Theres nothing like a where-did-this-come-from bang out of skin rash to throw you for a loop.
No idea whats causing those raised, itchy bumps and splotches?
Thats not entirely surprising.
In some cases, your skin rash might be an allergic reaction.
Allergies are no jokewhen left unchecked, they can snowball into more serious health complications.
How can you tell if your skin rash might be an allergic reaction?
Ahead, learn about the signs you should keep on your radar.
Why do allergic reactions sometimes manifest as skin rashes?
Heres the thing: The link between allergies and skin rashes depends on thetype of allergic reactionyoure dealing with.
Different allergens cause symptoms in different ways.
This involves a classic immediate allergic reaction.
But sometimes, those immune cells mistake typically benign substances, like food, as a threat.
What are signs your skin rash might be an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction can manifest as a skin rash in myriad ways.
It depends on many factors, including the cause and severity of your reaction.
It might even be what made you first notice the rash.
However, its important to note that itchiness is different from pain.
In severe cases, it can feel like burning, Dr. Ungar says.
But since itchiness has many possible causes, its crucial to consider other characteristics of your rash as well.
This depends on your complexion as well as your specific symptoms.
For example, if you have a lighter skin tone, youll likely experience red or pink discoloration.
If your rash is accompanied by swelling, take note.
Both food allergies and contact dermatitis can cause this symptom, according to theAAFA.
When swelling in the throat occurs, its considered an emergency.
A rash that consists of hives indicates an allergic reaction, Dr. Ungar says.
More specifically, it points to a food allergy and it often appears with intense itching.
One other thing to note is that hives are not always related to food allergies.
If your rash consists of blisters, it could point to severe allergic contact dermatitis.
Blisters are fluid-filled sacs beneath the top layer of your skin, according to theCleveland Clinic.
If you have blisters, take a stab at keep them intact.
you might do this by covering the bumps with a bandage and gauze.
When is an allergy-induced skin rash an emergency?
The emergency signs depend on the reaction youre experiencing.
These symptoms can include difficulty breathing, and in some cases, anaphylaxis.
This is a life-threatening reaction that needs medical assistance ASAP.
That being said, according to theU.S.
National Library of Medicine, you should seek emergency help if you have:
As for allergic contact dermatitis?
In this scenario, the main concern is the risk of a skin infection.
This can happen when constant scratchingor burst blistersbreak the skin.
If you think your rash is infected, be sure to get medical help.
How do you treat a skin rash because of an allergic reaction?
The best treatment for an allergy-induced skin rash depends on the underlying reaction.
If your rash is triggered by a mild food allergy, oral medications calledantihistaminescan do the trick.
For more severe food allergies, youll need an emergency injection of epinephrine.
Youll likely need to apply the cream once or twice daily for two to four weeks.
In either case, you’re free to stave off allergy-induced rashes by avoiding the allergens in question.
Depending on your symptoms, they may suggest you see a dermatologist, allergist, or both.
With their help youll be able to determine whats causing your symptomsand ultimately keep your skin healthy.
