The same inhaled allergens that cause sneezing and watery eyes can cause itchy skin.
Allergiccontact dermatitisandeczemaare two types of rashes that can also co-occur with hay fever.
These can include:
Hay fever can also make your skin feel generally itchy without causing a rash.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
It’s sometimes called a pollen rash, even though indoor dust and pet dander can be causes.
When you inhale these allergens, mast cells in your body release a chemical called histamine into the bloodstream.
Hay fever rashes arise from different types of conditions, including:
A hay fever rash is not contagious.
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Some people are more prone to developing a hay fever rash than others.
It can occur within minutes, hours, or even days after exposure.
Intense scratching may cause the skin toweepand/or bleed.
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In some cases, you may needspecialist care.
For mild rashes, you might try over-the-counter remedies like steroid creams or antihistamines.
If there isn’t a positive response within several days, consult a healthcare provider or board-certified dermatologist.
Medical treatments include prescription corticosteroid creams and antihistamines, as well as immunotherapy for serious cases.
Avoiding hay fever triggers is essential to reducing symptoms, including rashes.
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