottom of your allergy and find treatment that works for you. To find out more about the services and treatments we offer, call us today at (630) 574-0460 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to helping you take control of your allergies so you can enjoy clear, comfortable skin.
Hives are raised, red dots or welts that appear on the skin. These welts often itch. The medical term for hives is urticaria. Angioedema is swollen tissues under the skin. The two conditions often occur together as part of an allergic reaction.
Hives are raised red bumps (welts) or splotches on the skin. They are a type of swelling on the surface of your skin. They happen when your body has an allergic reaction to an allergen, a substance that’s harmless to most people. But can also occur in autoimmune conditions or systemic conditions, if hives last for a prolonged period of time. Hives may be itchy, or you might feel them burning or stinging. They can be as small as a pinprick or as big as a dinner plate. The medical name for hives is urticaria. Sometimes, the welts from hives join together to form larger areas called plaques. Hives tend to fade within 24 hours, although they may be noticeable for several days or longer. What is swelling (angioedema)?Angioedema is a kind of swelling that can be related to hives, but can be an isolated event. It most often causes swelling in deep layers of tissue around the eyes, lips and face. Your hands, feet, throat, intestines and genitals may also swell. People who get hives may get angioedema at the same time. Sometimes people have angioedema without hives. Swelling from angioedema can be itchy, and can sometimes be painful. It usually goes away in a day or two. In extreme situations, your throat, airway and digestive tract might swell. These reactions can be life-threatening. How common are hives and angioedema?About 20% of people will develop hives at least once. Angioedema by itself occurs less often. Who’s most likely to get hives (urticaria) or angioedema?Anyone can get hives or angioedema. Hives are more common than angioedema. People who react to many different types of allergens may get hives frequently. Some people get hives just once or only a few times in their lives. What are the types of hives (urticaria) and angioedema?There are different types of hives (urticaria) and angioedema, including:
Allergens can causes these reactions. An allergen is a substance your body doesn’t like, and your body’s immune system reacts by releasing chemicals called histamines. Histamines are a chemical made by allergy cells (mast cell) and other immune cells (eosinophils, basophils, etc) that goes into overdrive to get rid of the allergen. But your body may respond to the flood of histamines by having an allergic reaction that causes hives and swelling. People get hives and angioedema from all kinds of things, including:
What are the symptoms of hives (urticaria)?Hives look different depending on the person and the situation. They can show up anywhere on your body. Signs of hives include:
What are the symptoms of swelling (angioedema)?Signs of angioedema include:
Your doctor can diagnose hives and swelling by looking at your skin. Allergy tests can help identify what’s triggering a reaction. Knowing the cause can help you avoid allergens, hives and swelling. Allergy tests include:
Most of the time, hives and swelling go away without treatment. Your healthcare provider might recommend medications and at-home care to help you feel better and lower your chances of having hives again. Treatments include:
What are the complications of hives (urticaria) and swelling (angioedema)?Anyone who has a severe allergic reaction could have life-threatening swelling (angioedema) of the airways — your throat and lungs. This condition is known as anaphylaxis. It can potentially close off the airways, resulting in death. Anaphylaxis is often triggered by a severe allergic reaction to a certain food, like peanuts and tree nuts, or a bee sting. People having anaphylaxis need an immediate shot of epinephrine, such as injectable epinephrine (EpiPen® or AUVI-Q®). Epinephrine opens airways, raises blood pressure and reduces hives and swelling. If epinephrine is used outside of the medical setting, a trip to the ER is warranted, since symptoms can return if epinephrine wears off.
Allergy tests can help your healthcare provider figure out which substances bring on hives and swelling. Once you know your triggers, you can avoid them. You may want to:
For most people, hives don’t cause serious problems. Children often outgrow allergies that cause hives. For some people, angioedema can cause anaphylaxis — severe swelling of the airways and lungs. People with this life-threatening condition should carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen®) to treat severe allergic reactions.
Hives (urticaria) and swelling (angioedema) typically get better without treatment. Call your healthcare provider if you have:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you develop hives (urticaria) or swelling (angioedema), ask your healthcare provider:
Hives (urticaria) and swelling (angioedema) are your body’s way of responding to a substance (allergen) that it doesn’t like. These reactions are a bit uncomfortable, but are not always serious. You may develop hives alone, hives with swelling, or just swelling. Most of the time, these reactions go away in a day or two. If you are prone to hives or swelling, talk to your healthcare provider about getting an allergy test. Once you know what triggers your allergies, you can take steps to avoid your triggers.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/22/2020. References
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