An allergic reaction is a specific type of sensitivity to something you’ve eaten, inhaled, or touched. The thing that you’re allergic to is called an allergen. Your body interprets the allergen as foreign or harmful, and it reacts to the allergen as a form of protection.

You can have anallergic reactionon any part of your body. The face is a common site of allergic reactions involving your skin.

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, can occur in early spring and can cause a number of symptoms involving the face.

This includes eyes that are:

Severe allergies can lead to过敏性结膜炎, an oozing inflammation of theconjunctivaof your eyes.

Critters of all kinds can cause allergic reactions.

People with pet allergies do not react to the animal’s hair or fur, but rather to the animal’s saliva and dander (skin cells).

If you’re allergic tocats,dogs, or other animals, you’re likely to sneeze and become congested. Animal-induced allergic reactions also causehivesand rashes. Hives are raised skin bumps that commonly appear on your neck and face.

Insect bites and stingscan also produce hives and welts.

You may haveeczemaif scaly, itchy patches of skin appear on your:

  • face
  • neck
  • hands
  • knees

The cause of eczema is not fully understood.

People who haveasthmaor seasonal allergies are more likely to develop the skin condition, but not necessarily. In rare cases, eczema can also be associated with a food allergy.

You might get a red rash or hives on your face if you’ve touched a substance that your body perceives as an allergen. This reaction is calledcontact dermatitis.

It can be triggered by substances ranging frompoison ivyto a certain food to anew brand of laundry detergent.

You can have a reaction wherever your skin has touched the substance. Because most people touch their faces many times throughout the day, it’s not unusual to have contact dermatitis near your eyes or mouth.

raybet雷竞技下载are some of the most common types of allergies.

The severity of food allergies varies. You may feel sick in your stomach after eating a certain food, while others may develop a rash orswellingaround their lips.

A severe, life threatening food allergy can cause your tongue and windpipe to swell. This type of reaction is called anaphylaxis, and it requiresimmediate medical attention.

The most common food allergies in the United States are from:

Drug allergiesare rare overall. They range in severity and the types of symptoms they cause.

When they do occur, they often cause rashes on your face and arms. In addition, drug allergies can cause hives,generalized swelling of your face, and anaphylaxis.

Medications that may potentially cause allergies include:

Anaphylaxisis the extreme reaction of your immune system to an allergen. When it progresses to the point where your body begins to shut down, it’s known asanaphylactic shock.

Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock are the most severe types of allergic reactions you can have.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Anaphylactic shock is characterized by additional signs and symptoms, such as:

If you’re not sure what’s causing your rash or hives, consider keeping a journal of your diet, products, and activities to see if there is a pattern. It’s a good idea to keep your doctor in the loop at all times.

TheHealthline FindCare toolcan provide options in your area if you need help finding a primary care doctor or an allergist.

Anaphylactic reactions aside, many allergic reactions on your face can be treated after a quick consultation with a doctor.

In some cases, taking anover-the-counter (OTC) antihistamineor applying a topicalcorticosteroid(e.g.,hydrocortisone) can help your body stop reacting to the allergen within a short period of time.

OTC antihistamines for allergies include:

It’s best to speak with a doctor to find the right treatment for your allergic reaction.