Hives and Allergies

[littlebee4]

This question is about hives (rash).  Three weeks ago....I was eating cearal everynight before going to bed.
My roommate has also invited 2 cats where we live.  I don't know if I'm allergic or not.  Had a slight sore
throat on Saturday night (3 weeks ago) most likely the beginning of a cold or flu.  That went no where.
The cat cuddled up to me....and I had a sore throat....and was eating wheat and phylluim cereal....
Next day, slight rash.  Nothing major, until i scratched it.  Now anytime I scratch my neck there it appears....
Might be food allergies, cat or viral infection ....what is the most likely scenerio?



This discussion is related to Allergic Reaction?.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be either of them.If it is a rash due to viral infection,it will go away in a period of time.

But if it is due to allergy to food or cats,then it is important to find out whether you are allergic to either of them. Cat allergen, the allergy causing material from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the dander and saliva of cats. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when inhaled into the nose or lungs can produce allergic symptoms.

Confirmation can be done only by allergy testing by skin ***** or patch tests. In these tests, a small amount of allergen is injected into your skin by a doctor. If you are allergic to that allergen then you will develop a red, itchy bump on the site if injection. Confirmatory test is by blood tests (RAST).

I would advise you to wait for a few days and see if it persists.If yes,then pls consult an allergist and get allergy testing done.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.