How long does an allergic reaction take to wear off?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks. Learn more about contact dermatitis causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Use an anti-itch drug available without a prescription.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching.
When your body is hypersensitive to certain stimuli, its negative response can be classified into four distinct types of allergic reaction: anaphylactic, cytotoxic, immunocomplex, or cell-mediated. Each one is triggered in different ways and can manifest differently in each person.
These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemical mediators, which cause allergy symptoms to occur. The human body carries out an allergic cascade in three stages: sensitization, “early-phase,” and “late-phase.”
"While your body is purging the allergen food from it is system, the best thing you can do is drink plenty of fluids," Zeitlin says. Water is always a good idea, but you can also sip on low calorie sports drinks to replenish the electrolytes you're likely losing, Zeitlin says.
Skin allergy symptoms like redness, itching, and swelling often go away on their own in a week or two, with or without treatment. You can do some things to make it more comfortable in the meantime.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants may relieve minor symptoms of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines prevent symptoms such as hives by blocking histamine receptors so your body doesn't react to the allergens. Decongestants help clear your nose and are especially effective for seasonal allergies.
An antihistamine pill, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), isn't enough to treat anaphylaxis. These medications can help relieve allergy symptoms, but they work too slowly in a severe reaction.
"If you have a simple rash, and you're itching, you can probably go to urgent care. But if you have a rash and vomiting, you should go to the ER." An anaphylactic allergic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
- Sneezing.
- Watery eyes.
- Runny nose.
- Wheezing.
- Coughing.
- Stomach pain.
- Hives.
- Itchy mouth or ears.
What is the most severe form of allergic reaction?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger such as an allergy.
Signs and symptoms include: Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin. Low blood pressure (hypotension) Constriction of the airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing.

- Tingling or itching in the mouth.
- Hives, itching or eczema.
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body.
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
A reaction that typically develops after 2–6 h and peaks 6–9 h after allergen exposure. It is usually preceded by a clinically evident early-phase reaction and fully resolves in 1–2 days. Skin late-phase reactions involve oedema, pain, warmth and erythema (redness).
How long does it take for histamine levels to go down? According to Healthline, when following an elimination diet that cuts out all histamine, it takes about 14 to 30 days to make a difference in baseline histamine levels.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, which means it can lower histamine levels and mitigate allergic reactions and symptoms. Consume plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, like tropical fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli and cauliflower, and berries.
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the amount of histamine your body produces in response to an allergen. It might help reduce mild symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes due to allergic rhinitis.
- a runny nose or sneezing.
- pain or tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead.
- coughing, wheezing or breathlessness.
- itchy skin or a raised rash (hives)
- diarrhoea.
- feeling or being sick.
- swollen eyes, lips, mouth or throat.
If you have red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin, you may have a skin allergy. Urticaria (hives) are red, itchy, raised areas of the skin that can range in size and appear anywhere on your body. Angioedema is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin that often occurs with hives.
Use Adult BENADRYL® products. 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
How long does it take for Benadryl to stop an allergic reaction?
It normally takes about 30 minutes to work. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy or unsteady on your feet. You may also have difficulty concentrating and have a dry mouth.
What to Expect. Benadryl is absorbed quickly in the body. You'll probably notice the effects within about 20 to 30 minutes. The medicine should continue to work for about four to six hours.
- trouble breathing.
- throat tightness or feeling like the throat or airways are closing.
- hoarseness or trouble speaking.
- wheezing or cough.
- nasal stuffiness.
- nausea, belly pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- trouble swallowing or drooling.
- low blood pressure.
- Epinephrine (adrenaline) to reduce the body's allergic response.
- Oxygen, to help you breathe.
- Intravenous (IV) antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation of the air passages and improve breathing.
- A beta-agonist (such as albuterol) to relieve breathing symptoms.
Maybe you've moved and are being exposed to different allergens, which trigger your immune system. A viral or bacterial infection could also flip that switch. Hormones can be a catalyst, too, especially in women. It's not uncommon to develop food allergies during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.