Itchy, burning Face and Neck

[BAllen84]

My face and neck have been itchy and burning for a week now, usually this only happens when I pet a cat and then touch my face, I am not sure if it has to do with my use of Proactiv, I have used proactiv  for years, I thought maybe the acid and living in Florida doesnt mix well, I also have a runny nose and it feels like my nasal passage is swollen... any one know what I can do to get rid of this?? Its very annoying to constantly be itching all day and night!!

[seattlemom2plus]

I do notice itching when I use certain face products with either alpha hydroxy or salicylic acid when I am in the sun.  I usually have to wash it off the next day or I start itching all around my chin and my throat.

Awesome on the Tylenol PM ChitChatNine, I didn't know that was the combination either, thank you!

[BAllen84]

I haven't tried any medications. I have limited my use of Proactiv to just my morning wash. At night I wash my face with just warm water to avoid any issues. My skin definitely looks different since this irritation started, its very dull and dry. I don't know I hope it just subsides. Summer is approaching and I don't want to be limited to house because of an irritant. Allergy levels in my area have been Medium (4.9-7.2).  Thank you all for your insight! I will try the Benadryl and Zyrtec, limit my use of Proactiv.

@ChitChatNine: I did not know Tylenol Pm was tylenol + benadryl, thanks for that information. Maybe I can kill to birds with one stone, sleep easy and no itching!!
Thanks again all!!

[BAllen84]

My symptoms come and go. It is definitely strange. The other night I couldn't stop itching my husband was quite annoyed. It only happens at night when I'm trying to sleep. I know I had issues when I was younger with certain body soaps and laundry detergent but I have found some that don't bother me. I think sun might be a factor because when it started I was on Easter vacation and we were outside most of the time and were in Central Florida where the air is a lot different then the salty air I am use to. I was also around my mother in laws cat and two long haired dogs. My cat doesn't bother me. I did hear that the acid in face wash can become irritating when exposed to the sun. Since i live in West Palm Beach Fl, its difficult not to be exposed.

[bsmsl]

haha... Yeah, I didn't know that about Tylenol-PM and had to have my first set of allergy testing delayed because I had taken it too close to the test.  It may be off topic, but it is important to know.

[ChitChatNine]

Benadryl makes two of my children wired!  I know most get tired .. did you know that Tylenol PM is actually Tylenol + benadryl ?  I know a bit off-topic but interesting to note.

[seattlemom2plus]

Just wanted to keep an eye on this thread, did your symptoms get better or worse?  Wanted to check in :D

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is clear that you are allergic to pets, your body has got sensitized to them and hence subsequent reactions to exposure are spontaneous and can be more severe.

Best way of management would be avoid further exposure. You need to keep the cat away from you. As for symptoms are concerned anti histaminics can be taken whenever there is attack and refrain from nasal decongestants (should only be used for 3-4 days intermittently).  

I suggest you to undergo skin allergy test. I suggest you to consult dermatologist for further management.  Take care and regards.

[seattlemom2plus]

Definitely let us know what works for you.  I know Benadryl makes me about pass out lol so I have used Claritin for kids that was liquid and that helped right away for stuffy nose and allergies.

[bsmsl]

High pollen counts can cause your symptoms.  Since your nose is stuffy, you may want to try Benadryl for a day to two to see if it helps the itchiness.  

Last year I had the same problem.  I layered Zyrtec and Benadryl.  Zyrtec took care of my respiratory symptoms, but I was constantly itchy.  The Benadryl stopped the itch.  I liked the liquid versions because it worked faster.

If this doesn't help try eliminating the Proactive.

You may need to see a doctor at some point if you can't resolve the problem.

Take care and God bless.

[seattlemom2plus]

Have you made any recent changes at all that would have an impact?  Are you out in the sun more, is the pollen content high right now where you are?  If you suspect the Proactiv not reacting well with your skin, I would try not to use it for a week to see if it improves.  Keep us updated on your symptoms and your findings indeed.