A number of allergic skin reactions can cause rashes and red, bumpy or scaly patches, report doctors at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). Through skin patch tests, allergists can determine the source of the reaction and advise patients on appropriate treatments.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines often are prescribed to treat hives and angiodema. The medication works to relieve the symptoms of the reaction, which can include itching, rashes and swelling. Once identified, the source of the problem should be avoided. Doctors at the AAAAI report that allergens that cause hives can take days to leave the system, during which time the medication can help patients feel more comfortable.
Cold Soaks
Cold soaks and cold compresses are used to treat contact dermatitis, which causes severe itching and red blisters. One of the most common causes of contact dermatitis is poison ivy, which contains urushiol, a chemical to which many people are allergic. Washing the skin after contact can stop the spread of the dermatitis, which can take 14 to 28 days to completely dissipate. Other common causes of contact dermatitis include nickel, latex, perfumes, dyes and cosmetics. The cold soaks can help to relieve the discomfort of the reaction, while topical corticosteroid creams can help to lessen the severity of the reaction and speed the healing. Patients are advised to avoid the cause of the outbreak.
Antibiotics
For treatment of eczema, a common condition that usually affects the face, knees and elbows, doctors at the AAAAI recommend a variety of treatments. Antibiotics are prescribed when the eczema is a result of a staph infection. Cold compresses are used to cool down the heat of the rash, while topical corticosteroid and calcineurin inhibitor creams are prescribed to treat the rash and promote healing. Antihistamines relieve the itching. Common causes of eczema that patients must avoid can include cat dander and house dust or irritants such as wool or soap.
Immunotherapy
Allergy injections are a form of immunotherapy used to treat allergy symptoms over a three to five year period, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. In the first three to seven months, the body becomes desensitized to the substance, and symptoms will decrease. Maintainance shots are required about once a month to complete the process. Allergy shots involve injecting a tiny portion of the substance that causes the skin allergies to allow the body to build up immunity to the material. The body becomes desensitized to the allergen and stops reacting when exposed to the substance. Allergy shots are best suited for people who cannot avoid the allergens that cause the outbreaks or for those who want to decrease or eliminate the need for other regular allergy medications.
