Got an itch you just can’t scratch away? Maybe you’ve noticed some mysterious bumps or redness popping up? You might be dealing with an allergic skin reaction. Allergies can range from a little annoying to seriously uncomfortable, with symptoms that can include:
- Redness and rash
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters or welts
- Dry, flaky skin
Here’s what you need to consider before heading to urgent care.
Understanding Allergic Skin Reactions
Allergic skin reactions occur when your body’s immune system reacts to a foreign substance or allergen that it considers dangerous, even though it might truly be harmless.
Some of the most common contributors to allergic skin reactions include:
- Environmental allergens including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
- Foods like nuts, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.
- Insect stings and bites from bees, wasps, mosquitoes, and more.
- Medications such as antibiotics or non-prescription drugs like aspirin.
- Chemicals from household cleaners to skincare products.
Reactions can also manifest in several ways, depending on the allergen and your body’s response.
Common allergic skin reactions include:
- Contact dermatitis: This condition results from direct contact with allergens like nickel, latex, or certain cosmetics and perfumes.
- Hives: Also known as urticaria, these red, raised itchy bumps can appear due to food allergies, medication, stress, or infections.
- Eczema: Atopic dermatitis is often linked to genetic factors, but this condition – hallmarked by dry, itchy skin – can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, pet dander, and certain foods.
- Angioedema: Similar to hives, but affecting deeper layers of the skin, angioedema often appears around the eyes and lips and can be triggered by medications or certain foods.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for an Allergic Skin Reaction?
Urgent care may be appropriate for managing non-life-threatening allergic skin reactions. Consider visiting urgent care if:
- Symptoms are uncomfortable but not severe: If the reaction is causing irritation but is not accompanied by severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, consider heading to your local urgent care.
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective: If antihistamines or topical creams do not alleviate the symptoms, our urgent care staff can provide a professional evaluation and stronger relief options.
- The reaction covers a large area of the body or is spreading: If the rash is extensive or worsening, professional medical care may be needed to manage symptoms.
How FirstCall Medical Center Can Help
FirstCall Medical Center assists with allergic skin reactions by providing:
- Diagnosis and assessment: Our healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms to confirm if they’re allergic reactions and determine the cause.
- Medication: We can prescribe stronger antihistamines or topical steroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
- Allergy testing referrals: If needed, we can refer you to a specialist for comprehensive allergy testing.
- Education and prevention tips: Our team can offer advice on how to avoid known allergens and manage symptoms effectively.
So, should you go to urgent care for an allergic skin reaction? While severe reactions, especially those involving difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth and throat, should be treated in the ER, FirstCall Medical Center is on duty to help you vanquish run-of-the-mill irritations. Our team is equipped to help manage and treat mild to moderate reactions effectively. Stop by one of our convenient Maryland locations today.
