Allergic to grass?

Every time I mow my yard or any yard for that matter, I break out!   The tops of my arms from my elbows to my wrists and on the top of my thighs above my knees break out with red bumps that are swollen and resemble ant bites . They are small and not all of them have "heads" on them.  It starts to go away just in time to mow again!!

HELP

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to allergy to grass. Avoid coming in direct contact with grass and wear socks and gloves when coming in contact with grass. Take antihistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec. Sometimes, they may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks). ). Double conventional doses of these non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine, Loratadine, Acrivastine and Fexofenadine may be needed to get symptom relief.

You can apply mild steroid cream like 0.2%hydracortisone cream. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms. You may consult your dermatologist for that.

You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.