All about allergy

Author: Daniel Jobe, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Internal Medicine, Cornerstone Health Care. Coauthor(s): Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, PA, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University; Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Editors: Patrick Taylor, MD, FAAEM, Medical Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, CHRISTUS St Frances Cabrini Hospital; [...]

The rash and itching usually get better gradually and go away completely in two to three weeks. Treatment should be continued at least this long because the rash can come back if medicines are stopped too soon. You may have temporary darkening of your skin when the rash disappears. Surrounding redness, pain, and pus can [...]

Avoid these plants. Learn what they look like in your area. Be aware that their appearance can vary with the seasons. Do not burn the plants. Burning can release the allergens into the air. Wear proper clothing to protect your skin, such as gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. Bathe pets that may have the [...]

If you are treated by a medical professional, follow his or her recommendations exactly. Use all medications as directed. Return to your health care provider if the symptoms do not begin to improve in two weeks.   Allergy journal

Topical corticosteroid creams (prescription strength) – These reduce the immune response and relieve inflammatory symptoms. Oral corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone) – These have effects similar to those of the creams but are needed for a more severe or widespread reaction. A course of steroids can run from three days to as long as four [...]

Like most allergic reactions, treatment is dictated by the severity of the reaction. Reactions that cover a large proportion of your body, make you uncomfortable enough to disrupt your normal activities, or do not get better within a few days may require treatment with prescription medications.   Allergy journal

If you are exposed to any of these plants or their oils, wash thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. An alternative is rubbing alcohol, which can dissolve and remove the oils from your skin. If you can remove the oil within 10 minutes, you are unlikely to develop the rash. Symptoms from [...]

Usually self-care at home is all that is needed for a reaction to these plants. Allergy journal

Your health care provider can usually make this diagnosis by the appearance of the rash alone. He or she will ask you some questions about the reaction, your symptoms, and your medical history. No lab tests or x-rays are needed except under unusual circumstances.   Allergy journal

See your health care provider if you have the following conditions: Large areas of rash causing significant discomfort Rash on your mouth, genitals, or around your eyes An area of the rash that becomes infected or drains pus A great deal of swelling People who are highly sensitive to these plants can get a severe [...]

Exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac causes an itching rash that usually appears within 24-72 hours. The rash usually starts as small red bumps, and later develops blisters of variable size. The rash may crust or ooze. The rash may be found anywhere on the body that has contacted the oil from the plant. [...]

The rash caused by poison ivy, oak, and sumac is an allergic skin reaction to an oil, called urushiol, which is in the plant. This oil is found in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, roots, and berries. Exposure to the oil occurs through any of the following: Touching any part of [...]

More than half the people in the United States are sensitive to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. If you are sensitive, you can develop an itchy, blistering rash by coming into contact with these plants. Whether you are working or just enjoying the outdoors, look out for these plants: Poison ivy is generally [...]