What should you know about a rabbit allergy skin rash?

A reaction may follow contact with rabbit fur, saliva, dander, bedding or other material carried on the coat. It can cause itchy raised welts, redness or worsening of an existing eczema pattern. Skin symptoms may occur with sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes or wheezing. Contact Dermatitis from bedding, grooming products or cleaning chemicals can look similar. Atopic Dermatitis, Drug Rash, Heat Rash, Intertrigo, Psoriasis, Ringworm and Scabies are other possible explanations.

Move away from the suspected trigger, wash exposed skin with lukewarm water and change clothing that may carry allergens. Avoid rubbing or scratching, and use a bland moisturiser if the skin is dry and unbroken. Do not apply a new product over a spreading rash. Record the timing, type of contact, other symptoms and any medicine or cleaning product involved. A clinician or allergy specialist can advise about testing and future exposure.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, throat tightness, tongue or facial swelling, dizziness, collapse or rapidly worsening symptoms after exposure. Seek prompt medical advice for widespread hives, repeated reactions, eye involvement, broken skin, fever or signs of infection such as increasing warmth, pain or pus. A rash that does not settle after avoiding the trigger also needs review.

Does the timing fit an allergy or contact dermatitis? Could another condition explain the rash? Should I have allergy testing, and what plan should I follow if breathing symptoms occur?