How to Treat an Allergic Reaction of the Skin

Nearly everyone will suffer from an allergic reaction at some point in his lifetime. Skin allergies can cause itchy, bumpy rashes on the areas that come in contact with the allergen. While skin allergies are irritating, most of the time they are harmless and will fade on their own. If you have a minor allergic reaction on your skin, you probably can contain and treat the irritation.

Things You'll Need

• Antihistamine
• Cortisone cream
• Cool compress

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Instructions

• 1

  Shower as soon as you notice the reaction. Removing any traces of the allergen from your skin will help prevent the allergic reaction from spreading or becoming worse.

• 2

  Avoid further contact with the substance that you think triggered the allergic reaction. Wash clothes that may have touched the substance, and use gloves if you need to clean up further.

• 3

  Take an over-the-counter antihistamine. These will help reduce the rash and itchiness of the allergic reaction.

• 4

  Use a cortisone cream to soothe the itch. These creams will help stop the reaction while treating the symptoms. Keep your hands off the rash, because scratching can cause an infection.

• 5

  Place a cool compress on the rash to help soothe the itch further. If you do not have cortisone cream on hand, a cold compress can temporarily reduce the symptoms of your allergic reaction.

• 6

  See your doctor if the allergic reaction becomes worse or persists for several days. There may be a larger problem going on than a skin allergic reaction.