Everything you need to know about allergic rashes: from symptoms to 3 effective treatment methods

What is an allergic rash?
An allergic rash, a common form of which is hives, is a defensive reaction of the body that manifests itself on the skin after contact with a certain allergen. These are substances that are not normally harmful, but the body reacts to them with hypersensitivity. It can be caused by many factors, from food and cosmetics to pollen or animal allergens.
What does an allergic rash look like?
– red spots,
– itching,
– dry, flaky skin,
– blistering,
– swelling.
Allergic rashes are common in children and can be caused by an underdeveloped immune system or allergies (to certain foods, pollen, or dust mites). Allergic rashes in infants and children have the same symptoms as in adults.
They can appear anywhere on the body, most often in places that come into contact with the allergen. Allergic rashes are common on the face, neck, hands, or feet.
If an itchy rash appears all over the body, it may not only be the body's reaction to an allergen, but also a symptom of an infectious or other disease (e.g., measles, rubella, chickenpox, etc.).
In the event of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, this is a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid narrowing of the airways, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. In such cases, use an EpiPen injection pen containing adrenaline and call emergency services.
Causes of allergic rashes (triggers)
The most common causes of allergic rashes include:
Food
Certain foods, such as nuts, milk, or seafood, are common allergens and can cause food allergies.
Cosmetics and chemicals
Creams, perfumes, cleaning products, or jewelry containing nickel often cause contact dermatitis.
Animal allergens and pollen
Animal fur, dander, or saliva can cause a rash in sensitive individuals. The same is true for flower or grass pollen.
Medications
Allergic rashes are common after taking antibiotics, aspirin, or blood pressure medications. The immune response may not occur immediately; in some cases, symptoms appear a week or more after taking the medication.
Sun
You can recognize an allergic rash caused by the sun by itchy red pimples or papules on areas of your skin that have been exposed to sunlight.
Stress
Stress rash is one of the most common dermatological problems. Chronic stress can have negative effects on our health and often manifests itself first on the skin.
When we are stressed, our body produces a hormone called cortisol, which causes increased sebum production in the skin glands, but also inflammation in the body, manifesting itself in various skin problems (e.g., rashes).
When does an allergic rash disappear?
Acute hives can last for hours or days, but disappear within a few hours to days after contact with the allergen is removed. Contact dermatitis can last for several weeks, and eczema, which is a chronic condition, can last for many years.
Types of allergic skin rashes
Allergic rashes can take various forms depending on the specific type of allergic reaction. The most common include:
Contact dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction that occurs after the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen, such as certain chemicals, cosmetics, metals (e.g., nickel), or plants. Typical symptoms include redness, itching, and blisters at the site of contact.
Hives (urticaria)
Hives appear as itchy, red patches or raised welts on the skin. They can be acute, lasting several days or weeks, or chronic, lasting longer than 6 weeks. Hives are often triggered by foods, medications, or other allergens.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema is characterized by dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. This type of rash is common in people with hypersensitive immune systems and often occurs in children. The skin is irritated, flaky, and small cracks appear.
Angioedema
Deep swelling of the skin or mucous membranes, most commonly occurring on the face (around the eyes, lips), neck, or limbs. It can be triggered by food or medication and usually disappears within 24 hours. In severe cases, when it affects the airways, it requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of allergic rash
With an allergic rash, it is important to find out what caused it. An accurate diagnosis will not only help you treat the rash, but also allow you to avoid further reactions in the future.
First, a dermatologist will take a detailed medical history, asking about your symptoms, medications you are taking, and foods you have recently eaten. Other diagnostic methods include:
Skin tests
These tests involve applying small amounts of different allergens to the skin. If you react to an allergen with redness or swelling, the doctor can easily identify what you are allergic to.
Blood tests
A blood test can reveal the presence of specific antibodies that the body produces in response to certain allergens. This test is particularly suitable for patients who have severe or chronic allergies.
Skin biopsy
In some cases where the cause of the rash is not clear, your doctor will take a small sample of skin and examine it under a microscope. This procedure helps rule out other possible skin conditions.
Prevention of allergic skin rashes
Prevention is always the best treatment. If you know what causes your allergic reaction, try to avoid contact with that allergen. In some cases, you may need to adjust your lifestyle, including your eating habits, reduce stress, or change the products you use to minimize the risk of an allergic rash.
Proper eating habits play a crucial role in preventing allergic rashes. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel), nuts, and seeds, along with antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables (especially vitamins A, C, and E) support the immune system and help alleviate allergy symptoms.
On the other hand, you should avoid foods that may increase the risk of allergic reactions (spicy foods, alcohol, and foods high in histamine, such as tomatoes, cheese, or chocolate).
Proper skin care can also significantly reduce the risk of allergic rashes. This includes regular use of moisturizing creams to help keep the skin supple and strengthen its protective barrier. Choose products that are suitable for sensitive skin and do not contain irritating ingredients.
Treatment of allergic rashes
To treat an allergic rash, it is important to find out what is causing it, and if it persists, it is always a good idea to see a dermatologist. Treatment for allergic rashes depends on their cause and severity. The goal is to relieve itching, soothe irritated skin, and prevent the rash from spreading.
The main treatment options include:
1. Soothing ointments and creams
For mild reactions or to soothe irritated skin, it is advisable to use ointments containing zinc oxide (e.g., calamine). These products cool, relieve itching, and promote skin healing.
Dermaguard works in a similar way, creating an invisible barrier on the skin against irritants while moisturizing and protecting the skin for up to 6 hours. You can purchase Dermaguard in our e-shop.
2. Antihistamines
These are drugs that block the effect of histamine, which the body releases during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can be administered in the form of tablets, drops, or ointments, which quickly relieve itching and redness.
3. Corticosteroids
In more severe cases of allergic rash, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. They are applied topically (ointments) or taken in tablet form if the reaction is more widespread.
Home treatment for allergic rash
Traditional home remedies are also effective for allergic rash.
Try a cold compress, which provides quick relief from itching and reduces inflammation. Simply apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area for 10–15 minutes. Repeat as needed until the skin improves.
Oatmeal baths are another great option. Oatmeal has natural soothing properties and helps reduce irritation and itching. Add finely ground oatmeal to a warm bath (or put it in a sock) and relax in it for at least 20 minutes. You can also buy ready-made oatmeal baths.
Herbs such as chamomile and calendula are also popular remedies for soothing irritated skin. Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and calendula helps speed up healing and reduce redness.
Prepare an infusion from these herbs (250 ml of water and one heaped teaspoon of herbs) and use it as a compress on the affected areas.
However, when using these herbs, it is important to test their tolerability, as they may cause further irritation in some people.
Conclusion
Allergic rashes can be unpleasant, but with proper skin care, avoidance of allergens, and appropriate treatment, their symptoms can be effectively alleviated.

Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8630-hives
https://www.healthline.com/health/hives
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-overview