Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Rash

How Do You Get Rid Of An Allergic Reaction Rash

People with sensitive skin easily react to irritants and allergens. Examples of irritants include fragrance, essential oils, perfumes, and talc. Examples of allergens are pet dander, dust, mold, pollen, and certain foods such as peanuts.

If you have an overactive immune system, then your skin rashes are likely due to an allergic reaction. People who develop a rash in response to an allergen usually suffer from hay fever, too.

Rashes that appear on the skin due to an allergic reaction are usually intense and feature redness, itching, and burning. An allergist can help you keep your allergic rashes under control while also helping you to understand their cause, so you can avoid future exposure to the allergen.

Home Remedies For Skin Rash

Although avoiding contact with pollen will prevent you from developing a seasonal allergies skin rash, this is not always a viable option. However, there are several home remedies you can try and apply to irritated areas of skin to try to ease your symptoms.

Often keeping the affected area of skin cool helps to soothe irritation and heals the rash more quickly. Clay poultices, such as bentonite clay, can sometimes help skin problems, although you should be careful that these poultices are natural, as any chemical ingredient will only worsen your condition.

Oatmeal can also be effective in easing skin rashes as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be made into a paste by mixing a little water with some uncooked oatmeal, which can then be directly applied to the skin.

Lemon has also been used to treat itchy skin, as it has strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, it may sting a little when initially applied, particularly so if the skin is broken.

Aloe vera gel, peppermint or basil leaves applied directly to the skin are also traditionally used to ease skin problems, as they have a soothing effect on the skin by reducing itching and inflammation.

Skin Rash Hives Causes

Canine Skin Allergy. Skin Allergy could be caused by a number of substances. For instance, it could be a reaction to food, to insecticides such as lawn treatment, or to soap. If you have recently changed your dogs food or shampoo, or started walking your dog in a new area or begun having a new lawn treatment applied in your yard, this may be causing your dogs rash.

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Are There Ways To Reduce Your Allergy Exposure

Here are several ways to minimize your exposure to seasonal allergies:

• Pay attention to daily pollen and mold spore levels, so you can avoid outdoor activities as much as possible when counts are high. To check out the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunologys allergen tracker, .
• Begin taking medications before the start of the allergy seasonwhen pollen, grass, ragweed, or mold counts soar.
• Shut the windows and doors in your home, office, and car to seal out pollen.
• Wear a hat when outdoors or wash your hair before bed to keep pollen off your pillow and away from your face.
• Change your clothes after spending time outdoors to minimize your exposure to pollen. Studies show that half of the pollen that accumulates on clothing remains even if you try to shake or brush it off before you go indoors.
• Avoid mowing the grass or raking moldy leaves if those are your triggers, or wear a mask when doing so.

The Connection Between Allergy And Eczema

While eczema is not an allergy, it can flare-up if your skin comes in contact with substances that cause allergic reactions or if you eat foods that you are sensitive to. When your body overreacts to harmless substances, such as food or pollen, your immune system considers them toxins that need to be eliminated. This can result in sneezing, swelling, runny nose, or itching, hives, and rashes. Some common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Chemicals in cosmetics and fabrics
• Metals such as nickel used in jewelry and buttons

There was a time when scientists believed that eczema was solely the result of allergies. However, we now understand that the link is more complex. Research into the connection between autoimmune conditions, genetics, and overexposure to chemicals in our environment and food supply are now being seen as threads woven into the fabric of the health of our skin.

And continued research into the above will shed further light on why and how supposedly harmless substances trigger atopic dermatitis and eczema outbreaks in some people and not others.

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Common Skin Rashes From Allergies

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin that can be itchy, red, and painful and may involve blisters, bumps, or areas of raw skin. Rashes are symptoms of conditions that can come about in response to an allergy, toxin, infection, or larger systemic disease. The appearance of a rash can range from an almost incidental swelling of tissues to an outbreak of painful eruptive sores.

Limit The Use Of Decongestants But Take Antihistamines

In the fight against other allergy symptoms, you may take decongestants. Decongestants bring relief to respiratory symptoms. But, they are dehydrating and can cause dry, itchy skin. Thats a terrible side effect when youre itchy to start. While taking decongestants, be sure to drink more than the recommended amount of water to keep your skin and the rest of your body hydrated.

Do take antihistamines to combat your itchy skin from seasonal allergies. Start taking your allergy medication at the first signs of symptoms and dont stop until allergy season ends. New generations of allergy medication dont cause drowsiness and are safe to take for an extended period of time.

A word of caution about discontinuing use of allergy medication: while the FDA doesnt officially recognize itching skin as a withdrawal symptom of cetirizine hydrochloride the internet is full of people that are faced with this side effect when they stop taking this allergy medication cold turkey.

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Seasonal Allergies And Itchy Skin

Sometimes, allergies can cause itching. However, this isnt usually a symptom for seasonal allergies. If you notice itchy skin around allergy season, then you might be dealing with another issue. You should also pay attention to other seasonal factors that can cause itching. For instance, the summertime can bring itchy skin due to sun exposure, and winter can bring itchy skin due to dryness. Since everyone reacts to different seasonal allergens, pay attention to which season is worse for you.

