How to Tell If You have An Allergic Reaction and How to Treat It

Posted on: May 15 2017
By: Barry Goldman MD

The skin is a sensitive organ that can get red by a simple touch or from something as simple as a new perfume. Because your skin is so sensitive, it can sometimes be hard to tell if you’re suffering from an allergic reaction or if it’s something that will go away in just a few minutes. To help you distinguish between normal skin behaviors and an allergic reaction that should be looked into, we have created a brief guide. Read on to learn more.

Step 1: Look At Your Symptoms

What symptoms are you currently suffering from? Is your skin itchy? Is it inflamed? Does it sting or burn when you touch it? Is it red? What does it look like? If you are experiencing more than just redness, this is an indication that you are suffering from an allergic reaction.

Step 2: Monitor It

The second phase of this process is to monitor the condition. How long is it lasting for? Is it starting to go away with time slowly, is it getting worse, or is it staying stagnant? If it is remaining stagnant or getting worse, then it may be an allergic reaction.

Step 3: Treat It

If all signs are in fact pointing to you having an allergic reaction, then you need to address it. First, call Dr. Barry Goldman and either schedule an appointment or speak with one of his staff members. During your appointment, Dr. Goldman may recommend that you get patch testing done to see what it is exactly that you are allergic to.

Second, take either an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl or apply a cortisone cream. Both of these over-the-counter options will work to stabilize the reaction and get you feeling like normal once again.

It can be hard to differentiate between a scratch and an allergic reaction if you have particularly sensitive skin. However, by looking at your symptoms and monitoring your skin, you can determine what it is that you’re suffering from. To learn more about your skin and how you can take better care of it, contact Dr. Barry Goldman today!

Posted in: Medical Dermatology