Will a dog s allergic reaction go away on its own
What Is Contact Dermatitis?
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition that develops as a reaction to a chemical or other substance. This condition is usually not serious but can be uncomfortable. Treatment typically depends on what caused your dermatitis.
Have you ever used a new type of skin care product or detergent only to have your skin become discolored and irritated? If so, you may have experienced contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when chemicals you come into contact with cause a reaction.
Most contact dermatitis reactions arent severe, but they can be unpleasant until the itching goes away.
Experts typically classify contact dermatitis as either allergic or irritant.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin develops an allergic reaction after exposure to a foreign substance. This causes your body to release inflammatory chemicals that can make your skin feel itchy and irritated.
Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis include contact with:
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common type of contact dermatitis. It happens when your skin comes in contact with a toxic material.
Toxic substances that can cause irritant contact dermatitis include:
Irritant contact dermatitis can also occur when your skin comes in contact with less irritating materials like soap too often. For example, people who frequently wash their hands, such as hairdressers, bartenders, and healthcare workers, often experience irritant contact dermatitis of the hands.
Contact dermatitis symptoms depend on the cause and how sensitive you are to the substance.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Symptoms associated with allergic contact dermatitis include:
- dry, scaly, flaky skin
- a bumpy, itchy rash
- oozing blisters
- skin that appears darkened
- skin that burns
- sun sensitivity
- swelling, especially in your eyes, face, or groin areas
Another common symptom is skin discoloration. Light skin may turn red, while dark skin may turn purple, dark brown, or gray.
Irritant contact dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis may cause slightly different symptoms, such as:
- blistering
- cracking skin due to extreme dryness
- swelling
- skin that feels stiff or tight
- ulcerations
- open sores that form crusts
Irritant contact dermatitis symptoms may worsen if your skin encounters:
- extreme temperatures
- friction (such as rubbing against the irritant)
- dry air
Most cases of contact dermatitis go away on their own, but symptoms can still be uncomfortable. Here are some tips you can try at home:
- Avoid scratching your irritated skin. Scratching can make the irritation worse or even cause a skin infection that requires antibiotics.
- Clean your skin with mild soap and lukewarm water to remove any irritants.
- Stop using any products you think might be causing your symptoms.
- Apply bland petroleum jelly like Vaseline to soothe the area.
- Try using anti-itch treatments such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
- If needed, take an antihistamine drug such as diphenhydramine to cut down on itching and reduce your allergic response.
You can purchase these items at most drugstores or online.
Most times, contact dermatitis isnt a cause for concern. But get medical attention if your rash:
- is close to your eyes or mouth
- covers a large area of your body
- doesnt improve with home treatment
A doctor can prescribe a stronger steroid cream if home treatments dont soothe your skin. However, people should not use steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, for more than 2 weeks at one time to avoid side effects.
Contact a doctor if your symptoms are severe or dont improve with time. A doctor will take a thorough medical history and examine your skin. Questions they may ask you include:
- When did you first notice your symptoms?
- What makes your symptoms better or worse?
- Did you go hiking just before the rash started?
- What products do you use on your skin every day?
- What chemicals do you come in contact with on a daily basis?
- What do you do for a living?
A doctor may refer you to an allergist or dermatologist to pinpoint the cause of your contact dermatitis. This specialist can perform allergy testing called a patch test. It involves exposing a small patch of your skin to an allergen.
If your skin reacts, the allergist can determine the likely cause of your contact dermatitis.
If you need help finding a dermatologist, then check out our FindCare tool.
Anyone can experience contact dermatitis, but some people may be at greater risk. Your risk is higher if you work in an occupation with frequent exposure to allergens or irritants.
Other risk factors include:
Avoiding initial exposure to irritants can help prevent contact dermatitis. Try these tips:
- Purchase products labeled hypoallergenic or unscented.
- Refrain from wearing latex gloves if you have a latex allergy. Opt for vinyl gloves instead.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when hiking in the wilderness.