Can Seasonal Alergies Cause Shortness Of Breath

Its enough that allergy season can turn a nice spring day into a chore, but if you have COPD, allergies can worsen, so its important to keep them in check. Though very different conditions, COPD and allergies share some symptoms, such as coughing, producing excess phlegm or mucous, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

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Can Hay Fever Cause A Rash

While other symptoms of hay fever are traced to breathing pollens and other allergens, hay fever rashes can often be traced to allergens coming in direct contact with the skin.

For instance, you may be touching various pollens in plants and flowers when youre working in your yard. When compounded by the fact that youre stirring up these pollens by working in flowerbeds, you have a recipe for a skin irritation that can develop into a full-blown skin rash or hives.

A rash may be mistaken for hives. Hives are generally caused by an allergic reaction to something thats been ingested or inhaled. However, hives can occur as a result of hay fever.

The first symptoms youll notice are itchiness and possibly red patches or eruptions on the skin. These look more like welts than bumps, with edges that are clearly defined. The surface of the skin will appear swollen, almost as if youve been scalded.

As time goes on, the spots may increase in size. They may even disappear and later reappear. Hives specifically tend to turn white when pressed.

What Causes Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis can be caused by a wide variety of allergens and requires a minimum of two separate exposures. The first exposure sensitizes the person to the agent in question, while the second exposure brings on the rash.

According to Dr. Choate, allergic contact dermatitis is a condition that causes progressively more serious reactions. It typically can worsen over time. The initial rash may be relatively mild, he says. “And each subsequent time you’re exposed, it can actually get worse and worse until it reaches a maximum severity.

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Food Allergy Rash Toddler

If your child develops a significant food allergy rash all over their body, but no other symptoms of a food allergy reaction, call your doctor immediately. Continue to monitor your child for other symptoms of a food allergy reaction, because if other severe symptoms emerge, your child will have anaphylaxis.

What Is A Skin Allergy

A skin allergy is when skin becomes irritated because the immune system reacted to something that is usually harmless. This is called an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can cause rash, itching, burning, redness, bumps, hives, and swelling. Many different allergens can cause a reaction. Below are some of the most common allergic skin conditions:

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Getting To The Root Of The Problem

While itchy skin isnt usually a seasonal allergy symptom, it can be for some people. The key is to look at all of your symptoms. If you have seasonal allergies and itchy skin at the same time, then there might be a link. However, if the itching is your only problem, then there is likely a different culprit.

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergies

Allergy symptoms are classified as mild, moderate or severe:

• Mild reactions include local symptoms such as a rash or hives, itchiness, watery/red eyes, hay fever and runny nose. Mild reactions do not spread to other parts of your body.
• Moderate reactions include symptoms that spread to other parts of your body. Symptoms may include itchiness, hives, and/or swelling and trouble breathing.
• A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is a rare, life-threatening emergency in which your bodys response to the allergen is sudden and affects the whole body. Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of your eyes or face. Within minutes, more serious symptoms appear, including throat swelling , abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives and swelling . You may also have mental confusion or dizziness, since anaphylaxis may cause a drop in blood pressure.

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What Are The Types Of Allergies And How Are They Treated

You can be allergic to a wide variety of substances including pollen, animal dander, mold and dust mites.

Pollen

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen. It causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and of the protective tissue of your eyes .

Symptoms include sneezing, congestion , and itchy, watery eyes, nose and mouth. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription oral antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and nasal cromolyn. In some people, allergic asthma symptoms can be caused by exposure to pollen.

Your symptoms can be reduced by avoiding pollen. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, close your windows, and use air conditioning. Ask your healthcare provider about immunotherapy to treat pollen allergy.

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpet, and upholstery. Dust mites grow in warm, humid areas.

The symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those of pollen allergy. To help manage dust mite allergies, try using dust mite encasements over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Also, remove carpet, or vacuum frequently with a high-efficiency filter vacuum cleaner. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance methods and medications.

Molds

What About Herbal Remedies

Alfred Vogel, the well-known Swiss naturopath, was a great believer in treating the problem from the root. In this case, treating seasonal allergies can help the symptoms such as skin rash.

He devised a remedy for allergies consisting of seven different herbs to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies, now found in Pollinosan Allergy Relief Tablets. It is a non-drowsy remedy which can be used alongside other seasonal allergies remedies.

If you are looking for a remedy specifically to soothe an allergy induced rash, then a cream containing Neem leaf extract may be effective. This can be found in herbal creams such as Neem Cream.

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How Are Allergies Treated

Although avoiding the allergen is an important treatment approach, it usually doesnt completely end the allergic reaction.

Medications such as antihistamines , decongestants , or a combination of over-the-counter and prescription medications, are used to treat your allergy symptoms. Nasal sprays such as topical nasal steroids , cromolyn sodium, and topical nasal antihistamines also can be used to treat allergy symptoms.

