Common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include:

• Hives (especially over the neck and face)
• Itching
• Nasal congestion
• Rashes
• Watery, red eyes

Symptoms of a moderate or severe reaction include:

• Cramps or pain in the abdomen
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fear or feeling of apprehension or anxiety
• Flushing or redness of the face
• Nausea and vomiting
• Palpitations
• Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
• Weakness
• Wheezing
• Unconsciousness

Images

Dermatographism - arm

Dermatographism on the back

Allergic reactions

Dermatographism - close-up

Hives (urticaria) on the chest

Dermatographism on the arm

Hives (urticaria) - close-up

Allergic reactions

Hives (urticaria) on the arm

Hives (urticaria) on the trunk

Review Date: 05/02/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)