How to get rid of allergic reaction on face
Many of us are familiar with allergies that cause sneezing and a tickle in the back of the throat. You might reach for an over-the-counter medication or wait for allergy season to subside. But what about when you have an allergic reaction on your face?
Here’s what to watch out for, some helpful treatments and signs that you need to call your doctor.
What is an allergic reaction?
Allergies and the accompanying symptoms of allergic reaction occur when the body’s immune system responds to a perceived threat.
The mast cells in the body — white blood cells in the fascia and connective tissue all over the body — release a flood of histamines in response to a trigger (whatever is causing the facial allergic reaction). The histamines increase the blood flow to the affected area, causing inflammation but also initiating the healing process.
An allergic reaction in the face is the body’s built-in protection system doing its job. Most allergic reactions occur within a few minutes of coming into contact with an allergen, but some can take hours or even days to occur. Generally, the faster the reaction, the more severe the allergy to the trigger.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include swelling, redness, itching, rash (dry, scaly and itchy; red and oozing or some combination) and tenderness.
For an allergic reaction on the face that’s prompted by something systemic, you might also experience digestive upset, extreme fatigue, muscle soreness and a foggy brain.
When to seek treatment for allergic reactions on the face
The majority of facial rashes caused by an allergic reaction aren’t serious. Usually, once the cause of the rash is removed, it goes away.
You might need additional treatment if your facial allergic reaction has one or more of the following features:
It doesn’t go away within 3 weeks
It’s painful and widespread
Onset of a rash is sudden and severe
Swelling makes the eyes close and the facial skin tight
You’re unable to go about your usual day
If any of these occur, talk to your doctor. They can suggest any one of the following potential treatments to ease symptoms and bring relief.
Effective remedies for an allergic reaction on the face
The remedy for an allergic reaction on the face often depends on what causes the reaction. Some remedies include:
Direct-contact allergic reaction on the face
Direct contact allergic reactions (also known as contact dermatitis) on the face are generally caused by cosmetics, facial cleansers, creams and lotions. You might also be affected by a new soap or laundry detergent. Plants, chemicals and irritants in the air can cause this type of allergic reaction in the face.
To treat this type of allergic reaction, the best thing to do is to remove what’s causing it.
In many cases, the only additional treatment needed is a cold compress placed on the face. Over-the-counter antihistamine creams can also ease the allergic reaction and provide relief.
Your doctor might recommend an over-the-counter-strength corticosteroid, or they may recommend a stronger prescription. Corticosteroids are available in creams, tablets, eye drops and nasal sprays.
If the allergic reaction has caused a rash, it’s important to avoid scratching. Keeping your nails short and wearing gloves can help. You can also create a soothing wash with baking soda or oatmeal to relieve itching.
Reaction caused by seasonal allergies
Many people experience seasonal allergies with common symptoms of runny nose, sore throat and itchy eyes, but seasonal allergies can also cause facial hives and other allergic reactions. Hay fever and eczema are additional causes of allergic reactions on the face, as are insect bites and stings.
Antihistamine tablets and eye drops can help with allergic reactions caused by seasonal allergies. Oral antihistamines are available in regular or non-drowsy allergy formulas, too.
Keep skin moisturized and drink plenty of water. If necessary, stay inside when seasonal pollen is at its height.
Bee stings and insect bites can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Some people need to carry epinephrine for emergency treatment.
If the cause of the allergic reaction in the face is affecting your life, your doctor might recommend immunotherapy. To build the body’s immune response, your doctor will gradually introduce the allergens to you over a long period of time. These are commonly referred to as allergy shots.
Allergic reaction caused by food and drug allergies
As much as 10% of the world’s total population — 790 million people — suffer from food allergies. Facial allergic reactions triggered by food allergies can be severe, simply because it’s not as easy to remove the allergy triggers. As with bee and insect stings, allergic reactions to food can be severe.
With food allergies, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Avoiding the reactive food eliminates the chance of an allergic reaction on the face. Make a note of any drugs that cause allergic reactions, too.
For relief of mild to moderate symptoms including swelling in the face and facial hives, antihistamines are often helpful. To ease itching as facial hives heal, keep skin moisturized with a mild, unscented lotion.
If you have digestive symptoms (e.g., nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea), drink plenty of water and consider sipping peppermint or ginger tea.
When to see a doctor for an allergic reaction on the face
An allergic reaction that causes minor hives and itching isn’t considered a medical emergency in general, but there are some signs that it might be more serious. If your facial allergic reaction is accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath or swelling in the lips, throat or tongue, these may be signs of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. If you experience any of these, go immediately to the nearest medical facility.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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