- If you notice irritation from a new product, stop using it immediately.
If you know you have sensitive skin, do a spot test with any new products. You can apply the new product to one place on your forearm. Cover the area, and dont expose it to water or soap.
Check for any reaction at 48 and then 96 hours after application. If theres any redness or irritation, dont use the product.
What are 3 signs of contact dermatitis?
Symptoms of contact dermatitis occur when your skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. You may experience:
- an itchy rash
- irritated, inflamed skin with lesions
- crusty, oozing blisters, particular in more severe cases
What clears up contact dermatitis?
Moisturizing ointments applied to the skin can help relieve itchy, dry, and scaly skin associated with contact dermatitis. These ointments can also provide a protective layer and help reduce water loss.
A doctor may also prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream depending on the severity of your dermatitis.
What is the first stage of allergic contact dermatitis?
The first stage of allergic contact dermatitis is called the sensitization stage. This is when your skin first comes into contact with a foreign substance, such as a type of metal, rubber or latex, perfume, or a poisonous plant.
Your body recognizes this substance as a
Is contact dermatitis contagious?
The rash from contact dermatitis isnt contagious. You might transmit traces of the allergen or irritant to someone else, and they might develop a rash if they have a similar reaction. But people vary in their reactions to these substances.
How quickly does contact dermatitis go away?
It can take as long as 24 weeks for allergic contact dermatitis to go away. Irritant contact dermatitis usually improves more quickly.
How long does it take for symptoms of contact dermatitis to develop?
Symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis typically take
Irritant contact dermatitis usually causes symptoms within minutes.
Is contact dermatitis hereditary?
Your genetics may play a role in developing contact reactions to specific allergens or irritants, but research is mixed.
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to an allergen or irritant. It usually goes away on its own, but symptoms can be bothersome.
You can manage most cases of contact dermatitis with over-the-counter treatments and by avoiding the allergen or irritant thats causing your symptoms. More severe cases, or if your rash develops an infection, may require a doctors help.
An allergist or dermatologist can help you understand how your skin reacts to certain substances and provide guidance on how best to avoid symptoms.
7 Signs of an Allergic Reaction in Dogs
Runny snout, itchy eyeswhats going on with your poor pooch? Well, just like us humans, allergies can plague dogs with uncomfortable symptoms. If you see your pet suffering from what looks like severe allergic reactions or long-term seasonal allergies, theres a strong chance youre right.
Its important to speak to your primary care vet if you think your dog is dealing with allergies. In serious cases, that well discuss in this blog, VEG is here with emergency treatment for your dog.
Below, you can read up on the different types of canine allergies and what to do in case you notice symptoms. Addressing this problem sooner rather than later will ease your buddys allergy blues.
TYPES OF DOG ALLERGIES
Woe is your doggo. Somethings got your furry friend feeling down and you suspect allergies. But youre not sure if its the weather, something in the home, or another reason altogether. VEG is here to help! Check out this list of the four most common types of allergies in dogs. Each has its own causes and treatments, but understanding the categories can make a big difference in how well you recognize your dogs allergic reaction.
1. Food allergies
Your dog is usually quite the foodie! But now your pal has a sick stomach after eating certain types of food. This could be a food allergy, and the most common symptoms youll see is vomiting or diarrhea. However, food allergies may also present as skin conditions or fur loss, so be on the lookout for skin and hair problems.
2. Skin allergies
Yeesh, your pup usually does well in the great outdoors, but something is wrong. Skin allergies! Make sure your pet is on regular flea/tick preventative, which you can get through your primary veterinarian. We mention this because skin allergies in dogs can often be caused by exposure to fleas or ticks. Its also possible that plants or yard treatment chemicals are irritating your dogs skin. A skin allergy will present as:
- Hives (small, raised red bumps all over the skin)
- Itchiness
- Redness
A skin allergy for your dog can be caused by other things too. Have you tried a new detergent recently? New rug cleaner? Any of these could be the culprit, but you can likely rule them out quickly if you remove the suspected irritant from any contact with your dog.
