An iodine allergy may be difficult to diagnose and often disguises itself as a common food allergy. Iodine allergies can produce uncomfortable symptoms such as hives, itching, restricted breathing and inflammation. Once you have been diagnosed with an iodine allergy, you must learn to avoid triggers and treat allergic reactions as they occur. Minimizing your reaction symptoms is key to preventing medical complications such as anaphalaxys.
Step 1
Apply hydrocortisone cream to hives. Hydrocortisone is a steroid cream that decreases inflammation and helps alleviate itching due to iodine allergy reactions. You may also take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce symptoms, such as diphenhydramine.
Step 2
Inject epinephrine using a doctor-prescribed epinephrin injector. Injectors look like small pens that administer medication to your body to quickly relieve allergy symptoms such as restricted airways. According to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, you are more likely to recover quickly if you use your injection pen promptly during an anaphylactic reaction.
Step 3
Place an ice pack on itchy skin to help reduce inflammation and ease itching. Cold temperature from the ice will restrict blood flow to the affected area for a short time, slowing the progress of your body's natural fighting response to the iodine.
Step 4
Lie down with your feet propped on a pillow to increase oxygen to your lungs. Difficulty breathing is a major sign that your airways are restricting due to your iodine allergy. Lying down with your feet propped on a pillow will help oxygen enter the lungs and prevent tissue damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Always let medical staff know you have an iodine allergy. Media used to perform certain radiological tests contain iodine that can trigger an allergic reaction.
- If you experience breathing problems or a severe allergic reaction call 911 immediately for emergency care.
References
- "American Journal of Roentgenology"; Iodine Allergy: An Oyster Without a Pearl; Fergus V. Coakley, et al.; 1997
- National Institutes of Health: MedLine Plus: Iodine
- University of California, San Francisco: Iodine Allergy and Contrast Administration
- Food Allergy and Anaphalaxys Network: Food Allergy Action Plan
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