<p>NSM…I, too, have been waiting to hear how you have fared with the dye reaction and I’m glad that problem is waning but really really relieved for you that the more major issue is turning out positively for you. I am so sorry to hear of that stress you have endured but am elated for your happy news. Break a leg in the audition. I never knew you did that sort of thing. You are a woman of many talents! </p>
<p>Be well.</p>
<p>Glad to hear good news all around.</p>
<p>It sounds like the allergic reaction was actually the least of your worries last week. I’m so glad to hear the good news and to hear that you are feeling better.</p>
<p>Northstar,
Sorry I didn’t see this earlier! I actually am an allergist and would like to respond.
First: reaction to IVP dye is not related to any sensitivity to either iodine or shellfish, but rather to the properties of high osmolality inherent in the dye. Next time you need a radiocontrast dye, ask for a low osmolality product and pretreatment with antihistamine and possibly prednisone. Second: If you are actually experiencing rough peeling skin on your face, I doubt it WAS a reaction to the dye–that sounds more like a contact dermatitis to something you got on your face a day or two beforehand. Now, of course, I can’t be sure, but if you want to make an appointment…
I’m glad you’re better</p>
<p>Forgot to mention–if the rash seems like a contact dermatitis, your best treatment OTC would be topical hydrocortisone twice daily until the rash subsides. DO NOT use topical benadry, which could actually cause a rash. Oral antihistamines won’t make the rash resolve more quickly, but could help the itching sensation.</p>
<p>Yay for NSM!!!</p>
<p>treefarmer1,
glad to hear your analysis. I now understand my experience a little better. I don’t know if my allergic reaction to the CT scan dye was unusual, but my skin (all over) reacted as if burned. And that was after the swelling and hives abated. So…my skin did peel.
NSM so glad it’s over!</p>
<p>So in general, is contrast dye reaction not a true allergy, but more a osmolality issue? Is the shellfish cross sensitivity not an issue then in most/any cases? </p>
<p>Regardless, NSM, so glad all tests are ok. This time of life sure is filled with hard health care issues for many in our age group.</p>
<p>I have not been reading for awhile but wanted to wish you the best Northstar. I hope the audition goes well. I have had pressure hives recently and they are no fun and one time my vein was very sore for a month after the contrast was injected (needle was in the back of my hand) and now that vein is not visible anymore --think it burned away!</p>
<p>NSM:</p>
<p>I’m so glad the results of your tests were so good, despite the hives!</p>
<p>GreatLakes–yes the reaction to IVP dye is NOT a true allergic reaction. It is suspected that the high osmolality of the dye may trigger release of histamine from mast cells in certain individuals, although it may be moe complicated than simply that. Sellfish allergy is very real, but is not related to IVP reactions. At one time it was believed iodine was responsible for IVP dye reactions, and the erroneous conclusion was that this sensitivity was shared with individuals also allergic to shellfish. Not true. Individuals allergic to shellfish react in true allergic fashion to antigen (protein) unique to the shellfish.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much for the support and the info about allergies/osmolality, etc.</p>
<p>TreeF 1-thanks, makes good sense, as iodine allergy would not be protein based.</p>