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Allergic reactions may last for varying lengths of time. They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months.
Even with adequate treatment, some allergic reactions may take two to four weeks to go away.
What is an allergic reaction?
Allergic or hypersensitive reaction is excessive sensitivity exhibited by your immune system to a conventionally harmless substance such as pollen, dust, and certain foods. These substances are not dangerous to the majority of people, but when they trigger allergic reactions, they are called allergens. Allergic reactions occur when the allergens contact the skin, are inhaled, swallowed, or injected.
Allergic reactions are quite common and may happen seconds to hours after contact with the allergen. Though many allergic reactions are mild, others may be dangerous or life-threatening. They may be localized, involve a small part of the body, or may affect a large area or the whole body.
One example of such a reaction is the rash associated with certain metal jewelry or footwear or the application of certain cosmetics. Such a rash is called contact dermatitis.
Sometimes people with allergies sneeze uncontrollably on exposure to dust or pollen. This is called allergic rhinitis
An allergic reaction begins with touching, inhaling, or swallowing an allergen. In response to this trigger, the body starts making a type of protein called IgE or immunoglobulin E. IgE leads to the release of some chemicals (such as histamine) in the body. These chemicals cause the inflammatory symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, itching, and sneezing.
What are the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction?
The symptoms of allergic reactions vary depending upon whether the allergen came in contact with the skin, was inhaled, swallowed, or injected.
The typical symptoms of allergic reactions are:
Although most allergic reactions are mild, some may need urgent medical intervention. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of hypersensitive reaction. This is a medical emergency because it can lead to a sudden choking caused by the narrowing of the windpipe. People with anaphylaxis have extreme difficulty in breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, bluish skin, and shock. It might be fatal if not treated.
How do you manage an allergic reaction?
The most effective management of allergic reactions is preventing them. Avoid the allergens whenever possible. For example, if you get rashes on wearing a certain type of jewelry or using certain cosmetics, you must avoid them. Similarly, if you are allergic to certain foods, it’s prudent to remove them from your diet.
- Avoiding allergens is important because repeated exposure may make the allergic reaction worse and more difficult to manage.
- Taking a shower or applying a cool compress may ease skin rash. It may also help to wash away any allergen clinging to your skin.
- Do not rub yourself with a towel, pat dry and apply a gentle soothing gel or moisturizer.
- Wear breathable and loose clothes.
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone or calamine lotion may help in relieving skin itching and burning.
- If your symptoms do not get better or become worse, you should seek medical help.
Patients who have a tendency to food allergies must be cautious while eating and preferably keep EpiPen with them, which is an automatic epinephrine injector used to prevent anaphylaxis in emergencies.
Your doctor may prescribe any of the several medications available to help control symptoms of allergic reactions, including:
- Antihistamines
- Medicated lotions and creams
- Steroid medications such as sprays, drops, inhalers, tablets, or creams
- Decongestants
- Severe reactions may require an EpiPen.
- Immunotherapy for long-term management of severe, unmanageable allergic reactions
References
Medscape Medical Reference
Drug rashes are the body's reaction to a certain medicine. The type of rash that happens depends on the medicine causing it and your response. Medicines have been linked to every type of rash, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The timing of the rash can also vary. It may appear right away or a few weeks after you first take the medicine.
Rashes caused by medicines can be put into one of 3 groups:
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Rashes caused by an allergic reaction to the medicine
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Rashes as an unwanted side effect of a certain medicine
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Rashes from extreme sensitivity to sunlight caused by the medicine
What are the different types of rashes caused by medicines?
| Acne | Pimples and red areas that appear most often on the face, shoulders, and chest | Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, bromides, iodides, and phenytoin |
| Exfoliative dermatitis | Red, scaly skin that may thicken and peel and involve the entire body | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, isoniazid, penicillins, and phenytoin |
| Fixed drug eruption | A dark red or purple rash that reacts at the same site | Antibiotics and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives) |
| Hives | Raised red bumps | Aspirin, certain medicine dyes, penicillins, and many other medicines |
| Morbilliform or maculopapular rash | A flat, red rash that may include pimples similar to the measles | Antibiotics, antihypertensives, and contrast dye are among more common medicines, but any medicine can cause this rash |
| Purpuric eruptions | Purple areas on the skin, often on the legs | Some anticoagulants and diuretics |
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Blisters or a hive-like rash on the lining of the mouth, vagina, or penis that can spread all over the body | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, penicillins, and certain medicines used for seizures and diabetes |
How are drug rashes diagnosed?
Diagnosing a rash caused by a reaction to medicine is complicated. First, a complete review of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be done. Even a small amount of a medicine can cause a major reaction in the skin. In addition, the reaction can occur even after you have taken a medicine for a long time. Your healthcare provider will usually advise you to stop taking any medicine that is not needed to sustain your life, to see if the reaction eases. Your provider may give you a substitute medicine, if possible. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be done to help with the diagnosis.
Treatment for drug rashes
The condition usually clears up if you stop taking the medicine that is causing the reaction. Other treatment may include:
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Corticosteroids
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Antihistamines
Allergic reactions can be serious and even fatal. If a rash develops, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.