No one appreciates swelling up like a sphere.
Your body might react in an unexpected way to allergens. Recently, I discovered something amusing: I have an allergy to feather-filled pillows. I dozed off in a hotel room with such pillows, only to wake up with my right eye completely swollen and my skin covered in hives. Dealing with minor allergic responses can be quite vexing, especially if you were not aware of them in the past. These reactions are often triggered by an excessive immune system response to normally harmless allergens, so if you want to vent your frustration, blame your own body. Once you’re done with that, move on to fixing the situation.
For clarity, the following advice is specifically intended for minor reactions, characterized by non-threatening swelling, itchy hives, rashes, and runny noses. In cases of severe anaphylaxis, immediate professional medical assistance should be sought.
To begin with, address any swelling or rashes. For swelling, use a cold and damp cloth or a medical cold pack on the affected area for around 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce inflammation and lessen the severity of the swelling. In the case of rashes and hives, apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or lotion to relieve any burning or itching sensations. If you suspect the allergen is present on your clothing, remove and wash them promptly, and take a shower. Ensure the water is not too hot, as excessively hot water can exacerbate a rash.
After the reduction of swelling and itching, obtain an over-the-counter antihistamine such as Benadryl. When your body detects an allergen, mast cells, a component of your immune system, release histamines to combat it. These histamines are responsible for the reaction symptoms, so an antihistamine instructs the mast cell to cease the reaction. Antihistamines may induce drowsiness, so refrain from taking them until you are in a secure, sleep-friendly environment.
Continuously treat any skin issues and adhere to the antihistamine dosage instructions; the symptoms should improve within a few days. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek advice from a medical professional.
