First Aid for Anaphylaxis

By Rod Brouhard, About.com Guide

Updated October 17, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Allergic reactions continue as long as the allergen is in contact with the body. To remove allergens:

• Bee stingers: Remove the stinger as quickly as possible. How you remove it doesn't matter as much as how fast you remove it. The longer the bee's stinger is in the skin, the stronger the reaction will be.
• Topical allergens (like poison oak): Wash the toxin away with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Food or drugs: allergens that are ingested or injected are in the body and there's not really much you can do to minimize the exposure.

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• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognize Anaphylaxis
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Remove the Allergen
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Epinephrine

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