Urgent Care for Allergic Reaction Treatment Q&A

Allergic reaction rash is also known as contact dermatitis, it usually shows up being red and itchy and is caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to something. This rash isn’t contagious by any means or even life-threatening, but it can make you very uncomfortable.

Contact dermatitis or skin rash usually occurs on areas of your body that have been directly in contact with a reaction-causing substance like poison ivy. The rash usually develops within minutes to hours of exposure and can last anywhere from two to four weeks if you do not go see a medical professional for faster treatment.

Signs and symptoms of skin rashes include:
 
• Red rash
• Itching, which can become worse
• Dry, cracked, and scaly skin
• Bumps and blisters, sometimes can become oozing and crusty
• Swelling, burning, or tenderness
 
A few common allergies that can cause irritations to include:
 
• Solvents
• Rubbing alcohol
• Bleach and detergents
• Shampoos, permanent wave solutions
• Airborne substances, such as sawdust or wool dust
• Plants
• Fertilizers and pesticides

Depending on each individual and if you can make sure you no longer come in contact with the irritant that caused the allergic reaction in the first place, it usually can clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.
 
However, you will need to see a doctor if:
 
• The rash is uncomfortable that you are losing sleep or distracted from your daily activities
• Rash becomes sudden, painful, severe, or widespread
• If you are embarrassed by the way your skin looks due to the allergic reaction rash
• The rash does not get any better within three weeks
• The rash affects your face or your genitals
 
Seek immediate medical attention if the following situations occur:
 
• You think your skin is infected. Example: fever, pus oozing from the blisters
• Your lungs, eyes, or nasal passages are painful and inflamed, perhaps from inhaling the allergen.
• You think the rash may have damaged the mucous lining of your mouth and digestive tract

To treat a rash or contact dermatitis effectively, you will need to identify and avoid the cause of the allergic rash. If you can avoid the offending substance, the rash can normally clear up in two to four weeks. If it becomes worse, contact experienced doctors of Priority Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic to have your allergic reaction rash looked at for a more effective treatment solution.
 
A few general steps you can follow to avoid re-occurring allergic reactions can be:
 
• Avoid irritants and allergens
Try to figure out what caused the allergic reaction in the first place and avoid anything that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction.
 
• Wash your skin
You might be able to remove most of the allergic rash-causing substance if you wash your skin immediately after coming into contact with it.
 
• Wear protective clothing or gloves
Face masks, goggles, gloves, and other protective items can shield you from anything that may irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

• Apply an iron-on patch to cover metal fasteners next to your skin
This iron-on patch can help you to avoid a reaction to jeans snaps or other metal fasteners.
 
• Apply a barrier cream or gel
A barrier cream or gel can provide a protective layer for your skin.
 
• Use moisturizer
Regularly moisturizing your skin can help to restore your skins outermost layer.
 
• Take care of all pets
Allergens from plants can cling to pets and then spread to other people.

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