Allergic Reactions and Treatments

What Are Allergic Reactions?

Allergic reactions occur when the body overreacts in its response to fighting off an allergen, such as pet dander, pollen, or a food.

Some allergic reactions manifest as a skin rash, but others can cause uncomfortable flare ups that require medical treatment and intervention.

Types of Allergic Reactions and Symptoms

There are several types of allergic reactions people can experience after exposure to an allergen. While many allergic reactions resolve on their own once the allergen is no longer present, some can require treatment with medication.

Allergic Rashes
Rashes are a highly common reaction to an allergen such as poison ivy, or an insect sting or bite.This type of rash typically manifests as hives, which are raised areas around the skin that can be itchy. They typically go away on their own once the allergen has been removed, but can require antihistamines to control the body’s reaction.

Anaphylactic Reactions
These allergic reactions result in the release of histamines in the body that cause inflammation and swelling. These reactions manifest as food allergies, bronchial asthma, rhinitis, or, in serious cases, anaphylaxis.

Cytotoxic Reactions
In this type of allergic reaction, cells are damaged by antibodies, causing conditions like anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

Immunocomplex Reactions
In this type of allergic reaction, antibodies react with the allergen to form immunocomplexes, such as lupus.

Cell-Mediated Reactions
These types of allergic reactions occur 24-48 hours after exposure to the allergen, such as nickel allergies that cause skin irritations, and the reaction may last for several hours even after the allergen is removed.

Treatments for Allergic Reactions

At Optima Dermatology, we’re experienced with all types of allergic reactions and treatment options. While many allergic reactions go away on their own once exposure to the allergen is over, in some cases, medical treatment and intervention is necessary.

If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, your dermatologist can help you identify the allergen and come up with a plan for treatment.