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All about allergic rash: from symptoms to 3 effective treatment methods

An allergic rash causes unpleasant itching, redness or painful blisters. How to recognize it, treat it effectively and what to do to prevent it from coming back?

What is an allergic rash
Allergic rash, a common form of which is urticaria, is a defensive reaction of the body that manifests itself on the skin after contact with a certain allergen. These are substances that are not normally harmful, but the body reacts to them hypersensitively. It can be caused by many factors, from food to cosmetics to pollen or animal allergens.
What an allergic rash looks like
- The appearance of red spots,
- itching,
- dry, scaly skin,
- blistering,
- swelling.
We often encounter allergic rash in children, which can be caused by an underdeveloped immune system or allergies (to certain foods, pollen or mites). Allergic rash in minnies and children has the same symptoms as in adults.
It can appear anywhere on the body, most often on areas that come into contact with the allergen. Allergic rash on the face, neck, hands or feet is common.
If an itchy rash occurs all over the body, it may not only be a reaction of the body to the allergen, but also a symptom of infectious or other diseases (e.g. measles, rubella, chicken pox, etc.).
If a severe allergic reaction occurs, such as anaphylactic shock, it is a life-threatening condition that manifests itself as rapid narrowing of the airways, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, shortness of breath and low blood pressure. In this case, using an EpiPen, which contains adrenaline, and calling the emergency services will help.
Causes of an allergic rash (triggers)
The most common causes of allergic rash include:
Food
Certain foods such as nuts, milk or seafood are common allergens and can trigger a so-called food allergy.
Cosmetic products and chemicals
Creams, perfumes, cleaning products or jewellery containing nickel often trigger contact dermatitis.
Animal allergens and pollens
Animal hair, dander or saliva can cause a rash in more sensitive individuals. This is similar to pollen from flowers or grasses.
Medicines
Allergic rash after antibiotics, aspirin or blood pressure medication is common. The immunological reaction may not show up right away, in some cases symptoms appear a week or more after the medication.
The Sun
You can recognise an allergic rash to the sun by itchy red pimples or papules where your skin has been exposed to the sun's rays.
Stress
Stress rash is one of the most common dermatological problems. Chronic stress can have negative effects on our health and often manifests itself first on the skin.
When stressed, our body produces a hormone called cortisol, which causes increased sebum production in the skin glands, but also inflammation in the body that manifests itself in various skin problems (e.g. rashes).
When does the allergic rash disappear
Acute urticaria can last for hours or days, but disappears within hours or days after contact with the allergen is removed. You may struggle with contact dermatitis for several weeks and eczema, which is a chronic condition, for many years.
Types of allergic skin rashes
The manifestations of an allergic rash can take different forms depending on the specific type of allergic reaction. The most common include:
Contact dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction that occurs after the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen such as certain chemicals, cosmetics, metals (e.g. nickel) or plants. Typical manifestations are redness, itching and blistering at the site of contact.
Urticaria (hives)
Urticaria manifests as itchy, reddened patches or raised welts on the skin. It can be acute, lasting a few days or weeks, or chronic, lasting more than 6 weeks. Hives are often triggered by foods, medications, or other allergens.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
You can recognise eczema by dry, inflamed and itchy skin. This type of rash is common in people with hypersensitive immune systems and often occurs in children. The skin tends to be irritated, peels and develops small cracks.
Angioedema
A deeper swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, most commonly occurring on the face (around the eyes, lips), neck or extremities. It can be triggered by food or medication and usually disappears within 24 hours. In severe cases where it affects the respiratory tract, it requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of allergic rash
With an allergic rash, it is important to find out what caused it. An accurate diagnosis will not only help you treat the rash, but also allow you to avoid further reactions in the future.
First, the dermatologist will take a detailed medical history, during which he or she is interested in your symptoms, the medications you are taking and the foods you have recently consumed. Other methods of diagnosis include:
Skin tests
These tests involve applying small amounts of various allergens to the skin. If you react to an allergen with redness or swelling, your doctor can easily identify what you are allergic to.
Blood tests
A blood test can reveal the presence of specific antibodies that the body makes in response to certain allergens. This test is especially useful for patients who have severe or chronic allergies.
Skin biopsy
In some cases, when the cause of the rash is not obvious, the doctor will take a small sample of the skin and examine it under a microscope. This procedure helps to rule out other possible skin diseases.
Prevention of allergic skin rash
The best treatment is always prevention. If you know what causes your allergic reaction, try to avoid contact with that allergen. In some cases, you may need to adjust your lifestyle, including your eating habits, reduce stress or change the products you use to minimise the risk of an allergic rash.
Good eating habits play a vital role in preventing allergic rash. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel), nuts and seeds, along with antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables (especially vitamins A, C and E) support the immune system and help to reduce the symptoms of allergies.
Conversely, you should avoid foods that can increase the risk of allergic reactions (highly spicy foods, alcohol and foods high in histamine, such as tomatoes, cheese or chocolate).
Proper skin care can also significantly reduce the risk of developing an allergic rash. This includes the regular use of moisturisers, which help to keep the skin supple and strengthen its protective barrier. Choose products that are suitable for sensitive skin and do not contain irritating ingredients.
Treatment of allergic rashes
To treat an allergic rash, it's important to find out what causes it, and if it persists for a long time, it's always a good idea to see a dermatologist. The treatment of an allergic rash depends on its cause and severity. The aim is to relieve the itching, soothe the irritated skin and prevent the rash from spreading.
The main treatment options include:
1. soothing ointments and creams
Ointments containing zinc oxide (e.g. calamine) should be used for mild reactions or to soothe irritated skin. These products cool, relieve itching and promote skin healing.
Dermaguard works in a similar way, creating an invisible barrier on the skin against irritants while hydrating and protecting the skin for up to 6 hours. Dermaguard can be purchased on our e-shop.
2. Antihistamines
These are medications that block the effect of histamine, which the body releases during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can be given in the form of tablets, drops or ointments to quickly relieve itching and redness.
3. Corticosteroids
In more severe cases of allergic rash, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. They are applied topically (ointments) or taken in tablet form if the reaction is more extensive.
Home treatment for allergic rash
Traditional home treatment also works for allergic rash.
For example, try a cold compress, which brings quick relief from itching and reduces inflammation. Simply apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure as needed until the skin condition improves.
Oatmeal baths are another great option. Oatmeal has natural soothing properties and helps reduce irritation and itching. Add finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath (or put it in a sock) and relax in it for at least 20 minutes. You can also buy a ready-made oatmeal bath.
Herbs such as chamomile or calendula are also popular helpers for soothing irritated skin. Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and calendula helps speed healing and relieves redness.
Prepare an infusion of these herbs (250 ml of water and one heaped teaspoon of the herb) and use this as a poultice on the affected areas.
However, it is important to test the tolerance of these herbs when using them as they may cause further irritation in some people.
Conclusion
Allergic rash can be unpleasant, but with proper skin care, avoidance of allergens and appropriate treatment, its symptoms can be effectively alleviated.