Asthma medications, which reduce allergy symptoms, include:

• Inhaled bronchodilators.
• Oral anti-leukotrienes .
• Injected medications, such as omalizumab , dupilumab , reslizumab , benralizumab , or Mepolizumab .

Immunotherapy or allergy oral immunotherapy is recommended if your symptoms arent adequately controlled with a combination of avoidance measures and regular medication use. This shot has been shown to be effective in properly selected patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma.

Another treatment option is saline irrigation using a sinus rinse kit. These rinse kits are sold over-the-counter or can be made at home. To make your own rinse, combine one-half teaspoon non-iodinated salt with one-half teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of distilled or boiled water. This mixture rinses out allergens and decreases the amount of inflammation they cause.

How Can You Find Relief

Preventing allergy rashes starts with treating the allergy. Your dermatologist may refer you to an allergist to diagnose and treat your skins sensitivities. However, if youre experiencing a condition like atopic dermatitis or eczema, a dermatologist can help you find relief. They may recommend an over-the-counter product or prescribe a cream. Just be sure to always talk to a dermatologist before trying a product on your rash.

If allergy season triggers your eczema, it can be helpful to keep a detailed log of your flare ups. This will help your dermatologist narrow down the cause of the flare up and recommend appropriate treatment. They may want to rule out other potential irritants like laundry detergent, fabrics, and other household items. And again, they may refer you to an allergist.

Overall, staying away from allergy triggers and covering up your skin can be helpful during allergy season. This is especially true when youll be spending the day outdoors. If you have indoor allergies, be sure to clean your home regularly to remove dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander from surfaces.

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How Are Seasonal Allergies Treated

Seasonal allergies are treated in a variety of ways. Most often, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines help suppress the bodys immune response, providing relief from symptoms. Decongestants can be used to relieve congestion. Over-the-counter cough medications are commonly recommended as well.

For people who need additional relief, antihistamine or steroidal nose sprays can be prescribed by your doctor. These help calm the bodys immune response to seasonal airborne allergens.

If you need more specialized care, your doctor may recommend allergen immunotherapy. This helps your immune system build up a tolerance against an allergen by exposing you to the irritant in small doses. Allergen immunotherapy can be given in two ways:

• Subcutaneous injections: Once your doctor determines what youre allergic to, she administers a series of shots containing those specific allergens. The shots are given in the doctors office over many months or years, usually in the arm.
• Sublingual immunotherapy: As an alternative to injections, you can try prescription tablets or drops that dissolve under the tongue . Sublingual immunotherapy is only available for grass and ragweed allergies, however.

How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Skin

How Allergies Affect Skin. As much as we find ourselves waiting for temperatures to spike, for those with seasonal allergies, the changing of the weather can be a double-edged sword. According to Dr. Zeichner, people with seasonal allergies are more likely to experience dry, itchy, irritated skin. He says, “In predisposed people, exposure to allergens in the air can lead to widespread allergic skin rashes.”.

Can Seasonal Allergies Give You A Rash. by Dr. Douglas. Although most food allergies develop when you are a child, they can, rarely, develop as an adult. The most common food allergies for adults are shellfish both crustaceans and mollusks as well as tree nuts, peanuts and fish.

Skin rash is a very under-publicised symptom of seasonal allergies. Although it does not affect all seasonal allergies sufferers, it can be extremely irritating for those who do experience it. Common symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as congestion or itchy eyes, occur when pollen is inhaled, triggering a reaction in these tissues. However, some people also react to pollen landing on their skin.

According to Dr. Zeichner, people with seasonal allergies are more likely to experience dry, itchy, irritated skin. He says, “In predisposed people, exposure to allergens in the air can lead to widespread allergic skin rashes.”. See also A Thousand Splendid Suns Rasheed& 39.

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Types Of Skin Allergies

They come in different forms. Here are the most common kinds:

Contact dermatitis. If youâve ever gotten a rash after wearing a new ring or using a different soap, youâve probably had this condition.

Your skin touches an allergen, like nickel or a chemical in a soap, lotion, or sunscreen.

Particles in the air, such as pollen, can also trigger dermatitis when they land on the skin. Your doctor may call this âairborne contact dermatitis.â

In some cases, youâll have a reaction only after youâve been in the sun. This is sometimes called âphotoallergic contact dermatitis.â Itâs brought on by some chemicals, such as those in sunscreens, shaving lotion, and perfumes.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. They include:

• Redness
• Scaly patches
• Rashes

You usually donât get a reaction right away. It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days.

Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks.

Learn more about contact dermatitis causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Hives. These are raised, itchy red welts or bumps. Contact dermatitis can trigger them, but allergic reactions to insect bites, medications, and foods can also bring on a reaction. Hives tend to appear right away, and they fade within a few hours or days.

Read more on what you need to know about hives.

• Animal dander

Read more on the symptoms of latex allergies.