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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.
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 Reactions
Hives 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 Rash
If you have an allergic reaction rash, there are some simple things you can do to help ease and reduce symptoms, such as:
- Avoiding scratching or touching the affected area
- Using a cold compress to soothe the rash
- Taking cool or tepid showers or baths (hot water can aggravate and dry out the skin)
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing and clothing made of natural fibers, which are more breathable and less likely to irritate sensitive skin
- Using emollients and moisturizers regularly to prevent the skin from becoming dry
The treatments for allergic reaction rashes vary depending on the type and cause of the rash, but they can include:
- Topical creams and ointments, such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion, to calm and soothe the affected skin
- Antihistamine medication to calm down the rash and reduce itching caused by hives
- Topical corticosteroid creams, foams, and ointments to help to relieve itching and reduce inflammation caused by eczema
Allergy Specialists in Northeastern Illinois
If 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.
