An allergic rash occurs when skin develops red bumps or welts that itch due to an allergic response to something a person has had contact with or eaten. An allergic rash can affect one small section of the body, many areas of the body, or even the entire body.

• Hives (elevated, itchy, skin-colored or red welts) are one type of allergic rash. When hives occur around the face, especially the lips and eyes, the swelling is called angioedema.
• It can often be very difficult, even for a trained healthcare provider, to decide whether a rash is due to an allergy, infection or some other cause.

Some common causes of an allergic rash include:

• Plants (poison ivy or oak)
• Pollen
• Medications (penicillin, sulfa)
• Insect bites and stings (mosquitoes, bees)
• Foods (such as shellfish, milk, eggs, peanuts)
• Animals (cats, dogs)
• Metals (nickel)
• Cosmetics and cleaning agents (soap, laundry detergent)
• Latex (medical gloves, adhesive bandages)

A rash due to an allergic response may not happen the first time you are exposed to a substance. It can take several exposures before your body responds with an allergic rash and/or hives.

• Once identified, the substance or item causing an allergic rash should be avoided or removed.
• If a rash is caused by skin contact with a certain substance, treatment usually begins with washing the area with water. If you use soap, use a mild soap with no fragrance.
• Avoid hot showers or baths.
• Avoid scratching, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
• Sometimes, over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines) and bath soaks (such as oatmeal baths) may be recommended to decrease the itching. If your symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may also prescribe a prescription medication or cream.
• On some occasions, an allergic rash may spontaneously disappear without intervention.

Contact your healthcare provider if you have a rash that is not responding to home treatment or is getting worse. Make a list of items you have come in contact with in the days prior to noticing the rash. This may help identify potential causes.

• If you are going to see a healthcare provider other than your primary care physician, bring a copy of your medical history (past illnesses, surgeries and hospitalizations).
• Make a list of your medications (including over-the-counter).
• Write down any questions, symptoms or concerns you want to talk about.

Here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider.

• What is causing my rash and what treatment are you recommending? Are there any alternatives?
• When might I start to see improvement in my symptoms?
• What tests are you going to do? What is the reason for those tests? Will the test results change my treatment plan?
• What are my follow-up plans and what symptoms should I report before my next appointment?

Make sure you understand your treatment plan, any possible alternatives, and what medications are recommended (including possible side effects).

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Skin Rash

Skin Problems

Skin Breakout

Red Skin

Rash

Poison Sumac

Poison Oak

Poison Ivy

Painful Rash

Itching

Hives

Dermatitis

Blisters

Allergic Reaction

Allergic Rash