3. Seasonal allergies
Its breezy and your dog is sneezy. If you notice your dog getting sick (ear infections, licking or chewing at their feet, sneezing, etc.) around the same time every year or notice him sneezing more often when hes been outside all day, theres a chance its seasonal allergies. Check out all of the allergy types in this blog, because its important to rule out other factors to make sure this is the case.
4. Acute allergies
Dogs who have sudden allergic reactions to irritants have acute allergies. Most commonly caused by pesky insect bites or stings, acute allergies may have other causes as well. An acute allergy will show as:
- Facial swelling
- Vomiting
- Trouble breathing and collapse in severe cases, this is an anaphylaxis reaction
Acute allergies may need immediate emergency vet treatment. Call or come in to your nearest VEG if you notice any of these signs. Our ERs are open 24/7, so call anytime and speak with a doctor who will answer your questions.
SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN DOGS
Now, were sure youre itchin to know about the seven allergy symptoms in dogs! Here are the most common reactions and what to do about them:
1. Itchiness and hives
Is your dog scratching a lot or have red areas of skin? These reactions are common in all types of allergies. If scratching and hives are the only symptoms you notice, you can wait a day or two before scheduling a GP vet visit. But if theyre coupled with any other symptoms, get to VEG soon. You may be tempted to give your dog allergy medication because theyre having a rough go of it, but call VEG for advice before doing so.
2. Diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach
If your dog has diarrhea or is vomiting, visit Veterinary Emergency Group as soon as possible so your dog can get the care he needs right away. Caution: this may be a sign of an early anaphylactic reaction.
3. Itchy ears
Though totally annoying for your dog, itchy ears usually arent a sign of anything life-threatening, and can wait for a primary care veterinary visit. However, if your pet is increasingly uncomfortable and/or starts to have any trouble walking, or your dogs head is tilted to one side, get to VEG asap for treatment.
4. Sneezing and runny nose
Your pups achoos are totes adorbs, but beware, when sneezing and/or runny nose is accompanied by fever or by any other symptoms on this list, your dog requires immediate veterinary intervention. They may be signs of seasonal allergies and could be very benign, but its important for your vet to check for the cause of your dogs allergic reaction.
5. Runny eyes
Watery, runny eyes need to be checked out by your primary care vet, even if you think theyre just due to an allergic reaction. This can also be a symptom of upper respiratory infection. Another reason for runny eyes is if there is damage to the eye itself (scratch or ulceration of the cornea). Rule out these potential issues by taking your dog to your vet to find out the real cause.
6. Frequent licking or chewing on skin
This symptom of a dog allergy kind of hides in plain sight! If your dog chews or licks his skinespecially his feetfrequently or seemingly nonstop, this is a sign hes dealing with some form of allergies. Who knew?
The problem could come from exposure to irritants in the backyard or on walks, but it may also be a symptom of food allergies in your dog. Although not an emergency, youll need to go to your primary care vet to determine how to treat it and what the underlying cause might be.
7. Swollen face
Take heed, a swollen face or snout is a sign that your dog may be headed into anaphylactic shock. Although dogs with a swollen face dont always suffer anaphylaxis, it is common. We recommend bringing your dog in to be seen by an emergency vet at VEG if there is any facial swelling. Well triage your dog immediately, and provide treatment to prevent it from getting worse. If theres enough swelling going on, it could lead to other signs such as trouble breathing, so dont wait it out.
SEE A VET FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS IN DOGS
Now that you know a little bit more about what to expect from your dogs allergic reactions, you can determine whether or not its an emergency or if you can wait to schedule a regular vet appointment.
The veterinarians at VEG are here and ready to help with your dogs allergic reactions or any emergency your pet may be experiencing. Were open 24/7 and youll see a doctor right away. Best of all, you never have to leave your dogs side. Have questions about VEG? We have answers!
