Skin allergy symptoms often go away on their own in a week or two, but treatment may make you more comfortable in the meantime. If you have serious symptoms like trouble breathing or swelling in your throat, they could be signs of a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Call 911 right away.

They may take a few hours to a few days to disappear. If the exposure to the allergen continues, such as during a spring pollen season, allergic reactions may last for longer periods such as a few weeks to months. Even with adequate treatment, some allergic reactions may take two to four weeks to go away.

You can do some things to make it more comfortable in the meantime.

1. Avoid contact. It might sound obvious, but it’s worth a reminder.
2. Chill out. A cool compress or shower can help calm a fiery rash.
3. Soak it.
4. Add anti-itch cream.
5. Go baggy.
6. For severe symptoms, try a damp dressing.

An allergic reaction may not occur the first time you are exposed to an allergy-producing substance (allergen). For example, the first time you are stung by a bee, you may have only pain and redness from the sting. If you are stung again, you may have hives or trouble breathing.

There are several different types of skin allergy reactions that allergists treat. Hives (also known as urticaria) are raised itchy bumps. Typically hives appear reddish, and will “blanch” (or turn white) in the center when pressed. Contact dermatitis is typically caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant.

Try these:

• Hydrocortisone cream.
• Ointments like calamine lotion.
• Antihistamines.
• Cold compresses.
• Oatmeal baths.
• Talk to your doctor about what’s best for your specific rash. For example, corticosteroids are good for poison ivy, oak, and sumac. They can prescribe stronger medicines if needed, too.

To help soothe itchy skin, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

1. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches.
2. Take an oatmeal bath.
3. Moisturize your skin.
4. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
5. Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.

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Some medication options that can help relieve itching include: Antihistamines (medications for itching, sneezing, and runny nose) including Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), Clarinex (desloratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine).

Treatment for hell’s itch

1. Take cover. The last thing sunburned skin needs is more sun exposure.
2. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3. Try an oral antihistamine.
4. Use cool compresses.
5. Take a lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal.
6. Use aloe vera.
7. Cortisone cream.
8. Drink plenty of water.

Mercifully, it doesn’t last forever – usually not longer than 48 hours after the intense, painful itching begins, clinicians say. But during this time period, people have the strong urge to scratch, which experts caution against since it won’t really soothe the itch and can actually exacerbate it.